Ronald Ott
About Ronald Ott
Ronald Ott serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a position he has held since 2020. He possesses a strong background in materials engineering and physics, with extensive experience in strategic planning and facility operations.
Work at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Ronald Ott has served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Energy Science and Technology Directorate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory since 2020. In this role, he oversees operations and strategic initiatives within the directorate, contributing to advancements in energy science. Prior to this position, he held the role of Manufacturing Science Division Director on an interim basis for five months in 2022. His previous experience at Oak Ridge also includes serving as the Director of the Building Technologies Program from 2017 to 2020.
Education and Expertise
Ronald Ott earned a PhD in Materials Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he studied from 1994 to 1997. He also holds a Master's degree in Materials Engineering from the same institution, completed from 1991 to 1994, and a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, achieved from 1989 to 1991. His educational background is complemented by a strong foundation in physics, enhancing his capabilities in leadership and strategic planning within the energy sector.
Background in Government and Academia
Ronald Ott has experience working with the U.S. Department of Energy as a Technical Contractor in various capacities, including the Industrial Technologies Program and the Advanced Manufacturing Office, from 2009 to 2010 and in 2013, respectively. He also worked as a Post Doctorate Research Engineer at the University of Alabama from 1997 to 1999, focusing on materials for information technology. His diverse background spans both government and academic sectors, contributing to his expertise in materials science.
Skills and Contributions
Ronald Ott possesses strong skills in strategic planning and facility operations, which support research and development initiatives at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His expertise in thin films and nanomaterials has contributed to advancements in materials science, positioning him as a key figure in the Energy Science and Technology Directorate. His leadership is characterized by a focus on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering innovation in energy technologies.