While Argonne’s iconic steam heating system is an engineering marvel, sometimes an office or lab gets a little too chilly for comfort and a portable heating device, or space heater, is needed.

Portable heating devices may only be used when there is no chance of injury or fire occurring from their use. This applies to both lab-provided and personally owned devices used within Argonne spaces on- and off-site.

First and foremost: space heaters must be listed by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). The heater should have a label showing one of the listed laboratories. An NRTL-listed space heater will  automatically shut off when tipped over or when it overheats.

Space heaters should:

• Have three-pronged (grounded) plugs and use 500 watts or less
• Be placed on a sturdy, level surface, away from combustible materials such as papers, magazines, drapes, cubicles and office furniture. Do not use around flammable vapors, dusts or materials.
• Be plugged directly into a wall outlet — never into a power strip or extension cord
• Be turned off when you leave the room

Additional information is available online.

The Argonne Hispanic Latino Club (HLC) is hosting a holiday luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Building 208, Room A138. Guest speakers Philippe Noirot, Biosciences division director, and Microbiologost Marie-Francoise Gros (BIO), will present on France.

The menu is “Build Your Own Nachos” with your choice of toppings: chicken, ground beef, bean, lettuce, tomato, cheese, salsa, avocado, onion, sour cream and jalapenos.

Beans, dessert, a drink and your 2018 HLC membership fee are included in the $10 per person cost. All attendees will be entered in a raffle for gift cards and giveaways. Proceeds are used to help fund the HLC scholarship program.

RSVP by Friday, Dec. 7 to Mel Knoderer at ext. 2-7223.

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Bindu Nair

Bindu Nair, deputy director for Basic Research, Office of the Secretary of Defense, will present “Research at the Department of Defense” at a Director’s Special Colloquium on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018, at 10 a.m. in the Building 402 Auditorium. All employees whose schedules permit are invited to attend.

Shuttle service will be provided starting at 9:15 a.m. with stops at Building 201, 212, 202, 203, 200, 205, 240 and 362 to Building 402 for the 10 a.m. talk. Return trips will follow the talk.

Event parking is prohibited along the sides of roads; if the main parking lot is full, please use the APS overflow lot located near Building 450.

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Abstract 

The defense enterprise has a long history of supporting basic science, recognizing it as the font of new knowledge that enables transformative breakthroughs. This legacy includes both high-risk, curiosity-driven science with no specific applications in mind, as well as use-inspired research stemming from the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) unique problem sets. The Basic Research Office is tasked with oversight of the department’s $2 billion basic research portfolio, spread across the Services and Components and spanning multiple science and engineering disciplines. The office also sets research policies, executes high impact programs with DOD Components and Services, and serves as a testbed for pilot programs that explore new ways to foster innovation and collaboration. Through these activities, the Basic Research Office aims to sustain an open and vibrant basic research ecosystem that supports both national security and society at large.

Biography

Bindu Nair is the deputy director for Basic Research within the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). In this role, she is responsible for oversight and coordination of the Department’s $2.2 billion investment in basic science. She previously served as the deputy director of OSD’s Human Performance, Training and Biosystems Directorate. Prior to OSD, Nair worked for the Department of the Army with oversight responsibilities over the science and technology program in power and energy.  She has worked in the DOD laboratory system at Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center as well as in private industry at Foster Miller.  Her research expertise is in the field of material science and engineering including nanomaterials, polymers and organic electronic materials. She has published primarily in membrane and materials development fields and holds patents in fuel cell technologies. Nair holds a B.Sc from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in materials science and engineering.

To avoid site access delays, Security encourages divisions to process all contractors, visitors and/or site occupants who have gate passes or temporary photo badges expiring in 2018, before the new year. Old passes/badges can be exchanged for 2019 passes/badges beginning Monday, Dec. 3, through Friday, Dec. 22, 2018.

Large groups are encouraged to call the Argonne Information Center, Building 224, at ext. 2-5755 to schedule a convenient time to exchange expiring passes/badges. Expiring photo badges must be returned in order to receive new badges.

Divisions should ensure all temporary appointments have been renewed through Human Resource Services as necessary.

