November 16, 2005

The NSLS Remembers Bill Oosterhuis

Bill Oosterhuis, Team Leader for Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Chemistry in the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Basic Energy Sciences, passed away on November 16.

Bill was a true friend of synchrotron radiation science. While at DOE, a position he had held since 1991, he made significant contributions to the field, spearheading several major changes to the Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Chemistry team. These include the creation of the X-ray and Neutron Scattering program, the Theoretical and Computational Materials Physics program, and the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research.

Bill Oosterhuis

Before joining the DOE, Oosterhuis he worked for 17 years at the National Science Foundation, where he was a section head for its Division of Materials Research. During this time, he became a driving force for progress during the U.S. transition from first-generation to second-generation synchrotrons.

Similarly, while at DOE, he provided support and guidance as third-generation synchrotrons were developed. As a result of his presence during these years, he is widely credited for playing a major role in the growth of synchrotron radiation research. Upon his death, he leaves behind this important legacy.

Bill is remembered for his overall passion for science, and materials research in particular, his finely honed sense of progress and forward-thinking, and, more personally, his pervasive optimism and ability to earn the trust of others. He will be missed by many.

ARTICLE BY: Laura Mgrdichian