Blog

NNSA Defense Programs Spotlight (AANHPI Month Edition): Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita

Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita shares his story as a Japanese-American physicist working as an NNSA Graduate Fellow.

National Nuclear Security Administration

May 25, 2023
minute read time
Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita
Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita

How do you support NNSA?

I am currently an NNSA Graduate Fellow in the Office of Advanced Simulation and Computing and Institutional Research and Development. I assist our office’s staff in oversight, management, and support of the computational capabilities at the national laboratories.

 

What is your personal or cultural background, and how has that shaped you and your approach to your career?

My parents immigrated from Japan to the United States in 1992. They were looking for a brighter future for their family. I grew up in New York in both Queens and eastern Long Island.

 

What led you to a career in nuclear security?

My academic background is in theoretical condensed matter physics. I became a physicist to study nuclear fusion but was unable to pursue this in my education. Upon completing my formal education, I wanted to be in a role where I would be able to translate technical, abstract details between a variety of stakeholders and external audiences. I was fortunate to have found the NGFP Program on a lucky web search.

 

What’s one of your favorite things about working at NNSA?

One of my favorite things about working at NNSA is the people. They have been very supportive about discussing my desire for growth and career intentions, in addition to connecting me with resources for professional development.

 

What are the characteristics of the best teams you have been part of?

The characteristics of the best teams include regular communication, openness to feedback, a caring community, and accessibility to mentorship opportunities. It is nice to be a part of a team that wants to hear your ideas, consider them critically, and respects your value as a member.

 

What advice would you have for anyone interested in a career in nuclear security?

I would say just to be open and clear about what you want. It is underrated to know what you want and plan ahead. In addition, be humble, ask for help whenever you come across anything difficult, and trust the process, as it may just be out of the blue that someone presents you with an idea that could change your life for the better.

Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita
Dr. Ryuhei "Ron" Koshita

How will you celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month?

I will strive to learn more about our history regularly and make more efforts to let our community contributions be known.

 

What leader or cultural figure would you like to recognize this month?

This month, I would like to recognize Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, the legendary "First Lady of Physics,” the Chinese-American experimental particle physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project and earned the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics for her work in the Wu experiment that proved that parity is not conserved. Her life of advocacy in the late 20th century and her legacy as a pioneer in the field of particle physics are truly admirable.

 

Tell us something interesting about yourself. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising regularly, walking and hiking long distances, learning new skills (such as languages and cooking/baking), exploring other cultures, and going out to meet with friends and new people.

Tags:
  • Nuclear Security
  • Careers
  • National Labs
  • Energy Workforce
  • Particle/High Energy Physics