Mark D. Peters

Dr. Mark Peters is the Deputy Laboratory Director for Programs at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). He is responsible for the management and integration of the Laboratory's science and technology portfolio, strategic planning, Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program, and technology transfer. Dr. Peters also serves as a senior advisor to the Department of Energy on nuclear energy technologies and research and development programs, and nuclear waste policy. As a recognized expert in nuclear fuel cycle technologies and nuclear waste management, Dr. Peters is called upon frequently to provide expert testimony to Congress and to advise in formulation of policies for nuclear fuel cycles, nonproliferation, and nuclear waste disposal.

Professional History

Previously, Dr. Peters served as the Deputy Associate Laboratory Director for the Energy Sciences and Engineering Directorate at Argonne and managed the integration of the Laboratory's extensive energy-related research and development portfolio. Dr. Peters was also responsible for the development of new program opportunities at the Laboratory, particularly in the areas of energy storage, nuclear energy, nuclear safety, and waste management. He served as an expert advisor to the DOE Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) and as the AFCI National Campaign Director for Waste Forms and Used Fuel Disposition.

As a scientist with Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, Dr. Peters served as the senior scientist to the Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM), and was the external spokesman for the OCRWM science and technology programs. Dr. Peters was widely recognized for his efforts in addressing and resolving sensitive policy and technical issues on used fuel disposition. He led many interactions with independent technical, oversight, and regulatory bodies, and was commended by the OCRWM Director for his efforts. In a prior position, Dr. Peters was with Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he managed the science and engineering testing program at the Yucca Mountain Project.

Before joining Los Alamos National Laboratory, Dr. Peters was a research fellow in geochemistry at the California Institute of Technology where his research focused on trace-element geochemistry. He has authored over 60 scientific publications, and is a recognized expert at national and international meetings.

Dr. Peters holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Northwestern University. Dr. Peters serves also on several advisory boards and councils, including several that support innovation and economic development for the State of Illinois, greater Chicago area, and U.S. industry. These include the Illinois Smart Grid Advisory Council and Harman's Innovation Advisory Council. Dr. Peters is an active member of professional organizations including the Geological Society of America, where he served as a member of the Committee on Geology and Public Policy. In addition, he is a member of the American Geophysical Union, the Geochemical Society, the Mineralogical Society of America, and the American Nuclear Society (ANS). He serves on the ANS' Public Policy Committee and also served on the Executive Committee of the ANS' Fuel Cycle and Waste Management Division. His professional achievements have resulted in his election to Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, as well as Sigma Gamma Epsilon, the Earth Sciences Honorary Society.

Education

Dr. Peters received his Ph.D. in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago, his B.S. in Geology from Auburn University, and an executive MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.