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.
Tyler L. Spano
Postdoc, Nuclear Nonproliferation Division
Ph.D., Uranium Mineralogy, University of Notre Dame
Hometown: Middlesex, New Jersey
What are you working on at ORNL?
I study the basic chemistry of materials in the nuclear fuel cycle by synthesizing and characterizing uranium compounds. The Fuel Cycle Materials Characterization Group is particularly interested in determining the chemical and structural origins of what we observe using vibrational spectroscopy and other analytical techniques.
What would you like to do in your career?
I want to continue to explore the complexity of actinide materials and contribute to understanding processes relevant to the nuclear fuel cycle. Along the way, I hope to empower students and young scientists to be creative and excited about research, especially uranium chemistry.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I chose a career in science because I am curious about the world around me. Growing up, I loved rocks and minerals and was fascinated by radioactivity and the Manhattan Project. I feel lucky that my job is to investigate and be curious about science that I find exciting.
