Thomas Mason, associate laboratory director of the Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Mason was cited for "distinguished contributions to condensed matter physics using neutron scattering and for leadership in the development of neutron scattering sources and instrumentation."
Before being named associate laboratory director in February, Mason had worked with the SNS project since 1998 as director of its Experimental Facilities Division.
Mason, a native of Canada, received a bachelor of science degree in physics from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and a doctorate in experimental condensed matter physics from McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario. He was a senior scientist at Riso National Laboratory, Roskilde, Denmark, and associate professor of physics at the University of Toronto.
He, his wife, Jennifer, and their two children live in Oak Ridge.
The SNS is one of the world's largest civilian research projects. When completed in 2006, it will become the world's leading research facility for study of the structure and dynamics of materials using neutrons. The SNS will operate as a user facility that will enable researchers from the United States and abroad to study the science of materials that forms the basis for new technologies in telecommunications, manufacturing, transportation, information technology, biotechnology and health.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy.