Come Hear About The Future of Nuclear Power: Next-Generation Reactors at Open Mic Science; Bainbridge Chorale Names Joseph To as its Next Leader
As the world transitions from fossil fuels to emission free energy systems, an important but potentially controversial source will be nuclear power. At Open Mic Science tomorrow evening (September 8th) at the Treehouse Cafe, Dr. John Gilleland will discuss the science and technology of next-generation nuclear power, explain its role in the energy transition, and how new reactor concepts successfully improve safety, prevent weaponization of fuel, simplify waste management, and reduce customer costs.
In 2006 a small gathering of scientists in Bellevue conceived of one of these new reactor concepts. Two years later, a new company named “TerraPower” was founded in 2008 to carry out its development, culminating this year in the start of construction of the first plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. Gilleland will discuss what motivated he and his colleagues to pursue what is now a multibillion-dollar endeavor.
Gilleland is the chief technical officer of TerraPower LLC, a company founded by Bill Gates (chairman), Nathan Myhrvold (vice chairman) and Dr. Gilleland 18 years ago to focus on achieving improved nuclear safety, proliferation resistance, energy security and economic power for all countries. From 2008 to 2015, Dr. Gilleland served as TerraPower’s chief executive officer (CEO). Under his leadership, TerraPower transitioned from an idea to a globally recognized center for innovation and development of new nuclear reactors and other advanced nuclear systems.
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Dr. Gilleland now serves as the company’s technology evangelist, focusing on the long-term product vision and feasibility of TerraPower’s best-known product, the traveling wave reactor. Previously, Dr. Gilleland founded and served as the CEO of Archimedes Technology Group, a company that created and successfully tested new technologies, which can speed weapons waste cleanup and open new non-chemical approaches to commercial spent fuel reprocessing.
As chief scientist and vice president of energy programs at Bechtel Corporation, he was responsible for a large number of advanced energy production and energy distribution system projects. In addition to nuclear programs, he oversaw a number of renewable energy projects that included very large central receiver and photo-voltaic solar projects, large commercial geothermal plants, commercial and demonstration biomass, wind, advanced diesel-solar hybrid arrays and several other exploratory systems.
Energy storage projects included superconducting, battery, hydro-pumped, inertial and compressed air-based systems. Distributed energy projects included commercial scale fuel cell installations, microturbines, and small commercial and home-use solar arrays. Prior to his Bechtel experiences, he served as the U.S. managing director of the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor (ITER) program during its conceptual design phase and senior vice president of General Atomics for fusion development. Dr. Gilleland holds a Bachelor of Science in physics from Yale University and a doctorate in physics from the University of Michigan. He resides in the Redmond area on the Eastside.
“Open Mic Science” invites the community to explore ideas in all aspects of science and technology in an informal, social setting. Talks are held the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Enjoy pizza and beer and stay abreast of current knowledge. Open Mic Science, A Bainbridge Science Café, is based on the principles of Cafe Scientifique and is committed to the public understanding of science.
According to organizers, “Intellectual curiosity is required, but no specific science knowledge is needed to attend.” All talks are Free.
When: 7:00 PM on the 2nd Tuesday of each month (September thru May)
Where: The Treehouse Cafe 4569 Lynwood Center Road NE Bainbridge Island
Backers of Open Mic Science would like to thank Angela Payne and the staff of the Treehouse Café “for hosting the event and providing a space where we can enjoy an excellent meal and beverage.”
Bainbridge Chorale Names Joseph To its new Artistic Director
Joseph To has been named the new Artistic Director for the Bainbridge Chorale!
According to Chorale officials, To brings a solid background of training and experience to the role of Artistic Director and” shares our passion for our mission to make the world a better place through choral music. We are confident that he will guide us into an exciting new chapter — to broaden our musical horizons and help us reach new heights of artistic excellence.”
To is an award-winning conductor and highly accomplished music director who works with several prominent music organizations across the Pacific Northwest, including the Norwegian Ladies Chorus of Seattle, the Magnolia Chorale in Seattle, and the Bainbridge Chorale. He also serves as an orchestra teacher at Washington Middle School in Seattle Public Schools. Holding a master’s degree in conducting and a bachelor’s degree in music education, To brings a deep passion for world music, which informs his artistic vision and leadership.
To has conducted extensive research and delivered engaging presentations on Mandarin and Cantonese choral music, as well as Southeast Asian choral traditions. His work thoughtfully integrates ethnomusicology into secondary music education, helping students and audiences connect with diverse cultural perspectives through music.
In addition to his teaching and conducting roles, To serves as the World Music and Culture Repertoire and Resources Chair for the Washington chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (WAACDA). In recognition of his impactful contributions to the choral community, he was honored with the “Outstanding Emerging Choral Director” award by WAACDA in 2022.
A dedicated advocate for Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in choral music, To is an active presenter at local and regional conferences, where he shares insights on ethnomusicology and inclusive practices. He also serves as an adjudicator for regional and state competitions. Most recently, he was a panelist for “The Future of Choral Leadership,” an open plenary session at the 2024 Chorus America Conference.
Through his leadership, scholarship, and artistry, To continues “to create meaningful, inclusive, and culturally rich musical experiences for communities across the region,” Chorale officials point out.
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