USA-based Guyanese Dr Vincent Adams, site director at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant was recently honoured for his contribution to Ohio education.
He is the recipient of the 2012 Ohio School Boards Association President’s Award.
According to the October 24, 2012 Pike County News Watchman, Dr. Adams is being honoured for his stellar contribution to Ohio education, including his leadership with the initiation and conduct of the annual Science Alliance, a science fair that draws about 900 high school students and educators to the plant each year.
The science fair event, among the largest public outreach efforts within the DOE Office of Environmental Management (EM), is geared toward topics related to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). With interactive demonstrations and a site tour, the event provides students with first-hand information on site activities and career opportunities related to those fields of study.
“I am humbled by this recognition from the Ohio School Boards Association. Although I am the one who will receive this award, it goes without saying that the success of this event would not be possible without the full backing of DOE, and the tremendous work of the Portsmouth employees and the educators and students who participate,” Dr. Adams said according to the News Watchman.
It states further, “We are extraordinarily proud of this event and we are grateful that the OSBA has recognized our work that is aimed at helping the young people of this region, to bring about a bright future not only for themselves, but for our nation’s competitiveness through future generations.”
Representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and regional universities join DOE prime contractors (Fluor-B&W Portsmouth, Restoration Services, Inc., Wastren-EnergX Mission Support, United States Enrichment Corporation, B&W Conversion Services) in operating the demonstration areas. Those activities include groundwater monitoring, understanding the nuclear fuel cycle, recycling, and many others. The Portsmouth Site Specific Advisory Board also educated students on its role and activities.
The Science Alliance is part of the Portsmouth site’s participation in DOE’s initiatives aimed at boosting students’ interests in STEM-related subjects when making career choices. The Portsmouth site also awards more than 30 scholarships and internships annually to students interested in those fields of study as part of this effort by the Department of Energy.
Additionally, students from regional high schools participate in a programme whereby they work with Ohio University to produce a summary of the site’s Annual Site Environmental Report (ASER). The ASER programme not only allows students to familiarize themselves with plant operations, but also gives them substantial insight and education on the many technical issues and challenges that face the site and the paths to solutions.
“We take our community outreach activities very seriously and we sincerely believe (the Science Alliance) can broaden horizons for young people who participate,” said Dr. Adams, who also makes routine speaking appearances at regional high schools and universities. “We believe the Science Alliance has the potential to change lives and we look forward to working with educators and students in the future.”
Dr. Adams is a son of Linden and Chairman of the Linden Fund USA (LFU) and former Guyana opening batsman. Currently he is the US Government’s Chief Execu-tive running the US$8 billion decommissioning, dismantlement and decontamination of the US nuclear complex in Portsmouth, Ohio.
When asked by SN to comment on his award, Dr. Adams, without hesitation said that he was obviously very honoured to be receiving the prestigious award, but it is more an award for the people in his native Linden and Guyana including his special parents, teachers, neighbours and his elders who molded him into everything that he is today.
“Despite the heavy demands on my time, being home in Linden, Guyana at least once annually is very important to me.” Dr. Adams told SN. He is more often present on the occasion of the Annual Linden Town Week celebrations during which time he takes pride in inspiring youths and plays a pivotal role in the LFU’s educational activities.
