NNSA Administrator Addresses the Next Generation of Nuclear Security Professionals | National Nuclear Security Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Administrator Thomas D'Agostino of the National Nuclear Security Administration addressed the next generation of nuclear security professionals during the opening session of today's 2009 Department of Energy (DOE) Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Annual Conference.  Administrator D'Agostino discussed NNSA's role in implementing President Obama's nuclear security agenda and encouraged the computing science fellows to consider careers in nuclear security.

The DOE Computational Science Graduate fellows are part of an innovative group learning to solve problems outside traditional boundaries. Hosted by the Krell Institute, the conference provides participants the opportunity to get together, share ideas, support one another, and learn about the research opportunities at DOE laboratories.

To download the video of the Administrator's address, click here, or watch NNSANews video on YouTube .

The following are excerpts of those remarks as prepared for delivery:

• On the President's Nuclear Security Agenda: "This is a tremendous time in the National Nuclear Security Administration. Just last week, President Obama met with his counterpart in Russia and they laid out a very broad strategic framework for putting together a 21st century global security framework dealing with all things nuclear. Because the President understands that one bomb in a terrorist's hands changes everything."
• On the Future of NNSA Supercomputers:  "What's tremendous about where you are is that you are on that forefront.  You are going to take us beyond exoscale. You're going to be able to address problems we don't even know about right now. And that's what's quite remarkable, that's what's exciting about this." 
• On Making the Best of their DOE Fellowships: "I want to challenge you in your fellowship period.  Ask lots of questions. I'm confident you will. You didn't get here because you were quiet. But ask lots of questions, challenge the status quo, push things hard, figure out what your passions are and make it happen."

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Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation's national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad.   

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