Craig Ferguson has been named deputy director for operations and chief operating officer at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, effective February 4.
“We are delighted to have Craig join our team,” said PPPL director Steven Cowley in a statement. “His background and expertise will be extremely valuable as we pursue PPPL’s mission in developing fusion energy. His breadth of experience in operations at world-leading laboratories makes him an excellent choice.”
Rich Hawryluk, a 44-year employee of the lab who filled the position on an interim basis for the past 10 months, will resume work as associate director for fusion.
Ferguson’s responsibilities will include overseeing all facets of day-to-day operations except for science and research. “I’m excited about it,” Ferguson said in a statement. “PPPL is on the forefront of plasma and fusion research and to be part of that is just fantastic.”
Ferguson earned his bachelor’s degree in nuclear technology at Excelsior College in Albany, New York, and received a master’s in safety sciences from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
He spent nine years working for the Navy propulsion program and has worked with numerous nuclear facilities, including Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, and most recently as vice president of mission assurance at Longenecker & Associates, a consulting firm that works with the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration facilities.
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, 100 Stellarator Road, James Forrestal Campus, Princeton 08540; 609-243-2000. Steven Cowley, director. www.pppl.gov
