Jefferson Lab in the News
Dr. John Dirk Walecka
Former CEBAF Scientific Director awarded Virginia's Life Achievement in Science for 2003
Governor Warner announces Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists of 2003
Governor Mark R. Warner and Science Museum of Virginia Director Dr. Walter R.T. Witschey today announced the state's Outstanding Scientists and Industrialists of 2003. The honorees will be introduced to the General Assembly on Tuesday, February 18. They receive their awards at a banquet at the Science Museum on Tuesday, April 1.
"These recipients are at the cutting edge of their fields, from cancer cures to the protecting the Chesapeake Bay, and from transportation safety to particle physics," says Governor Warner. "Their creativity, contributions, and dedication are aimed at making life - in Virginia and beyond - better for us all."
Virginia's Life Achievement in Science 2003:
College of William and Mary Physics Professor Dr. Dirk Walecka. Walecka is one of the world's leaders in nuclear theory. His supporters say he is able to grasp his field in its totality, bring order to it, synthesize contributions of other experts and train the next generation. He has made fundamental contributions to understanding the structure of the nucleus from the general principles of quantum mechanics and special relativity. His work with electron beam analysis led to creation of the Continuous Electron-Beam Accelerator Facility in Newport News, now called the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, where he has served as scientific director.