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Congressman Markey visits Plasma Science and Fusion Center

Lawmaker observes experiments under way at campus facility
Representative Edward J. Markey (far right) views a monitor recording the interior of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, in anticipation of the next plasma shot. Accompanying him are MIT alumus Reiner Beeuwkes and his wife, Nancy; Congressional Aide Sarah Butler; PSFC Director Miklos Porkolab and Senior Research Scientist Martin Greenwald. Nuclear science and engineering graduate student Matt Reinke (seat...
Caption:
Representative Edward J. Markey (far right) views a monitor recording the interior of the Alcator C-Mod tokamak, in anticipation of the next plasma shot. Accompanying him are MIT alumus Reiner Beeuwkes and his wife, Nancy; Congressional Aide Sarah Butler; PSFC Director Miklos Porkolab and Senior Research Scientist Martin Greenwald. Nuclear science and engineering graduate student Matt Reinke (seated) was running the experiment that day.

Congressman Edward J. Markey toured the Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) on Feb. 5. Led by PSFC Director Miklos Porkolab and Alcator Project Head Earl Marmar, the representative of Massachusetts' seventh district was able to view the Alcator C-Mod tokamak and observe experiments being performed from the control room.

As chairman of the Energy and Environment Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Congressman Markey was open to learning about fusion’s potential as a future source of clean energy. The congressman also had time to see the Levitated Dipole Experiment, a new approach to magnetic fusion. The Congressman’s tour was arranged with the assistance of MIT alumnus Reiner Beeuwkes ’67.

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