ORNL postdoctoral researcher turns nuclear fuel research into a three-minute talk for DOE's National Lab Research SLAM
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory postdoctoral research associate Bryan Conry studies TRISO fuel, a particle-based nuclear fuel designed to withstand the extreme conditions inside next-generation reactors. But when Conry advanced to the Department of Energy's National Lab Research SLAM, the challenge was not explaining how the fuel works. It was helping policymakers, stakeholders and members of the public understand why the research matters.
The National Lab Research SLAM is an annual competition that brings together early-career researchers from across the DOE national laboratory system to present their work in three-minute talks for policymakers, stakeholders and the public.
Conry works in ORNL's Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate and Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, where he studies TRISO fuel. In his SLAM talk, he described TRISO as thousands of poppyseed-sized fuel particles wrapped in protective layers. His research uses X-ray computed tomography, similar to a medical CT scan, to examine individual particles in 3D and identify defects without destroying the fuel. That work helps researchers better understand how TRISO fuel behaves under reactor-relevant temperatures and irradiation, supporting efforts to develop nuclear systems that can provide reliable power for uses such as hospitals, data centers and remote communities.
Conry said the competition provided an opportunity to further develop a skill he has always considered essential to research.
"I have always been passionate about scientific communication," Conry said. "All the cool science we do is only as important as how we can explain it to non-experts."
That commitment to science communication earned Conry a place on the national stage after he won ORNL's 2025 Your Science in a Nutshell competition.
For Conry, condensing years of research into a three-minute talk brought its own challenge.
"The biggest challenge is balancing the description of technical detail with broad impact that the non-specialist audience can relate to," Conry said. "It is important to explain to and convince the audience why the research matters to them."
Preparing for the competition also required Conry to think beyond the content itself. He worked to build a narrative that connected scientific discovery to broader impacts and potential solutions, while delivery, timing and connecting with listeners became just as important as the scientific material.
Researchers from all 17 national laboratories gathered at the U.S. Capitol for the 2026 National Lab Research SLAM. Credit: Blaise Douros/LLNL
Presenting on a national stage offered more than visibility for his research. It provided an opportunity to engage across disciplines and directly with policymakers and scientific leaders interested in the future of research, federal investment and emerging technologies. The early-career competitors also gathered to share ideas, exchange feedback and learn from one another while refining their presentations.
"It was a highly communicative and collaborative environment both inside and outside the practice rooms," Conry said. "What stood out most about the meetings, discussions and presentations with policymakers was their interest in our perspectives on the present and future of our research."
Reflecting on the experience, Conry said the National Lab Research SLAM strengthened skills he expects to carry throughout his career and reinforced an important lesson.
For Conry, it delivered benefits that extend far beyond a single presentation.
"It pushed me to be more intentional about clarity, storytelling and connecting my research to real-world impact," Conry said. "I also gained confidence in presenting to a wide audience and thinking on my feet."
He encourages other early-career researchers to consider participating.
"It's a rare opportunity to step outside your technical comfort zone and develop a skill set that is just as important as the research itself," Conry said.
From ORNL to the national stage
Conry's journey to the National Lab Research SLAM began with ORNL's Your Science in a Nutshell competition, an annual science communication program that helps postdoctoral researchers and early-career staff convey why their research matters to broad audiences. Participants receive training, mentorship and opportunities to refine their presentations before competing for a chance to represent the laboratory on the national stage.
The competition is one of several Office of Research Education programs that prepare ORNL's postdoctoral and early-career researchers to engage audiences beyond their field. The national visibility that comes with competitions like the SLAM strengthens both the researchers' standing as emerging scientists and ORNL's scientific reputation.
"Programs like Your Science in a Nutshell give early-career researchers the chance to communicate the significance of their work to audiences well beyond their field," said Moody Altamimi, director of the Office of Research Education. "Learning to tell a compelling story about their research raises their visibility with scientific and policy leaders and strengthens ORNL's reputation for the science it produces. We want researchers to leave these programs not only as stronger communicators, but as future leaders who can help shape the direction of science and technology."
UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE's Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE's Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit energy.gov/science .
