Applied Decision Systems and Analytics Group
Our researchers deliver complex, dynamic, decision frameworks in critical areas of energy, environment, security, and defense. The hallmark of this group is securely deploying advanced technology-based solutions, frequently bringing together complex disparate data streams and novel delivery systems, resulting in new insights and improved understanding for our sponsor communities. ADSA professionals work with subject matter experts to identify, design, develop, and deploy innovative solutions, integrating expertise in software engineering, data science, systems engineering, and advanced visualization capabilities. Our expertise is in the following areas:
- Data Driven Responsive Software Systems
- Data Science and Modeling
- Rapid Response Support Systems
- Software Quality, Reliability, Lifecycle, and Security
Starting in Spain, a test cask containing simulated spent nuclear fuel rods and assemblies gathered data over 9,548 miles of transport by truck, ship, and rail, and transfer by crane from each mode to the next. Triaxial accelerometers and strain gauges inside and outside the equipment collected 512 to 10,000 data points every second.
Photo by Steven Ross | PNNL
Earth Systems Predictability and Resiliency Group
We develop scientific basis for forecasting, monitoring, and verifying Earth-energy resilience. Our group provides operational intelligence and system performance forecasting that enables decision support with the ability to understand and predict how the coupling of human-earth processes (e.g., climate, water, land use, and energy system interactions) controls complex Earth, energy, and environmental systems behavior. We use an integrated approach of sensing and measurement, environmental forensics, high-performance computing, spatial and non-spatial statistics, spatiotemporal analysis models, geographic information system algorithms, machine learning and artificial intelligence methods, and geovisualization. We identify unique markers indicative of natural processes to verify anthropogenic activity and understand the social impact of earth-energy system transitions. Look for expertise in the following areas:
- Earth Systems Data Science
- Environmental Signatures
- Geospatial Science, Analytics & Geointelligence
- Sensing, Measurement & Forecasting
- Watershed Hydrology Modeling
Operational Systems Engineering Group
Our group leverages strengths in multidisciplinary engineering and integrated design to address challenges ranging from hydropower and ecological systems to border security and nuclear systems. Our group is made up of engineers, biologists, earth and social scientists, technicians, and coordinators who are advancing scientific theory and principles to improve efficiency, mitigate the risks and impact on the natural environment, and provide engineered solutions to address risks. You will find our expertise in:
- Waterpower Science & Ecology
- Waterpower Fisheries
- Sustainable Waterpower Operations
- Sustainable Systems
- Systems Engineering
- Radiation Systems Engineering
- Integrated Project Support
Risk and Environmental Assessment Group
Our researchers develop and apply analytic methods to assess, quantify, and understand risk (e.g., safety and security) necessary to support decision-making and policy development. By advancing the understanding of complex Earth systems, we quantify and mitigate human and ecological risks posed by built systems, regulatory policies, and/or decisions (e.g., infrastructure operation, land cover decisions and urban development in coastal areas) in critical areas of energy, environment, intelligence, and defense. Our expertise is found in:
- Environmental Assessment
- Health Physics
- Risk Analysis
Subsurface Science Group
We advance fundamental scientific theory and understanding of mechanisms controlling hydrobiogeochemical processes in subsurface environments. Experimental research, high-performance computational subsurface modeling, edge computing, and machine learning enables multidisciplinary knowledge integration. This integration includes interfacial biogeochemistry coupled with geophysics to enable real‐time predictive understanding and visualization of subsurface processes and systems across spatiotemporal scales. Our group provides innovative leadership solutions for environmental remediation, sustainable subsurface energy resource identification, production, storage, and utilization (e.g., fossil energy and carbon management, geothermal energy, etc.), as well as for national security. Look to us for expertise in:
- Computational Geophysics
- Energy and Critical Materials
- Experimental Geochemistry
- Experimental Geophysics
- Predictive Simulation
- Signals Detection & Analysis
- Subsurface Signatures Discovery