In an effort that spans the dynamism of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Fusion Energy Division Director Troy Carter is spearheading the coordination and management of a vast array of research areas with a single aim: to make fusion energy a reality. Carter, who stepped into the role in July 2024, carries over two decades of experience accumulated from an academic career and leadership positions on various national and international advisory committees. "I have a Ph.D. in herding cats," Carter told ORNL News, highlighting his ability to drive collaborative efforts in fusion energy research.
Carter's oversight at ORNL is expansive, covering plasma physics, fusion technologies, and materials facing intense conditions inside fusion reactors. One of the major projects under his watch is the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX), which is a pioneering step in testing components for future reactors. Carter's role is not limited to research alone, as he takes charge of elevating ORNL's stature within the fusion community and fostering key partnerships between the laboratory and the private fusion sector—the areas in which collaboration is especially crucial for ORNL, home to an integrated fusion system with a breadth that includes plasma physics, fusion technology, and advanced materials expertise, the establishment finds itself pushing the envelope in the pursuit of a viable fusion industry in the United States, but also ensuring long-term success through fundamental research and development.
A North Carolina native, Carter's fascination with fusion dates back to his high school days, which led him to pursue physics and nuclear engineering at North Carolina State University renowned for its fusion program, per ORNL News. His postgraduate journey at Princeton steered him closer to the practical aspects of fusion, although his initial draw stemmed from a basic plasma physics program focused on solar flares. The principles of plasma study offered an academic symmetry to his fusion interests.
The transition from being a storied educator at the University of California, Los Angeles to the helm of the Fusion Energy Division involved an intimate shift for Carter—returning closer to family roots and engaging with local East Tennessee culture while navigating the responsibilities of his ORNL role, according to ORNL News despite this professional shift, Carter sustains his commitment to mentorship, viewing it as critical for nurturing the next generation of fusion scientists and engineers, beyond instructing students through their academic sojourn the role involves preparing them to thrive and mentor future talents, and it's in these relational dynamics where his proudest achievements lie.
Looking ahead, Carter underlines the necessity for a diverse skill set to seed the growing fusion industry, emphasizing that the workforce pipeline needs to include not only Ph.D. scientists but also technicians, planners, communicators, and advocates. His two-pronged advice for those interested in fusion research: find an exciting niche and enjoy the ride. As ORNL continues to accelerate efforts towards commercial fusion power, it endeavors to be the nexus for innovation in the sector, charting a path for both present-day advancements and future aspirations.
