Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 10/09/2024

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!

Discussing The Warhead: AMSEcast with Jeffrey Stern

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy Executive Director Alan Lowe sits down with award-winning journalist Jeffrey Stern to discuss his widely successful book, "The Warhead: The Quest to Build the Perfect Weapon in the Age of Modern Warfare."

Creating The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Paul Cantonwine

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and American Museum of Science and Energy executive director Alan Lowe sits to chat with Paul Cantonwine, author of "The Never-Ending Challenge of Engineering: Admiral H.G. Rickover in His Own Words" to discuss the creation of the nuclear navy through the eyes of H.G. Rickover, and what his mentality might be like in today's ever-changing world.

The Science of Presidency: AMSEcast with Andrew Busch

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host and AMSE executive director Alan Lowe discusses the science of a presidency with Andrew Busch, the associate director and professor at the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The episode goes in depth to analyze the behaviors of not only the American political system, but also its presidents, and how they have operated throughout different political climates and times in history.

The Nuclear Navy: AMSEcast with Lawrence Townsend

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe sat down with Lawrence Townsend to discuss the past, present, and future of America's nuclear navy, including what our advancements in technology throughout the country might mean going forward.

Less Weapons, More Energy: AMSEcast With Charles Oppenheimer

AMSEcast

On this episode of AMSEcast, host Alan Lowe welcomes Charles Oppenheimer, entrepreneur and grandson of J. Robert Oppenheimer, for a wide-ranging conversation on nuclear energy, global security, and the legacy of one of the 20th century’s most influential scientists. Oppenheimer discusses the mission of the Oppenheimer Project, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing his grandfather’s values through increased international cooperation on nuclear technology. He explains the organization’s dual focus: expanding the beneficial uses of nuclear fission (especially clean energy) and reducing the...

AMSEcast Geoff deBeauclair

AMSEcast

AMSEcast launches a new series exploring America’s nuclear navy and Oak Ridge’s vital role in its history and future. From helping shape the legacy of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover to supplying nuclear fuel for today’s fleet, Oak Ridge has long stood at the center of U.S. naval nuclear power. As the American Museum of Science and Energy prepares a new exhibit at the Wilcox K-25 Interpretive Center, this episode sets the stage. Our inaugural guest, Geoffrey deBeauclair, is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a 30-year Navy veteran who commanded a ballistic missile submarine and...

AMSEcast with guest Michelle Shocklee

AMSEcast

Author Michelle Shocklee discusses her novel The Women of Oak Ridge and the personal, historical, and emotional paths that led her to the story of the Secret City during the Manhattan Project. Growing up near Los Alamos and coming from a World War II family shaped her long-standing connection to the era, but a chance encounter with a reader ultimately sparked her discovery of Oak Ridge. Shocklee describes her deep research process, drawing on oral histories, archival photographs, museum resources, and firsthand accounts to authentically portray life inside a city built on secrecy. She explains...

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

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