Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)

A perfect fit! ?? The Lab recently lifted and lowered the center stack casing of the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U) into the vacuum vessel, a key step in moving the project toward completion. ? NSTX-U is the largest spherical tokamak, or fusion device, in the U.S. Shaped like a cored apple, NSTX-U will test how well this compact design can reliably generate cost-effective electricity from fusion energy. ? The center stack casing — like the core of an apple — contains the central magnetic bundle.?? These new and strong central magnets will produce the highest magnetic field strength of any large spherical torus. This important milestone will help ensure other magnets and components fit properly with the center stack to prepare for the installation of the center stack and magnets. ?? https://bit.ly/40nRCQL

While #NationalApprenticeshipWeek may be coming to a close, the future of apprenticeship in fusion energy and engineering is heating up! ?? See how the Lab's first-in-the-nation is expanding to other national laboratories across the country, thanks to support from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science ?? https://bit.ly/3XWqFB1. As the effort grows, more technicians, engineers and staff will have the opportunity to mentor the next generation. Westley Reese, a senior technician, Michael Kozic, a motor generator engineer, and Harry Tsamutalis Jr., a senior media support specialist, share their stories. ??

Today I joined Abdel Majid Kassir, Arturo Dominguez, and Felix Parra Diaz at New Jersey Institute of Technology in an outreach activity that explained to physics students WTF (what the fuss) is about plasmas! Great engagement activity with this group as Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) grows its relationship with the school! Fun event! We made some great connections! ??

As #NationalApprenticeshipWeek celebrates women in apprenticeship, meet Abigail Fellnor, an electrical technician apprentice ?? here at the Lab. In her role, she works on the motor generators that supply power to the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade (NSTX-U), the Lab's main ?? fusion experiment and ideal model for a fusion pilot plant to help bring fusion energy ? to the power grid. "I would definitely recommend this job to others," she said. "It's an excellent opportunity to learn on the job. It's definitely a skilled trade. You get to work, get paid to do it, and learn all at the same time. It's an excellent opportunity."

Congratulations! ?? Sean Hough, instrumentation and control technician, and Russell Gutter III, power systems technician, are the latest graduates of the Lab's first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering. ?? For Hough, a former legal assistant, becoming an apprentice provided a path for him to switch careers and take on a highly technical job. "Entering a new field without experience is sometimes difficult," said Hough. "I've had the opportunity to interface with many engineers. They're always willing to answer questions and there are so many opportunities for learning here." ?? Watch more about his journey as part of #NationalApprenticeshipWeek. ??

Deuterium and tritium, both isotopes of hydrogen, are generally accepted as the most promising pair of fuels for fusion energy production. ?? Altering the properties and proportions of these fuels could overcome some of the major barriers to making fusion a practical energy source. Lab researchers Ahmed Diallo, Jason Parisi and Jacob Schwartz have identified how to use a process known as spin polarization to adjust the quantum properties of the fuel for peak efficiency. ?? By aligning the fuels' quantum spin and changing the ratio of deuterium to tritium, the approach could boost tritium burn efficiency by up to 10 times, reducing tritium needs and lowering fusion system costs. ?? Get the details ?? https://bit.ly/4evhZYs. ?? Illustration by Kyle Palmer.

In our latest #IAmTheLab feature, meet Michelle Thomas, MPA, manager of procurement compliance and supplier diversity at the Lab. While she didn't plan on a career in the procurement field, Thomas has become an advocate ?? for small and diverse businesses. “When I first got into procurement, it was just a job,” she recalled. “But when I discovered the notion of small business engagement, it sparked something in me. It’s something I’m passionate about.” A native of New Jersey, Thomas worked for Princeton University prior to joining the Lab in 2024. At Princeton, Thomas oversaw the University's supplier diversity action plan. At PPPL, she is equally committed to spreading the word about the value of small businesses. Read more about her and her work ?? https://bit.ly/4eDA5r3.

It's #NationalApprenticeshipWeek! ?? We're proud to be part of this national celebration, organized by the U.S. Department of Labor, to showcase how apprenticeship programs strengthen the economy, build a highly skilled workforce and create career pathways. Watch the video ?? to learn how our first-in-the-nation registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering is building the workforce of the future to support fusion as a clean, safe and virtually limitless source of energy for all.

On?#AmerciaRecyclesDay??? see how the three R's — reduce, reuse and recycle — are part of our bigger mission to tackle the world's toughest science and technology challenges and develop fusion energy as a clean, safe and affordable way to generate electricity for all humankind. As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory managed by Princeton University, the Lab places the highest value on being a responsible steward of our planet. ?? See how we put our principles into action through our environmental management system, which ensures that we promote sustainability, conserve our natural resources and energy, manage hazardous materials and prevent pollution. ?? https://lnkd.in/exBafM72

?? Monthly job round-up! ?? Join the growing team here at the Lab to be a part of leading the science and engineering behind the development of fusion — a clean, safe, and virtually limitless source of energy — and find ways to remove fossil fuels from industrial and manufacturing processes to contribute to a Net-Zero world. New jobs include: ?? Research Proposal Development Manager ?? Head of Physics Operations ?? Research Computing Specialist ? Electrical Safety Officer ?? Senior Network Engineer Search all our job postings ?? https://bit.ly/40QtwhJ.