Lab Partnering Service Discovery

John W. Freiderich is an applied technology scientist at the Y-12 National Security Complex. He specializes in the advanced processing of non-radiological and nuclear materials. His scientific areas of expertise include electrochemistry, ionic liquids/molten salts, aqueous solution chemistry, and various spectroscopic methods. Freiderich has developed and patented technologies related to the improvement of consumer-relevant materials and processes during his tenure. These technologies include rare earth extractive metallurgy, mineral electrowinning, high-throughput molten salt reactor material production, advanced sensor development, and electroplating methods. He holds a Ph.D. in radiochemistry from Washington State University and a B.S. in chemistry from Minnesota State University.

Ashley Stowe’s technical expertise in novel materials spans from energy storage to ionizing radiation detection. He has numerous publications in development of chemical and metal hydride systems as well as radiation detection materials for handheld and imaging applications. He also has expertise in materials compatibility and aging as well as instrument and method development for the characterization of associated chemistries. He was previously named a Y-12 Technical Fellow and Director of the Nuclear Forensics and Detection Initiative. In that role, he acted as a technical lead, coordinating technology transfer activities and leveraging university partnerships for radiation detection technologies. Stowe holds 15 patents, has authored more than 70 publications, and was recognized with a 2013 R&D 100 award for his pioneering development of the 6LiInSe2 semiconductor radiation detection crystal. He holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry and an MBA. His research interests include materials development, spectroscopy and materials characterization, crystal growth, radiation detection, and high energy radiation imaging.

Dr. Washington currently serves on multiple committees both at SRNL and in the Aiken community. These include the Conduct of R&D safety council, Diversity Board of Directors for SRNS, and the former Board of Directors Chairman and current member for Habitat for Humanity. He is an also an Adjunct Professor at USC Aiken in the chemistry department.

Dr. Viktor P. Balema is a Senior Scientist at Ames Laboratory. He joint the laboratory in 2016 to lead new materials development and commercialization at Ames’ led DOE consortium (CaloriCool) founded by US Department of Energy’s Advanced Manufacturing Office. His technical expertise comprises development of biologically active compounds, hard and hybrid materials, polymers and chemical recycling. 

Before joining Ames Laboratory, Viktor served in various leading roles, including Hard Materials Head and Global R&D Manager, at Sigma-Aldrich Corporation - a major materials supplier to research and commercial markets. Once at Ames Laboratory, Dr. Balema served on the laboratory’s Research Management Team and Technical Advisory Committee of REMADE Institute and contributed to the development of the Strategic Plan for Ames Laboratory.

Scientific expertise of Dr. Balema spans over chemistry of bio-active agents, synthetic materials chemistry as well as upcycling of spent products, including rare earths and polymers. Viktor published over 70 papers, reviews and proceedings in open literature and filed ~15 US and international patents and IP disclosures. He also developed and commercialized numerous proprietary materials that have been offered through diverse business channels.