Cynthia Jenks leads ORNL’s Physical Sciences Directorate with a research portfolio spanning basic and applied initiatives across materials sciences, chemistry, nanoscience and physics.

As the world grapples with climate change, there’s never been a more exciting, urgent time to be working in nuclear energy. 

Nichols is ensuring ORNL remains a global leader by growing programs in quantum computing and networking and evolving the lab’s computational portfolio to accommodate the coming data revolution.

Decarbonization is just one of many initiatives Sun is focused on in her role leading ORNL’s largest applied science directorate.

Leading a complex directorate requires expertise and vision. Sutharshan first began developing those qualities not in a radiological lab or at a nuclear reactor, but under the Golden Arches. 

As head of the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate, Wullschleger leads a diverse and inclusive organization focused on advancing understanding of the natural world and developing innovations that benefit the environment and grow the nation’s bioeconomy.

"As a scientist, I enjoy learning and contributing to the understanding of our natural world."