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Society honors outstanding contributors to the nuclear field

La Grange Park, IL  (November 15, 2005) - The American Nuclear Society (ANS) honors Dr. Hans Toffer and Professor Lawrence W. Townsend this week, elevating them to the status of ANS Fellows.  They will be recognized during the 2005 ANS Winter Meeting in Washington D.C, November 13-17, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel.

Dr. Toffer will be recognized for his contributions to the foundation of knowledge about cosmic radiation.  Toffer's achievements include contributions to waste tank moisture measurement using Cf-252, the creation of an electronic handbook, development of a parameter study database, ultrasonic holography through metal walls, application of NASA technology to display reactor power maps, N reactor plant life extension using flux shaping, spent fuel subcritical mass measurements and ANS Standards on fixed neutron absorbers.

Finding broad applications across the industry, many of Toffer's innovations originated in support of the Department of Energy's Hanford site.  He was recently recognized by the Fluor Corporation as a Technical Functional Expert based on his leadership and competency.

Professor Townsend was elevated to the status of ANS Fellow for his dedication to excellence in the implementation of new technologies.  Townsend's citation acknowledges his significant research contributions which have furthered scientific understanding of cosmic radiation interactions with matter.  His outstanding leadership in the development of interaction models, transport codes, and engineering methods have allowed for improved shielding against cosmic radiation.  "I have been very fortunate to work with many outstanding colleagues and students who are contributing to the solution of a very interesting, cutting edge research topic that has significant national interest," stated Townsend.  Townsend's theoretical models have been used in a variety of applications including space radiation protection of astronauts, radiotherapy using heavy charged particles for cancer treatment, and ion beam production for nuclear structure and reaction studies.

ANS bestows the Fellow designation on members whose research, invention, or leadership has provided significant impact in one or more disciplines of nuclear science and engineering.

ANS, established in 1954, is a professional organization of scientists and engineers devoted to the applications of nuclear science and technology.  Its 10,500 members come from diverse technical disciplines ranging from physics and nuclear safety to operations and power, and from across the full spectrum of the national and international nuclear enterprise, including government, academia, research laboratories and private industry.
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