January 2019 – July 2022
Workforce Development & Education is seeking mentors for its fall internship program, which runs August 26 through Dec. 6. August 6 is the last day to make offers. Click for more information on mentoring, as well as instructions on reviewing applicants and selecting interns. https://education.lbl.gov/volunteer-opportunities/mentoring-programs/
A new electron gun, designed and built at Berkeley Lab to supply electrons for a next-gen X-ray laser, just fired its first electrons. The X-ray laser is part of the LCLS-II project, which is an upgrade of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory’s Linac Coherent Light Source X-ray laser. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/05/30/berkeley-lab-built-electron-gun-fires-up-for-lcls-ii-x-ray-laser-project/
The Molecular Foundry recently launched a new version of its website to make information about its resources and capabilities easier to find, and better highlight the research being done by its staff and users. https://foundry.lbl.gov/
EESA researchers are part of a team led by UC Berkeley’s Pacific Earthquake Engineering Center working to improve the seismic risk assessment of natural gas storage and pipeline infrastructure. Lab scientists will focus on the potential for gas leakage through potentially damaged wells and caprocks. https://eesa.lbl.gov/eesa-to-help-develop-seismic-risk-assessment-tool-for-natural-gas-storage-and-transmission-systems/
A recent feature from the DOE’s Office of Science highlights research by Joint Genome Institute researchers and collaborators to learn more about viruses. By analyzing virus genes, scientists can better understand the impacts they have on their microbial hosts, their environments, and us. https://www.energy.gov/science/articles/revealing-viruses-hidden-influence
Robert Kostecki of the Energy Technologies Area was elected vice president of the International Society of Electrochemistry, an organization that advances electrochemical science and technology. Kostecki is deputy director of ETA’s Energy Storage and Distributed Resources Division. https://www.ise-online.org/
Interested in becoming a STEM education ambassador? The next training session on STEM teaching modules is Thursday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Three different teaching kits will be covered. Stay for one or all three modules. Signup is requested. https://k12education.lbl.gov/volunteer
Treating wastewater represents the largest application of biotechnology in the world, yet there has been no effort to map the global activated sludge microbiome. Until now. Researchers have recently launched a highly coordinated effort to examine the biogeography of this sludge microbiome. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/05/23/understanding-microbiomes-for-advanced-wastewater-treatment-and-reuse-systems/
A May 28 Lab visit by Kenneth DeGraff (right), senior policy advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, focused on translating Lab research into new economic opportunities for the U.S. His visit included meeting scientists, touring the ALS and Foundry, and viewing research presentations.
The Lab’s K-12 Program hosted nearly 80 students last week. During their two-day visit, students engaged with Lab staff during Q&A sessions, speed networking, tours, and talks. The K-12 program thanks the volunteers who shared their STEM inspirations and encouraged the students to be curious. https://k12education.lbl.gov/news