General Atomics Researcher Receives Prestigious Award
Dr. Siye Ding to be presented with the Young Researcher (Under 40) Award by the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies – Division of Plasma Physics for significant research contributions to Magnetic Fusion Plasma Physics
Dr. Siye Ding, a collaborating researcher at General Atomics (GA), has been selected to receive the 2021 Young Researcher (Under 40) Award by the Association of Asia Pacific Physical Societies – Division of Plasma Physics (AAPPS-DPP) in the Magnetic Fusion Plasma category. Established in 2016, the award recognizes young research scientists for their significant contributions to plasma physics research.
The AAPPS-DPP citation recognizes Dr. Ding “for his fundamental contributions to the understanding and experimental development of advanced tokamak scenarios towards a steady state fusion reactor, and for elucidating, through integrated simulations, the synergism between internal transport barrier and divertor detachment in the high poloidal beta plasmas.”
Dr. Ding is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the DIII-D National Fusion Facility, in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities, where he has focused his research on developing an experimental approach to improve plasma confinement within a fusion tokamak. By studying and modeling methods for improving the quality of a magnetically confined plasma, Dr. Ding’s research will support improvements to the economic feasibility of future commercialized fusion energy.
In a separate line of research at DIII-D, Dr. Ding has studied the interactions between the super-heated plasma core and plasma edge. Protecting the interior tokamak walls from the intense heat of the fusion reaction is a fundamental challenge facing future compact fusion reactors, and Dr. Ding’s research discovered a new internal configuration that will make the plasma more suitable for such devices.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition. By continuously improving our scientific understanding of plasma confinement and the interactions within the different areas of the tokamak, we will be able to develop important improvements that will make future fusion reactors safer and more cost effective,” said Dr. Ding. “It is really exciting to be part of a team of scientists working to fulfil the dream of the ultimate energy source, and I must acknowledge the support I have received from so many researchers at both DIII-D and the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak.”
“The evolution of our collective understanding of plasma physics has been many decades in the making, and it is incredibly gratifying to see early-career scientists at DIII-D continue to make groundbreaking impacts in research,” said Richard Buttery, Director of the DIII-D National Fusion Facility. “I know I speak for everyone here at DIII-D when I say we are incredibly proud of Dr. Ding for receiving this well-deserved and prestigious honor.”
DIII-D is the largest magnetic fusion research facility in the U.S. and is operated as a national user facility by General Atomics for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Researchers come to DIII-D from across the globe to investigate a wide range of topics from fundamental plasma science to how future fusion power plants will work.
About General Atomics:
Since the dawn of the atomic age, General Atomics innovations have advanced the state of the art across the full spectrum of science and technology – from nuclear energy and defense to medicine and high-performance computing. Behind a talented global team of scientists, engineers, and professionals, GA’s unique experience and capabilities continue to deliver safe, sustainable, economical, and innovative solutions to meet growing global demands.
About the DIII-D National Fusion Facility.
DIII-D is the largest magnetic fusion research facility in the U.S. and has been the site of numerous pioneering contributions to the development of fusion energy science. DIII-D continues the drive toward practical fusion energy with critical research conducted in collaboration with more than 600 scientists representing over 100 institutions worldwide. For more information, visit www.ga.com/diii-d.
For more information contact:
Zabrina Johal
Senior Director of Strategic Development
858-455-4004
Zabrina.Johal@ga.com