Aiken, SC (04/12/2023) — The University of South Carolina Aiken (USC Aiken) is proud to announce Dr. Vahid Majidi, president of Battelle Savannah River Alliance LLC (BSRA) and director of Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), as the speaker for the university's commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3. Majidi also will receive an honorary doctorate as part of the ceremony.
"Dr. Vahid Majidi's career is an inspiration to us all," said USC Aiken Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann. "He has dedicated his life to protecting our country, and his work has had a profound impact on our national security and on our community. We are honored to award him an honorary doctorate and have him as our commencement speaker."
In his role at SRNL, Majidi oversees 1,200 employees who conduct research and development for diverse federal agencies in the areas of environment, nuclear security, energy, and manufacturing initiatives. At BSRA, he facilitates the provision of world-class expertise in laboratory management, nuclear operations, and scientific research to advance operational process improvement and culture change.
Majidi is a decorated former member of the senior executive service with direct reporting responsibilities to the U.S. Secretary of Defense, U.S. Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
He also served as former deputy assistant secretary of defense for nuclear matters; assistant director for the FBI weapons of mass destruction; chief science advisor to the Department of Justice, chemistry division leader at Los Alamos National Laboratory; and associate professor of chemistry at the University of Kentucky.
"I am humbled and honored to receive this recognition from the University of South Carolina Aiken," said Majidi. "As someone who has dedicated his life to national security and intelligence, I understand the importance of education and how it can shape one's life. I am excited to share my experiences with the graduates and inspire them to achieve great things in their own lives."
Majidi has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of chemistry, measurement science and technology, national and homeland security, science and technology policy, and nuclear nonproliferation.
He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to the field, including the Department of Defense's Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service, and the Presidential Rank Award from the White House. He also was named Laboratory Director of the Year.
Majidi received his doctorate in chemistry from Wayne State University and his bachelor's in chemistry from Eastern Michigan University.
"We look forward to Vahid's commencement speech, which is sure to inspire and motivate the graduating class of 2023," Heimmermann added.
