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Vincent Heningburg

Why Science?

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished scientists and engineers, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.

We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.

Vincent Heningburg

Graduate student, Computer Science and Mathematics Division
Ph.D. student, Mathematics, University of Tennessee
Hometown: Prattville, Alabama

What are you working on at ORNL?

I am working on numerical solutions to transport equations using the discrete-ordinates method. Transport equations are used to track particle densities within a medium, and their applications include nuclear reactor simulations and radiative shielding design. In particular, I am using filters to reduce the occurrence of nonphysical defects, known as "ray-effects," in which the discrete ordinates leave an imprint on the numerical solution.

What would you like to do in your career?

I would like to continue doing research in numerical solutions of various partial differential equations in the field of kinetic theory. I would also like to help develop better algorithms in a high-performance computing setting for solving the type of equations seen in kinetic theory.

Why did you choose a career in science?

Science has been an interest of mine since I was very young. The idea of discovering something new about the universe through problem solving had a certain appeal. It was my undergraduate adviser who sparked an interest in math in particular. I get a rush out of proving a difficult theorem or when my algorithms produce reliable results.