Dr. John Sheffield, director of Energy Technology Programs at ORNL was named the committee's chairman by Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary. Also named to the committee is Dr. Nermin A. Uckan of ORNL's Fusion Energy Division and program manager for ORNL's work in connection with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project. The proposed reactor would utilize the concept of magnetic fusion, and is a joint effort among scientists from the United States, Russia, Japan and the European Community.
The committee, established in 1991, provides advice and recommendations on technical issues and other matters relating to the U.S. Fusion Energy Sciences Program. It meets several times per year. Committee members are selected because of their expertise and ability to act in the best interest of the national Fusion Energy Sciences Program.
At ORNL, Sheffield is responsible for coordinating activities in the energy efficiency and renewables, fission, fossil, fusion, transportation programs and programs in support of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Sheffield received a bachelor's degree from Imperial College, London University, and a master's and doctorate in physics from London University. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Nuclear Society.
Uckan has performed numerous reactor-related physics and engineering studies at ORNL for more than 20 years.
Uckan obtained bachelor of science and master's degrees in electrical engineering from the Technical University of Istanbul, Turkey. She received additional master's degrees from the University of Michigan in computer information and control engineering, mathematics and nuclear engineering before earning a doctorate in nuclear engineering.
ORNL, one of DOE's multiprogram national research and development facilities, is managed by Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corp.
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