Director Dr. Kimberly S. Budil, Ph.D.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
National Security, Fusion Futures, and Disruptive Technology – A View from LLNL
Location: 1080 Physics Research Building, Smith Seminar Room
Faculty Host: Lou DiMauro
Abstract: Today’s world looks very different from the one envisioned at the turn of the century. The international security environment is both extremely challenging and rapidly changing. Climate change and ever-increasing demands for energy are dramatically reshaping the global order. Significant advances in science and technology have been realized, from exascale-class computers to gene editing to fusion ignition, and with the addition of artificial intelligence the pace of progress is accelerating. This talk will draw upon examples from LLNL to highlight the challenges – and incredible opportunities – presented by this extraordinary progress.
This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL-MI-853283
Bio: Dr. Kimberly S. Budil is the director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she leads a workforce of approximately 8,400 employees and manages an annual operating budget of $3 billion. As director, she sets the strategic vision for the Laboratory and is responsible for the successful execution of programs and operations to enhance national security through application of cutting edge science and technology and to maintain an outstanding and diverse workforce.
She leads the development and implementation of the Laboratory’s scientific vision, goals and objectives, and engages with the senior leadership of the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, and other federal agencies, as well as senior leaders across government, academia and the private sector. She serves on several boards and participates in numerous professional and community outreach activities.
Budil holds a Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, and a B.S. in physics from the University of Illinois at Chicago.