Director hired at Sanford Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory at Homestake

By South Dakota Science and Technology Authority
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LEAD, SD - Dr. Jose Alonso has been hired as Laboratory Director for the Sanford Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (SUSEL) at Homestake, announced Dave Snyder, Executive Director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority. His hiring was effective Monday, October 15.

As Laboratory Director, Dr. Alonso will serve as chief executive with responsibility for the startup and overall operation of the Sanford Laboratory. The underground laboratory will host multidisciplinary science research experiments at the 4,850-foot level of the former Homestake gold mine.

"We are extremely fortunate to have Dr. Alonso setting the direction for the underground laboratory and interacting with users in the scientific community. He offers management expertise on a solid science foundation, a combination well-suited for this crucial position," said Snyder.

Dr. Alonso is a physicist with experience in establishing new laboratories and operating large user facilities. He began work at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in 1972, where he participated in heavy element work and management of large accelerator facilities, including the Bevalac, a large accelerator facility with an extensive international user community. In 1994 he served on a three-man senior management team for the Spallation Neutron Source.

Dr. Alonso earned a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from M.I.T. and was a co-discoverer of Element 106, seaborgium. He serves on the board of directors of the American Bach Soloists performing ensemble, is a licensed soccer referee and a nationally ranked squash player.

There will be an opportunity for members of the media to meet with Dr. Alonso and Mr. Snyder on Tuesday, October 23, at 11:30 A.M. at the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority offices at 630 East Summit Street in Lead, SD.

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