Libsyn Directory

The University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge from the Dawn of the Atomic Age to the Present

Release Date: 10/09/2024

AMSEcast with Deniece Thomas at NOW 2026

AMSEcast

AMSEcast host and ORDF Executive Director Alan Lowe interviews notable figures in the science world at the ETEC NOW conference in Knoxville, TN! Learn about what exciting things are coming in the world of science, engineering, and industry! This episode features Deniece Thomas.

AMSEcast with Chuck Hope at NOW 2026

AMSEcast

Discussing Dinner With King Tut: AMSEcast with Sam Kean

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and Oak Ridge Discovery Foundation executive director Alan Lowe sits down with author Sam Kean to discuss his Dinner With King Tut, a literary recreation of the sounds, tastes, smells, and other senses of history's most rich historical locations through an especially exciting first-person lens.

AMSEcast with Chuck Fleischmann at NOW 2026

AMSEcast

AMSEcast with Brandon Williams at NOW 2026

AMSEcast

AMSEcast with Ben Jordan at NOW 2026

AMSEcast

How Chemistry Shapes Us and Our World: AMSEcast with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and executive director of the American Museum of Science and Energy Alan Lowe sits with Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu to discuss her new book "Chain Reaction" and how it involves every single one of us, even you! Get a fascinating glimpse at her life leading up to what has become a fruitful career of research, science, and passion on this week's episode of AMSEcast.

The Story Of Rapa Nui: AMSEcast with Mike Pitts

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Mike Pitts to discuss the history of Rapa Nui, commonly referred to as Easter Island. Although not everything can be discerned about the story of this complex and history-rich island, much of the picture can be painted!

How Life Works: AMSEcast with Philip Ball

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of life with Philip Ball, taking an in-depth dive into Ball's newest book, How Life Works: A User's Guide to the New Biology.

The History of Trademark: AMSEcast with Jason Clark

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits down with Jason Clark of the USPTO to discuss the history and the relevance of trademarks, patents, and copyrights for inventions in America to celebrate America's big 250th birthday!

More Episodes

Alan Lowe, director of the American Museum of Science and Energy (AMSE) introduces a live audience to the first-ever AMSEcast Conversation. Held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the event featured a panel of experts discussing the historical significance of the Military Industrial Educational Complex and the book Critical Connections. The panel, which included Lee Riedinger, Ray Smith, and William Bugg, explored the development of Oak Ridge and the University of Tennessee (UT) during the 1940s.

Guest Bios

Lee Riedinger has held numerous leadership positions during his distinguished career at the University of Tennessee (UT). He has served as the Director of the UT-ORNL Science Alliance, Head of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and Vice Chancellor for Research. Additionally, Lee has held key roles at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), including Deputy Director for Science and Technology, and Associate Laboratory Director for University Partnerships. His contributions have strengthened the collaboration between UT and ORNL, fostering groundbreaking research and educational initiatives.

Al Ekkebus has a long history with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he previously served as Head of the Research Library and Assistant to the Laboratory Director. He is currently the outreach leader for Neutron Science at ORNL, where his work supports the lab’s scientific community. Al was a crucial research assistant for the book Critical Connections, adding his extensive knowledge to the project.

Ray Smith, the City of Oak Ridge’s official historian, has dedicated years to documenting the rich history of the city. For over a decade, he has written a weekly newspaper column on Oak Ridge’s history and contributed significantly to preserving its legacy. Before retiring in 2017, Ray worked at the Y-12 National Security Complex, where he was a key figure in chronicling its historical significance.

William “Bill” Bugg is a retired high-energy physicist and former Head of the Physics Department at UT, where he served from 1959 until 2006. An Oak Ridge High School graduate from the class of 1948, Bill’s personal and professional journey has been deeply intertwined with Oak Ridge’s scientific community, making him a living testament to the city’s storied past.

Show Notes

(04:19) Guest introductions
(06:13) UT and Oak Ridge as they were in 1940
(10:03) The role UT played in the construction of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project
(19:48) How Oak Ridge was able to continue existing after WWII
(21:00) The role Dr. Hertel played in continuing the connection between UT and ORNL
(23:48) Who Bill Pollard was and his central role in the relationship between UT and ORNL
(32:35) Alvin Weinberg’s role in making connections between ORNL and UT
(35:32) The role politicians and other political servants played in connecting ORNL and UT
(41:18) How their partnership has benefited the lab and the university
(45:23) What’s in the immediate future for UT and ORNL
(48:38) The connection between UT and Y-12
(50:54) Q & A
(59:58) What the panelists think is missing from the partnership between UT and ORNL

TOPICS