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.
Emily Clark
Graduate student, Fusion and Materials for Nuclear Systems Division
Ph.D. student, Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee (Bredesen Center)
Hometown: Morristown, TN
What are you working on at ORNL?
My research focuses on the thermal management challenge in the fusion community. Fusion reactions create a significant amount of heat, and the components must be cooled to survive. I perform computational fluid dynamics and thermal modeling of cooling components to inform and improve their design, thereby allowing for increased heat loads.
What would you like to do in your career?
I would like to continue to engage in a challenging, application-driven research career where I can tackle problems that will have an impact on our world. As part of my work, I hope to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the public through science communication and policy in order to help address our society’s greatest challenges and foster the next generation of scientists.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I literally spent my childhood with my head in the clouds. My dad owns a small airplane, and I spent countless hours flying with him. I would often look out and ask questions about how flight or weather worked. Those experiences spurred my interest in science and led me to become an aerospace engineer.