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.
Obed D. Acevedo Román
Graduate student, Materials Science and Technology Division
Ph.D. student, Energy Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee (Bredesen Center)
Hometown: Vega Baja, Puerto Rico
What are you working on at ORNL?
My research is focused on the metallurgy of steel components made via large-scale additive manufacturing and nickel-based superalloys. My mission is to understand the phenomena that occur during deposition to provide insight that will help optimize these processes.
What would you like to do in your career?
Additive manufacturing is a field that is expanding very rapidly, and I would like to contribute to this growth by helping solve the challenges that come with it. We can reduce a lot of time and material waste by adapting these technologies to many different applications.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I have always been fascinated by metals, and the research I work on provides new challenges every day, which makes for a rather exciting career. I take pride in knowing that the work we do has a positive impact and promotes cleaner energy.