Reminder: Long-term visitors (more than 90 days) will only be given a Site Visitor Photo Pass if off-hour access is needed and requested in the gate pass system. Long-term visitors not requiring off-hour access will be given a gate pass through their end date.

Argonne Information Center hours: Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Badging Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For questions, please contact Security Administration Coordinator Kaitlyn Mason at ext. 2-5959.

Human Resource Services would like to thank each employee who participated in the Total Rewards Survey. Forty-three percent of benefits-eligible employees completed the survey that sought input on compensation, benefits and wellness, learning and development, and work environment. Together these represent the Total Rewards employees receive from working at Argonne.

This is the first time a survey of this kind has been used at Argonne, and everyone in Human Resource Services appreciates the time and effort each participant put into completing it. Your responses will help the laboratory plan for the future and ensure that Argonne’s Total Rewards mix meets the diverse needs of our workforce.

While individual responses will remain confidential, more information on what was learned from the survey will be shared with employees after the results are summarized and analyzed by Aon, the firm that administered the survey, and Argonne.

HRS-Educational Programs is seeking Argonne scientists and engineers that are interested in mentoring faculty members in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Visiting Faculty Program. This is an opportunity for researchers from academic institutions that are small, historically underrepresented, not well-resourced, or from a satellite campuses to conduct research at a national laboratory. Argonne research staff will support faculty and student participants during the 10-week summer appointment.

If you are interested in mentoring a faculty member this summer, please reach out to Azucena Rodriguez.

Faculty participants also sought

We encourage you to advertise this program to university and faculty colleagues in your network.

To apply for the program, college or university faculty members must submit a research project proposal co-developed with Argonne research staff. Please note that institutions that appear on the DOE list of highest research activity or higher research activity are not eligible. Additional information about eligibility is available on the DOE website. To apply and for full details, please visit the DOE VFP website.

Application Deadline is Jan. 10, 2019, at 4 p.m. CST.

For more information, please contact Azucena Rodriguez (HRS).

Two Argonne researchers will discuss their Laboratory-Directed Research and Development (LDRD) sponsored work at the LDRD Seminar Series presentation Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. in Building 212, Room A157. All are welcome to attend.

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Visit the LDRD website to view upcoming seminars.

Zhi-Gang Mei

“Computational Simulation of Chemical Vapor/Atomic Layer Deposition and Phase Transition of Silicon Carbide Films,” by Materials Scientist Zhi-Gang Mei (CFC)

Abstract

Silicon carbide films have attracted great interest for a variety of applications, such as electronic devices and nuclear claddings. However, chemical precursors for low temperature deposition of SiC films using chemical vapor or atomic layer deposition techniques are still lacking. In this talk, I will present our work on computational screening of novel chemical precursors for SiC using high throughput density functional theory calculations, and multiscale simulations of phase transition in SiC films and chemical vapor/atomic layer deposition process for optimized deposition conditions and film properties.

Biography

Zhi-Gang Mei is a materials scientist in the Chemical and Fuel Cycle Technology division. His research focus on atomistic and mesoscale simulations of nuclear material behavior under irradiation.

Alex Martinson

“Halide Perovskites as a Stepping Stone to Solar Energy Conversion Beyond the Single-Junction Limit,” by Chemist Alex Martinson (MSD)

Abstract

Metal halide perovskites are attractive optoelectronic materials for high-performance photovoltaics, light-emitting diodes and photodetectors. The semiconducting properties of these materials are exceptionally tunable via ready alloying of monocations, metals and halogens. However, very few intentionally phase-separated mixtures (i.e. non-alloying phases) of metal halide perovskites have been identified or leveraged to understand their photophysical interactions. One technology of particular interest in which such phase-separated mixtures may be useful is intermediate band (IB) photovoltaics (PV). IBPV offer the potential to exceed the Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit for single p-n junction solar cells through a stepping-stone approach to light absorption across at least three distinct bands. In the most successful IBPV to date quantum dots of InAs are strategically grown within a larger bandgap GaAs matrix, enabling useful sub-gap absorption of infrared light by InAs which contributes to photocurrent without significant loss of device photovoltage. The exquisite photophysical properties of GaAs, especially a long excited state lifetime, enables the successful multi-level excitation. We propose and provide evidence that an analogous materials mixture might be developed that leverages the attractive photophysical properties of lead halide perovskites but offers greater ease of fabrication, facile bandgap tunability, and higher defect-tolerance.

