During his initial visit to Jefferson Lab on January 12, Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson vowed to improve scientific research funding during his tenure.

His 2 1/2 hour visit included a whirlwind tour of the Lab and culminated with an All-Hands meeting in the CEBAF Center auditorium where he talked about his vision for the DOE. He recognized 11 staff members for their new patents, and expressed enthusiasm for Jefferson Lab and its programs and collaborations.

Secretary Richardson was escorted on his tour by Lab Director Hermann Grunder, Representative Bobby Scott and Commonwealth of Virginia1s Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry DuVal, former mayor of the City of Newport News.

His tour started in CEBAF Center with an overview of the Lab1s science program by Nathan Isgur, Chief Scientist. From there he was shown a portion of the accelerator by Christoph Leemann, Associate Director of the Accelerator Division. Along his walking tour of the accelerator he was also greeted by Larry Cardman, Physics Division Associate Director.

In Hall A, Keith Baker, Hampton University researcher and Lab staff member, and Haiyan Gao, MIT, briefed the Secretary on their respective experiments. Then it was on to Hall B where Secretary Richardson was briefed on the CLAS and target chamber by Bernhard Mecking, Hall B Group Leader.

Next stop was the Free Electron Laser User Facility where FEL and Technology Transfer Manager Fred Dylla gave an overview of this new research tool and industry1s interest in its commercial applications. The group then headed for the Applied Research Center parking lot where Secretary Richardson discussed science education with Science Education Manager, Jan Tyler, and Crittenden Middle School Principal, Willie Carrington. The Secretary enjoyed talking with 6th graders from Crittenden who were at the Lab for their BEAMS week (Becoming Enthusiastic About Math and Science). The students demonstrated their Slow Bike Race skills and knowledge for the Secretary.

Moving into the ARC auditorium, Secretary Richardson was greeted by many local leaders and a number of the Lab's industrial and university collaborators. Secretary Richardson congratulated Hermann Grunder, the Lab staff and the Lab's many collaborators for their vision and commitment that resulted in the creation of the Applied Research Center. The Secretary complimented the Lab for its vital science program and concerted effort to share its knowledge with academia and industry.

After the meeting in the ARC, Secretary Richardson ended his visit with an All-Hands meeting in CEBAF Center. He was impressed with his visit to the Lab and promises to return in the future.

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