PNNL

Mitchell Woodring is the group leader of the Applied Radiation and Detection Group at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). He manages over 45 scientists, engineers, and professional staff focused on the development of radiation detection technologies supporting applied measurements in nuclear emergency response, border security, treaty verification, and other U.S. government objectives.  

Woodring is a nuclear physicist and senior scientist working in the area of radiation detection instrumentation. In 2021, Woodring was promoted to scientist and engineer level 5—one of PNNL’s most senior research roles—for his significant contributions to national security science, technology, and innovations.

With over 25 years of experience in radiation detection development, his technical expertise covers all facets of detection instrumentation research, development, and implementation, including formal system testing, instrument development, first-responder training, project management, fast neutron physics, and data-intensive detection applications. He recently worked as the science lead for the PNNL Nuclear Smuggling and Deterrence Office Science and Engineering team. He has authored or co-authored over 150 publications.

• Gamma spectroscopy
• Neutron spectroscopy
• Nuclear physics
• Radiation detection
• Radiation detection equipment
• Radiation modeling and simulation
• Radiation monitoring
• Radiation portal monitoring

• PhD in physics, University of Massachusetts, Lowell  
• MS in physics, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
• BS in physics, University of California, San Diego