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00:00:00 – 01:02:16
This video follows the remarkable life journey of Nerses Krikorian, tracing his path from his birth in Harput, Turkey, escaping genocide, and resettling in Niagara Falls, New York. Emphasizing education, Krikorian's parents influenced his pursuit of higher learning, eventually leading him to significant contributions in aerospace and nuclear research, particularly at Union Carbide Research Laboratories and Los Alamos. He discusses technical challenges in handling hazardous materials, safety protocols, and the pivotal role of European scientists such as Hans Bethe and Edward Teller in shaping wartime efforts.
Reflecting on personal and professional responsibilities, Krikorian underscores the influence of his cultural heritage and experiences as an immigrant. His narrative features key moments, like assisting the State Department in international nuclear discussions, where his Armenian heritage unexpectedly facilitated diplomatic relations. He shares anecdotes about navigating professional challenges and the multicultural, cooperative environment at Los Alamos, stressing the importance of leadership in global nuclear safety.
Moreover, Krikorian recounts how his temporary assignment in the Southwest turned into a long-term commitment, resulting in profound community involvement and contributions to the Los Alamos charter. Despite evolving challenges, the collaborative spirit at Los Alamos is highlighted, showcasing the diverse team’s ability to create lasting institutional frameworks. Through personal stories and professional milestones, the video encapsulates Krikorian's contributions to science, community, and international relations, illustrating a life dedicated to resilience, learning, and collaboration.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, Nerses Krikorian discusses his extraordinary life journey starting with his birth in Harput, Turkey, in 1921 and his family’s escape from the genocide through a series of near-miraculous events. His family eventually settled in Niagara Falls, New York, among a diverse immigrant community. Encouraged by his parents, Krikorian pursued higher education at Niagara University and ended up working at Union Carbide Research Laboratories. There, he contributed to producing high-purity uranium for the Manhattan Project. He details collaborations with colleagues and describes the technical challenges and learning experiences at Los Alamos, emphasizing the importance of security and the multicultural team of scientists and engineers involved in the wartime efforts.
00:10:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses his experience handling polonium-beryllium initiators, emphasizing the transition from working with kilogram to microgram quantities and the importance of careful handling despite radiation fears. He reflects on safety and security protocols, and marvels at how they managed to survive and succeed amidst unknowns. The discussion shifts to his personal history, revealing his immigration to the United States at age four, the role of his parents in shaping his education and cultural identity, and the value of knowing Armenian language and heritage. The speaker credits his parents for his upbringing in a diverse, poor neighborhood and their insistence on education despite their limited English. He notes how his background played a role in his professional life at Los Alamos, where he contributed to significant projects like Project Rover, advancing high-temperature chemistry and material science research.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on their early career experiences and the significant responsibilities they held at a young age, such as dealing with high-level executives despite being in their mid-twenties. The speaker also highlights the contributions of European scientists who immigrated to the U.S. due to World War II, citing key figures like Hans Bethe, Edward Teller, and John von Neumann. Additionally, the speaker shares personal anecdotes about helping their immigrant family navigate complex processes like acquiring a mortgage, emphasizing the challenges and cultural responsibilities of being the eldest son in an Armenian family. The segment underscores both professional achievements in the scientific community and personal growth through familial duties.
00:30:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker shares experiences with the State Department, highlighting the unique utilization of foreign-born individuals fluent in foreign languages. The speaker recounts the exceptional circumstances of participating in high-level discussions with the Armenian government on nuclear nonproliferation and export control without a translator. A specific event is detailed where, in 1991, the speaker and a colleague experienced an unplanned, arduous train journey from Moscow to Sverdlovsk (now Yekaterinburg), navigating severe cold and logistical challenges. Despite obstacles, these interactions facilitated better mutual understanding and opened the doors to ongoing cooperative activities. The discussion emphasizes that while the approach was informal and trust-based at the time, it paved the way for more respectful and tolerant international relations.
00:40:00
In this part of the video, the speaker recounts an interaction with a colleague named Harold, who was known for his blunt and direct manner. Harold advised the speaker not to include a certain individual in their team, emphasizing his judgmental nature. The speaker shares an anecdote illustrating Harold’s straightforward approach to feedback and praise. Harold’s contributions significantly expanded the lab’s focus on national security and strategic analysis. The speaker also reflects on the complexity of modern nuclear issues compared to the past and the importance of leadership in maintaining global nuclear safety and security. The segment concludes with a personal story about the speaker’s initial experience traveling to Los Alamos, highlighting a humorous mishap during the journey.
00:50:00
In this part of the video, Krikorian reflects on his extended stay in the Southwest, which was originally intended to be a short one-year trip for professional reasons. He shares how his life evolved unexpectedly as he met his wife, had children, and began to appreciate the local culture and history. Krikorian discusses his significant involvement in the community, highlighting his role in helping to write the charter that governs Los Alamos. He emphasizes the uniqueness of being a foreign-born American contributing to such an important civic task. He recounts the collaborative and sometimes humorous interactions with other team members, illustrating the camaraderie and dedication involved in the process.
01:00:00
In this part of the video, the speaker reflects on the camaraderie and collaborative spirit at Los Alamos, highlighting a humorous anecdote about following a Jew all his life. Despite controversial moments, the diverse group, including Democrats, Republicans, and various professionals, managed to work together effectively. Their combined efforts resulted in a durable charter that, although often rewritten, still holds its original intent. The speaker notes that while some attempts to rewrite the charter haven’t necessarily improved it, the environment remains conducive to addressing ongoing issues like recent problems with the sheriff’s office.