Students at different stages of their academic careers joined researchers at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) this summer to explore how better data and advanced computational tools can support water power research and operations. ORNL’s Water Power Program hosted four interns, partnering each student with experienced mentors on projects spanning
ORNL researchers developed two domestically sourced materials for Smith-Root’s environmental DNA samplers that are cheaper and meet or exceed performance requirements. The materials could improve filtration while reducing reliance on international suppliers.
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists will lead nine and contribute to an additional 30 projects of the Genesis Mission, which aims to transform science in the U.S.
Caleigh Samuels of ORNL has received the 2026 Elda E. Anderson Award from the Health Physics Society for her research excellence and contributions to radiation protection. She leads radiation dosimetry efforts at ORNL's Center for Radiation Protection Knowledge and supports national and international radiation safety initiatives.
ARM is modernizing its data center with AI-ready computing, storage, and software infrastructure to make its 30+ years of atmospheric data easier and faster for researchers to access and analyze. Key initiatives include the new AI-powered ARM Data Advisor (ADA) for conversational data discovery and the ATLAS framework, which enables secure, agent-based AI tools that automate workflows while maintaining scientific integrity and transparency.
An ORNL AI model can accurately predict river temperatures across the U.S., even in waterways without sensors. The system achieves about a 1.1°C median error and can estimate temperatures for all river reaches nationwide. Researchers say it could improve power plant cooling, energy reliability and environmental management.
Scott DeNeale is a water resources engineer whose work at ORNL’s Water Power Program centers on how hydropower research can be applied to water-energy systems. His specialty is bridging the gap between the intellectual products, like data and theory, and real-world infrastructure solutions. Recently, he has been studying in-conduit hydropower, a type of largely unutilized energy production that harnesses the water flowing through water pipes in municipal settings and industrial plants to make energy, no dam required.
A research agreement between ORNL and Louisiana State University will accelerate energy generation and critical materials manufacturing and enhance job growth in the fuel and chemical industries, particularly in the Gulf Coast region.
Giri Prakash, lead for the Earth System Informatics and Data Discovery Section at ORNL, has been elevated to senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
Building on ORNL’s legacy in health physics, Caleigh Samuels uses AI to modernize radiation dosimetry models. Her work provides federal agencies with the accurate data needed to strengthen nuclear safety.
Chemist Bruce Moyer, a Corporate Fellow at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has won the 2025 Carl Hanson Award, the highest international recognition for achievement in solvent extraction. The International Solvent Extraction Community bestows the medal every three years based on nominations from the global community.
Using a best-of-nature approach developed by researchers working with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Dartmouth University, startup company Terragia Biofuel is targeting commercial biofuels production that relies on renewable plant waste and consumes less energy. The technology can help meet the demand for billions of gallons of clean liquid fuels needed to reduce emissions from airplanes, ships and long-haul trucks.