Biography

Alex Martinson is a chemist in the Materials Science division, Interfaces for Clean Energy Theme, Surface Chemistry Group. The aim of his research is to elucidate and leverage a multitude of technologically relevant surface chemistries and optoelectronic processes that occur at the interface between materials. The research tests the limits of what is possible in digital materials synthesis and device fabrication at length scales approaching the atomic level. Present work is intended to advance the science of solar energy conversion, catalysis and water remediation through the design, modeling and fabrication of photovoltaics (PV), solar fuels platforms, single site catalytic frameworks and advanced membrane materials. These studies explore the intersection of earth-abundant materials, photoelectrochemistry, and targeted surface synthesis in order to study their synergies and reveal the shortcomings of our control over energy and matter.

The work planning and control (WPC) webpages have been updated and reformatted with new information and resources to help you understand and implement WPC across Argonne.

The WPC webpage has a new layout and links. It provides one-click access to videos, quick reference guides, information sheets, training information, policies and procedures, and the Aware work planning and control application.

The Aware webpage provides one-click access to all the details on Argonne’s new WPC software, including FAQs, access and system requirements, how-to videos, release notes and much more.

Check out and bookmark these valuable resources to build your skill and confidence in WPC.

NOTE: If you try to access the old “WAE” webpage, you will receive an “Access Denied” message. All key information in now housed on either the work planning and control or Aware webpages.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, Business and Information Systems (BIS) will be conducting maintenance on the authentication system. During a 10-minute period between 10 and 11 p.m., business applications will be unavailable.

Employees who experience any problems after this maintenance can contact the Service Desk at ext. 2-9999, option 2.

The Laboratory’s Lost and Found is located with Security in Building 302.

Property turned into the Lost and Found will be inventoried and receipted by a Protective Force representative and stored in Building 302. Once posted here, property not claimed within 30 working days will be properly disposed.

Contact Kaitlyn Vanderwall at ext. 2-5959 to schedule an appointment to pick up any lost and found items.

Proof of ownership and/or a detailed description of the item will be required prior to transfer.

Six Flags^® Great America Theme Park is offering Argonne employees discounted tickets during “Holiday in the Park.” This new addition features two million LED lights, shows and rides.

Tickets are $29.99 (plus tax) and must be purchased online. Valid Dec. 8-9, and Dec. 26-31, 2018.

To purchase:

• Visit SixFlags.com/greatamerica
• Enter promo code, ANLHOLIDAY, in upper right corner (case sensitive)
• Purchase and print tickets

Offer is available only online. For more information, contact Todd Hayden at ext. 2-6143.

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Argonne’s newest employee resource group ABLED (Argonne Backs, Listens, and Educates for Disabilities), will recognize International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Building 213 Cafeteria. Following this year’s theme, “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality,” the day provides an opportunity to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

From the U.N. IDDP website, “Persons with disabilities, as both beneficiaries and agents of change, can fast track the process towards inclusive and sustainable development and promote resilient society for all, including in the context of disaster risk reduction and humanitarian action, and urban development.”

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Argonne choral group

The Argonne Choral Group will present its 38th annual holiday concert on Monday, Dec. 17, and Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at noon.

The four-vocal-part male-female chorus will be accompanied by piano, violin and cello. Admission is free. All employees and site occupants whose schedules permit are invited to attend. Guests of Argonne employees must be badged by the Argonne Information Center and will be subject to a search.

Contact  Patrick Garner (NSE) at ext. 2-4872 for additional information.

Holiday concerts:

• Monday, Dec. 17, 2018
  Building 362 Auditorium
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The Global Travel Office (GTO) will host monthly refresher courses on the second Wednesday of every month beginning Dec. 12, 2018. This elective Training Management System course is available to all employees, and will be especially helpful for new employees, travelers and travel arrangers. In this one-hour meeting,  GTO staff will discuss recent changes to policies and procedures, high risk travel, International SOS, HT-SOS/HT-401 Training, and answer any questions that attendees may have about the Argonne travel process.

