The Talk of the Lab

Andy Mravca honored
Fermilab Director Michael Witherell and U.S. Department of Energy Area Manager Jane Monhart have signed a joint proclamation naming the laboratory’s newest cooling pond for Andy Mravca, retired former manager of the DOE Fermi Group, whose distinguished 42-year career began with the Atomic Energy Commission, DOE’s predecessor agency.

The proclamation was presented to Mravca’s wife at the DOE Area Managers National Conference on October 29.

Andy’s Pond was created for cooling water when the Main Injector was built. David Nevin, head of the Facilities Engineering Services Section, explained that the pond is a vital component of the lab’s infrastructure supplying water needed for physics experiments.

“Andy’s Pond is an attractive location and will forever link Andy Mravca to the science conducted at Fermilab,” Nevin said.

Mravca was in charge of engineering oversight as Fermilab (then the National Accelerator Laboratory) was being designed and built. He worked closely with the lab’s founding director, Robert R. Wilson to establish the architecture and infrastructure that shapes the laboratory to this day. In 1973, Mravca was reassigned to DOE’s Clinch River Reactor project. He returned in 1980,serving as DOE Fermilab Area Manager until retiring in 1999.

“Andy loved Fermilab,” said DOE Deputy Area Manager Jim Miller. “Other than Robert Wilson, no person had more influence on the development of Fermilab than Andy Mravca.”

A plaque commemorating Mravca’s contribution will be placed on the shore of Andy’s Pond. Donations from individuals, to help cover the cost of the plaque and the event, are being accepted and are greatly appreciated. Those interested in making a contribution should contact Judy Treend in the Office of Public Affairs at x6633. Checks should be made out to “Mravca tribute.” Anyone donating $100 or more will be recognized at the ceremony honoring Mravca.

Visitors regain limited recreational access to Fermilab
With site-access restrictions still in place, Fermilab directors and Department of Energy officials have come up with a temporary solution to bring science-minded people back on site: the Ask-a-Scientist visitor’s pass.

Every Sunday, from 1:30 p.m.to 3:30 p.m., people interested in meeting some of the lab’s scientists may come and register at the Pine Street entrance, where they receive a free pass to the Ask-a-Scientist program. The pass allows visitors to drive to Wilson Hall and proceed to its 15th floor, where they can view the entire Fermilab site and the surrounding area. Two scientists are on hand to answer questions such as “Why does Fermilab have buffalo?”and “What is dark matter?”

Wilson Hall remains closed to the public at other times, but people can sign up for guided tours by calling 630-840-5588. The Lederman Science Center, which features hands-on science displays for children K-12, welcomes visitors Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. and every Saturday from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Visitors interested in pursuing outdoor activities at Fermilab are again allowed to park their car at either the Pine Street entrance or Batavia Road entrance and access the Fermilab site by bike or by foot. The site is open for recreational use from 6 a.m.to 8 p.m., seven days a week. From fishing to bird watching to hiking a mile-long prairie trail, the Fermilab site offers a variety of recreational activities. For more information,please call 630-840-3351 or see the Web pages at www.fnal.gov/pub/visiting/.

In September 2002, security concerns again led DOE officials to close the Fermilab site to the public, suspending the Ask-a-Scientist program and other activities. Easement of restrictions and introduction of the new visitor’s pass has allowed scientists to restart the program, which in the past drew about 30 visitors per Sunday afternoon.

Teacher of the year
Bob Grimm, the 2002 Illinois Teacher of the Year, recently visited Fermilab to demonstrate the new Tevatron display that he built for the Lederman Science Center. Grimm is a physics teacher and science department chair at the William Fremd High School in Palatine,Illinois. He usually visits the Lederman Science Center once or twice a month and has taught summer courses at Fermilab since 1988.

Happy birthday — ten times and eighty times
The Leon Lederman Science Education Center marked its 10th anniversary on Sunday, October 20 with a cake, a crowd and a bright new sweater for Lederman, the Fermilab director emeritus and 1988 Nobel Laureate who is enjoying an extended (and well- deserved) celebration of his 80th birthday.

Gathering to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Lederman Science Education Center are (from left)Spencer Passero,Gayle Stephens,Priscilla Meldrim,LaMargo Gill,Sue Mendelsohn,Michael Witherell,Leon Lederman,Marge Bardeen,Diana Smailus,Laura Mengel,Liz Quigg,Nancy Lanning,Melissa Clayton, Tom Jordan.