ORAU: Then & Now
Posts in People Category
2026
Explore the legacy of Dr. Gould Andrews, the pioneering ORAU physician whose groundbreaking nuclear medicine research and compassionate care helped him shape the Atomic Age.
Cancer nurse, Ann Sipe, was fiercely proud of her work at Oak Ridge’s pioneering Cancer Research Hospital. She was an ORAU employee from 1966 to 1993. In those 27 years, she loved her mission to care for and champion her patients.
Born and raised in Port Arthur, Texas, Bob Ricks, Ph.D., built a remarkable career in science and technology—though he hadn’t always planned on it. Read the story of Ricks’ career journey in this blog!
Meghan Millwood, ORAU President and CEO, began her career at ORAU over 24 years. She was selected by the ORAU Board of Directors in the summer of 2025 and assumed the role of President and CEO in September, when ORAU was amid one of the most challenging years in ORAU’s nearly 80-year history.
Roger Cloutier entered the field just as radiation science was accelerating at an extraordinary pace. Over the course of his 33 years at ORAU, he led programs in health physics, medical physics and environmental sciences, helping shape the profession during a period of rapid scientific and regulatory growth.
Learn about the life and career of Clarence Lushbaugh, who made a huge impact in new methods of radiation safety.
While STEM-focused and other professional careers continue to be vital to the future of our nation, there has been a growing recognition and renewed focus on the critical role of skilled trades and technical workers in driving innovation and supporting essential industries for our country as well.
Throughout history, few individuals have held the diverse titles of nuclear physicist, author, teacher, administrator and Episcopal priest all at once. Yet, William Grosvenor Pollard (1911-1989) uniquely embodied this remarkable combination. Over the course of his 40-year career, these seemingly divergent roles often intersected, showcasing his multifaceted brilliance.
Discover how ORAU Workforce Solutions leverages AI to enhance recruitment while maintaining the human touch. Chelsea Hill shares insights on hiring trends, specialized STEM talent and career transitions in a rapidly evolving job market.
Learn about the career of Jack Beck, which included overseeing the early years of the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center and Training Site.
When Kristy Kistner had the opportunity to share a cherished childhood memory with her colleagues, it reignited curiosity and determination to connect with some long-lost friends. Watch both parts of her story to hear about her journey!
Hunger is a pressing issue in East Tennessee, where Second Harvest says one in six children face food insecurity. ORAU and neighboring organizations are stepping up during Hunger Action Month to raise awareness and provide crucial assistance to those in need.
Learn about Dr. Helen Vodopick-Goswitz, who worked in the ORINS Medical Division, as a part of the Clinical Division doing work with the ORINS Cancer Research Hospital.
Long-time cancer advocate becomes cancer researcher thanks to the support of ORAU’s Research and University Partnerships Office.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and one ORAU employee is actively working to raise awareness about prevention and early detection.
Learn about the career of Alvin Weinberg, Ph.D., which led him to be the first director of the Institute for Energy Analysis at ORAU.
Elizabeth Rona was a brilliant scientist, and she had the opportunity to work with other notable scientists because of the timing of her research interests in radioactivity, exceptional expertise in extracting polonium and her contributions to the understanding of radiochemistry.
Longtime ORAU employee hopes to inspire coworkers to volunteer as serving others has sparked passion and purpose in her life.
Learn more about William Brucer M.D., who was one of the early figures in the history of ORINS, which later became ORAU.
Learn more about the life and career of Brenda Blunt, senior director of Health Policy at ORAU
Born in Strigeau, Germany, Karl Hubner came to the United States—specifically, Oak Ridge—to learn as much as he could about nuclear medicine. It was rumored that doctors in Oak Ridge would soon be attempting bone marrow transplants. For a young doctor eager for hands-on experience, Hubner found an opportunity with ORINS.
It’s a workplace Cinderella story. Evelyn Watson’s career journey is one that is fun to share, and it’s important to ORAU’s history. Watson was a self-taught nuclear scientist who retired with two Lifetime Achievement awards.
He calls himself Bill Nye the Finance Guy, but everyone else knows him as Archie Smart. As a project manager on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Dose Reconstruction Project, he’s been with ORAU for more than 20 years doing a little bit of everything in operations.