![Neutron scattering experiments show electric charges, shown in red, blue and grey, in the SARS-CoV-2 main protease site where telaprevir binds to the structure. The experiments provide critical data for the design of small-molecule drugs to treat COVID-19. Credit: Jill Hemman and Michelle Lehman/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/after_transprent_background-wFill.png?h=c71d0c67&itok=jGFt_Ggj)
Scientists have found new, unexpected behaviors when SARS-CoV-2 – the virus that causes COVID-19 – encounters drugs known as inhibitors, which bind to certain components of the virus and block its ability to reproduce.
![Cynthia Jenks](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/Jenks%20Cynthia%2031958D15.jpg?h=9cbeff77&itok=C1wEPs3n)
Cynthia Jenks has been selected associate laboratory director for the Physical Sciences Directorate at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She joins the lab April 19.
![Volunteers hand out Center of Science and Industry Connects Kits in Columbus, Ohio, in fall 2020 to bolster at-home learning during the pandemic. UT-Battelle has awarded a grant to purchase 1,000 COSI kits for East Tennessee students. Credit: Center of Science and Industry](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/COSIdistribution2_0.jpeg?h=8b7966f8&itok=7vVrdYlZ)
UT-Battelle is supporting high-impact, community-focused programs, managed by 28 local nonprofits, with grants totaling more than $200,000, which will fund multiple outreach efforts from take-home STEM education kits for students to growing STEM Scouts to outfitting a mobile robotics shop.
![Xin Sun](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/2018-P07541.jpg?h=49ab6177&itok=d9DdBp0M)
Xin Sun has been selected as the associate laboratory director for the Energy Science and Technology Directorate, or ESTD, at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
![Alan Icenhour](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/2018-P01643%5B2%5D.jpg?h=053d9cf7&itok=6AR3ji4K)
Alan Icenhour has been named deputy for operations at ORNL. He will succeed Jeff Smith, who is retiring this spring after serving in the role since UT-Battelle began operating the lab in 2000.
![Ken Andersen](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-03/Ken%20Andersen%20%282%29_0.jpg?h=342467e8&itok=j--fHaQa)
Ken Andersen has been named associate laboratory director for the Neutron Sciences Directorate, or NScD, at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
![Stan Wullschleger](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-02/2019-P15196.jpg?h=49ab6177&itok=SAaYXIPW)
Stan Wullschleger has been selected as the associate laboratory director for the Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate, or BESSD, at ORNL.
![Oak Ridge National Laboratory entrance sign](/themes/custom/ornl/images/default-thumbnail.jpg)
Balendra Sutharshan, deputy associate laboratory director for operational systems at DOE’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, has joined ORNL as associate laboratory director for the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate.
![Joan Bienvenue has been selected as the first executive director of the Oak Ridge Institute at the University of Tennessee, established last year to align the expertise and infrastructure of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the university in support of world-leading research and talent development. As director, Bienvenue will also serve as a vice provost at UT. She begins her new position March 8.](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-02/_DSC0601-01_0.jpg?h=34dd4840&itok=_-9BYIPQ)
Joan Bienvenue has been selected as the first executive director of the Oak Ridge Institute at the University of Tennessee, established last year to align the expertise and infrastructure of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the university in support of world-leading research and talent development. As director, Bienvenue will also serve as a vice provost at UT. She begins her new position March 8.
![The researchers embedded a programmable model into a D-Wave quantum computer chip. Credit: D-Wave](/sites/default/files/styles/list_page_thumbnail/public/2021-02/Image%201.jpeg?h=17246cd0&itok=Qy8Rw0h1)
A multi-institutional team became the first to generate accurate results from materials science simulations on a quantum computer that can be verified with neutron scattering experiments and other practical techniques.