2007 ORAU Annual Report - Oak Ridge Associated Universities

ORISE Intern Helping to Grow Use of GPS in Radiological Surveys
Professional job experience has long been heralded as a way for
college students to jump-start a successful career path. Seizing the
opportunity to gain such practical experience is University of Tennessee
senior James Viars, a geography major who is lending his expertise in
geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems
(GPS) to help strengthen ORISE’s radiological survey capabilities.
In 2006, ORISE began using GPS to pinpoint locations of radioactive
contamination by pairing geographic coordinates with gamma
radiation levels at close intervals. The advantage of GPS allows
survey technicians to gather more accurate data, which Viars then
Image Information
ORISE intern James Viars collects soil samples in support of environmental
remediation work at the East Tennessee Technology Park (formerly known as
the K-25 site) in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Viars, a geography major at the University
of Tennessee, is working with ORISE to strengthen the ability to pinpoint
radioactive contamination through the use of GIS and GPS.
downloads to a software program to produce a color-coded, thematic
map identifying concentrated amounts of radioactive contamination. The
process allows ORISE to provide maps featuring more precise locations of
contamination to crews tasked with the cleanup of radioactive materials.
The goals of Viars’ research are to facilitate faster collection of on-site
radiological surveys and to create a geo-database for each survey location
that will permit project managers to more thoroughly assess possible
areas of contamination.
The experience has been an eye-opener for Viars, who admitted that
he previously held many misconceptions about the nuclear industry.
“The ORISE staff has been very helpful in answering questions about
health physics and the nuclear industry,” he said. “I feel I have a better
understanding of nuclear issues and radiation and of what is dangerous
and what is simply naturally occurring in the environment.”
The ORISE summer internship program continues to be a win-win for both
the student and our program, according to Eric Abelquist, ORISE director
of IEAV Programs. “Our interns gain valuable job experience and we have
a great opportunity to evaluate the individual’s abilities—not just technical,
but also their motivation, work ethic, and interpersonal skills,” he said.
Health Physics Training Program Moves to New Facilities
After 60 years in the same location, ORAU’s popular health physics training program relocated
in 2007 to a newly remodeled building across town in Oak Ridge, Tenn. All-new laboratories,
classrooms, and offices now allow for more varied and advanced training courses. Improvements
include classrooms equipped with updated audio and visual systems, upgraded fume hoods in the
radiochemistry laboratory, and a larger vault for storing radioactive materials. ORAU has trained
more than 20,000 health physics professionals in the last six decades.
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