LANL Deputy Director John Sarrao during a recent interview at the Los Alamos Daily Post about his move to lead SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com

Following a 33-year career at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Deputy Director John Sarrao has been named Director of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. SLAC, originally named the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, is a federally funded research and development center in Menlo Park, Calif., and one of the Department of Energy’s 17 National Laboratories.

“It’s both exciting and a little bittersweet, having spent my entire adult life at LANL and in our region,” Sarrao said.

Following a broad, international search, Sarrao was tapped to become SLAC’s sixth director, succeeding Chi-Chang Kao, who recently stepped down after 10 years in the position. In announcing Sarrao as director, Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne said, “John’s experience and leadership make him an excellent choice to lead SLAC into its next chapter. The lab is a vital partner in Stanford’s research ecosystem, with unique facilities and expertise enabling us to tackle some of the most critical scientific challenges of our time…”

SLAC is a multiprogram laboratory that explores how the universe works at the biggest, smallest, and fastest scales and invents powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. With research spanning particle physics, astrophysics and cosmology, materials, chemistry, bio- and energy sciences, and scientific computing, we help solve real-world problems and advance the interests of the nation. SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the “most pressing challenges of our time”. Sarrao’s appointment was made with the DOE’s approval.

“John brings proven leadership and scientific excellence to this important role,” said DOE Office of Science Director Dr. Asmeret Asefaw Berhe at the time of the announcement. “Having dedicated his career to enabling discovery and innovation within the DOE national laboratories, his leadership will advance SLAC’s mission and amplify its scientific impact.”

Sarrao received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Los Angeles based on thesis work performed at LANL. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Physical Society (APS), and Los Alamos National Laboratory. 

LANL Director Thom Mason addressed the legacy Sarrao leaves behind at Los Alamos as he assumes his new role at SLAC.

“John has had a tremendous career at Los Alamos National Laboratory,” Director Mason said. “Like many of our staff he first joined the Lab as a student. His contributions have had, and will continue to have, lasting impacts on our institution. His absence will certainly be felt, but I can speak for our entire Laboratory in saying that we’re delighted and pleased to see him taking the helm of one of our vital national laboratories.”

Angela Mielke has worked with Sarrao as executive officer of the Deputy Directorate for Science, Technology and Engineering at LANL.

“I feel extremely fortunate to work with John, who is not only an accomplished scientist whose talents in sample synthesis and materials design led to a new superconductor based on plutonium, but a deeply dedicated and strategic leader,” DDSTE Executive Officer Mielke said. “His leadership has ensured that the Lab has strong and vibrant science and engineering capabilities critical to ensuring the national security interests of the country.”

Steve Girrens also worked with Sarrao at LANL and is now Associate Director for Nuclear Deterrence Stockpile Management, Components, and Production at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque.

“I have had the pleasure to know professionally, and on some occasions work with John over a 25 year span while working at LANL,” Girrens said. “I have every confidence that John will be an outstanding SLAC Director.”

Sarrao said his primary research interest is in the synthesis and characterization of correlated electron systems, especially actinide materials. He added that during his time at LANL he is most proud of receiving the 2013 DOE’s Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for the discovery and study of novel superconductors. He also is the 2004 winner of the LANL Fellows Prize for Research, in part for his discovery of the first plutonium superconductor.

U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich spoke of Sarrao’s work saying, “Our national laboratories have always employed the best and brightest minds, and John Sarrao is no exception. As a renowned materials scientist, John has spent the last three decades on the forefront of groundbreaking research and innovation at Los Alamos National Laboratory. I am grateful for his lasting contributions and scientific achievements that will continue to propel our state and our nation forward. I look forward to continuing to support the remarkable work happening at our national laboratories here in New Mexico.”

U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez thanked Sarrao for his work in New Mexico and beyond.

“For the past 33 years John Sarrao has helped lead LANL with dedication and purpose,” Rep.  Leger Fernandez said. “His work advanced scientific discovery and national security to the benefit of not just New Mexico, but the country and the world. I thank Dr. Sarrao for his service and look forward to seeing all that the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory will accomplish under his leadership. From one accelerator community to another one, good luck!”

Apart from his endeavors in science, Sarrao has volunteered his time in community service. He has served on the United Way of Northern New Mexico Executive Board for several years.

“John has made significant contributions to the United Way of Northern New Mexico,” Board Chair Liddie Martinez said. “His steady leadership, sincere love of New Mexico and resolve to improve the lives of our neighbors made him a valued and respected Executive Board member and a trusted friend. We will miss him but know his new community is gaining an amazing citizen.”

Sarrao and his wife Margie have two grown sons. Sarrao will formally assume his new role as Director of SLAC on Oct. 2, 2023.

Editor’s note: Post Publisher Carol A. Clark serves with Sarrao on the United Way Board.