On February 18, 2020, Dr. Chris Fall, from the U.S. Department of Energy, returned to the University of Virginia for a visit with students, faculty and the administration. Chris Fall is a Double Hoo, and has PhD. in Neuroscience and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UVA. He also holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Dr. Chris Fall serves as Director of the Department of Energy's Office of Science, the lead federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research for energy and the nation's largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences. He oversees the Office's two principal thrusts: direct support of scientific research, and development, construction, and operation of unique, open-access scientific user facilities that are made available to external researchers.

During his visit, Dr. Fall met with researchers at the Neurosurgery Research Lab, Quantum Photonics Group and Underground Energy Storage Group. He spoke to students, post-docs and faculty about the DOE Office of Science, and explained how the University can interact with DOE and gain access to unique world-class research facilities and answered a broad range of questions.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Chris Fall back to the University, and have the chance to show him some of the cutting edge research happening across Grounds," said Melur "Ram" Ramasubramanian, Vice President for Research. "His visit also gave students and researchers a chance to ask questions and find out more about the DOE."