Orientation Briefing
Friday, June 23, 2006

Students came together in Washington, D.C., and began their morning early with an orientation meeting at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) headquarters in the Forrestal Building. The morning began with a chance for the students to see the entire delegation for the first time.

After breakfast, Dr. Henry Blount, Director of Multidisciplinary Activities for the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate (MPS) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) began the meeting with a welcome message. First to speak to the students was DOE's Dr. Roland Hirsch, who presented information to the students about the Nobel Prize, including its history, how it is awarded, and some interesting trivia about it. Dr. Hirsch was followed by Dr. Don Freeburn of the Basic Energy Science Office who gave the students an overview of DOE’s Office of Science, its research missions and priorities. Dr. Blount gave an overview of the NSF’s work in the physical sciences. Next, Dr. Judith Sunley, Acting Assistant Director for NSF’s MPS, talked about the science of the research being supported by the NSF and directions of future NSF research. Dr. David Thomassen, Acting Director of the Biological and Environmental Research (BER) Office of DOE also talked about the research within the BER office.

During a break, students had an opportunity to talk with the representatives of the trip’s sponsoring organizations–DOE, NSF, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense (USAMRICD). The students were also able to view some maps of Germany showing Lindau and the surrounding area.

After the break, ORAU's Dr. Wayne Stevenson gave the students an overview of ORAU and USAMRICD and the various work performed by these two entities. Dr. Sidney McNairy followed with a talk about the NIH and its research missions. Finally, Dr. Hirsch gave an overview of the Lindau island and the various events the students will attend or host while at the meeting.

After the meeting, the students enjoyed a lunch which allowed them additional time to meet with each other and their sponsors. After lunch, the students proceeded back to the hotel to prepare for their travel to Lindau.

Scroll left to right through the thumbnail photos in the slideshow below.
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Dixie Gautreaux, Rob Roscioli, Meghan Anzelc, Sarah Evans, and Eugene Kamarchik take advantage of a few free hours in Washington to investigate the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Henry Blount of the National Science Foundation

The U.S. delegation

Don Freeburn of the Basic Energy Sciences Office of the Department of Energy

Judith Sunley, Acting Director of the Mathematics and Physical Sciences Directorate of the National Science Foundation

The U.S. delegation

David Thomassen, Acting Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Biological and Environmental Research

Don Freeburn, left, and Howard Wulsin have some conversation during the break, while Dave Thomassen and Rachel Lynch do the same in the background.

Orianna Bretschger and Daniel Farrell check out the Bodensee area of Germany and ponder what it will be like to be there for a week.

Wayne Stevenson of Oak Ridge Associated Universities

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Dixie Gautreaux, Rob Roscioli, Meghan Anzelc, Sarah Evans, and Eugene Kamarchik take advantage of a few free hours in Washington to investigate the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

 

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