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 staff members, 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.
Julie Chaves
Postdoc, Biosciences Division
Ph.D., Comparative Biochemistry, University of California, Berkeley
Hometown: Placerville, California
What are you working on at ORNL?
I study how genes work in bacteria and develop methods to engineer bacteria to make useful products. I currently work on engineering soil bacteria to metabolize wood feedstock into fuels and chemicals.
What would you like to do in your career?
Ultimately, I would like to work in the commercial microbial strain engineering industry, designing and implementing microbial solutions to environmental problems.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I enjoy learning how living systems work, the process of problem-solving and the translation of that knowledge into novel technology.
