Jacob E Cornell

Bio

Jacob Cornell is a technician in the Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) within ORNL's Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate. The division standardizes quality-control manufacturing processes for in-demand isotopes, reducing the United States' dependence on foreign suppliers. Jacob is a nuclear operations and advanced technology technician within the Material Operations group, performing several chemical and physical processes to convert neptunium-237 from a liquid solution into a highly-quality-controlled target ready for irradiation in either of DOE's two high flux reactors.

Jacob joined IPMD in 2023 after three years as training staff at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit. In that position, he implemented and managed training for 134 naval officers and 471 enlisted sailors in classroom lectures, small group seminars, training exercises, and hands-on operations in an operating nuclear power plant. Jacob utilized training experience and existing best practices to author a major revision to Nuclear Program training requirements, leading a four-person team to complete the six-month project ahead of schedule. A nuclear submarine veteran, Jacob has 9 years of experience with the Department of Defense in leadership, operations, management, and strategy implementation. He has extensive experience in nuclear plant operations as well as leading diverse teams, programs, and projects.

Awards

Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal awarded for meritorious service while serving as MARF Training Officer at Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa, New York, from December 2016 to February 2020. Petty Officer Cornell consistently performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. He excelled in every endeavor during his tour including advanced qualifications as Engineering Officer of the Watch and as the Prototype Training Officer, duties normally reserved for commissioned officers. As MARF Prototype Training Officer and Navy Training Assistant, he managed the certification and indoctrination of 1,500 students over 12 classes to include medical and dental processing, transfer administration, and the coordination of seminars, training exercises, and classroom lectures. Petty Officer Cornell's distinctive accomplishments, unrelenting perseverance, and dedication to duty reflected credit on him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.