To enroll:

• Open your training profile in the Training Management System and click the “Enroll in an Elective” button. The “Course Finder” window will appear.
• Enter “TVL101” as the course you wish to enroll in. Highlight the chosen course, which will appear in a dropdown list, and click on it. The “Enroll/Unenroll” window will display.
• Identify the course session that you wish to attend, and click the “Enroll” icon.

Questions? E-mail globaltravel@anl.gov.

Celebrate the season with good friends and good cheer at the Argonne Alumni Association’s holiday luncheon on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018, at the Argonne Guest House. The luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m.

Menu selections include grilled chicken breast, walleye pike, strip loin of beef and vegetable lasagna. Cost is $20 per person and includes tax and tip.

RSVP to Connie Markiewicz at by Friday, Dec. 14, with your entrée selection.

Non-employees require a gate pass and can request one by sending email to Angie McKay by Friday, Dec. 14.

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Argonne’s Operations Excellence Council met Nov. 29, 2018. Topics included diversity and inclusion, business transformation projects, metrics and key performance indicators, and international interactions. Minutes have been posted in Box.

The Parenting and Caregiving Employee Resource Group (PACE) is seeking individuals interested in serving on a steering committee that will meet quarterly to discuss activities and overall directions for PACE.

PACE is devoted to the support of Argonne employees who are engaged in parenting roles or in the care of family members with special needs. This includes caring for children of any age and health status, family members of any age with medical challenges and elderly family members.

The group aims to foster social support, networking and mentoring among the community of parents and caregivers at Argonne, as well as facilitate communication between this group and laboratory leadership.

The goal is to build a steering committee of individuals with a range of professional backgrounds and diverse perspectives on the challenges of balancing a career with roles in parenting and in caregiving. Participation would require a time commitment of approximately one hour each quarter.

Employees interested in serving on the PACE steering committee should send their contact information along with a brief statement on why they would like to serve on the committee to Kenley Pelzer, by Friday, Dec. 21.

All employees are invited to meet Argonne’s fall interns as they present their research Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Building 213 Cafeteria. Seven students from Chemical Sciences and Engineering, Energy Systems, High Energy Physics, Applied Materials, Nanoscience and Technology, Physics and Environmental Science will be presenting their work.

Educational Programs would like to thank all the mentors, co-mentors and others that have provided support to help prepare our students for the symposium.

Cake will be served.

For more information, please email undergrad@anl.gov.

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Due to the holiday break schedule, Facilities-Shipping and Receiving has instituted the following deadlines for shipping, receiving and mail. All services resume on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019.

Shipping

The last day for shipping is Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Items and an approved Shipping Order (ANL-126C) are required for release of items from the lab. Packages must be at Building 46 by 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 21.

Shipments containing multiple pieces or those with hazardous materials should be delivered to Building 46 by Wednesday, Dec. 19.

Receiving

The last day to receive packages is Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Employees expecting packages with perishable items should provide an alternate contact for delivery if they plan to be off-site prior to Dec. 21.

Mail

The last day to receive mail is Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Outgoing business mail should be delivered to Building 46 by Dec. 20, 2018.

For questions, please contact Shipping and Receiving Manager, Doreen Schoening (FAC) at ext. 2-4939.

The holiday season is a good time to review basic operations security (OPSEC) countermeasures.

• When traveling away from home:
  • Leave your home with a “lived in” look.
  • Don’t advertise on social media that you will be gone over the holidays.
  • Have a neighbor make periodic checks and collect mail and newspapers – or have these services temporarily stopped.
• Holiday shopping tips:
  • When paying for items, be mindful not to display large amounts of cash.
  • Shield PIN numbers when using debit cards.
  • Keep gifts in your trunk while holiday shopping.
  • Thieves may see packaging from expensive gifts sitting out awaiting trash pick up, which can make you a target. Bag this type of trash and put it curbside just prior to garbage pick up.
• While away from the office during lab closing:
  • Ensure any sensitive information is secured properly — in a locked file cabinet or drawer.
  • Lock office doors while unattended.
  • Keep your badge in a safe place.
  • Enjoy your time off with friends and family.

For OPSEC questions, send an email to opsec@anl.gov