Head of Laser Firm Picked for Energy Research Job

LWERMORE, CALIF.—The Reagan administration once again has reached into industry to fill a key science policy position with the nomination of Robert 0. Hunter Jr. to head the Energy Department's Office of Energy Research. President Reagan announced June 23 that he will nominate Hunter for the position, which oversees $2 billion worth of energy research programs. The Senate, which must confirm the appointment, will set a date for hearings once the nomination is officially submitted. Hunter

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President Reagan announced June 23 that he will nominate Hunter for the position, which oversees $2 billion worth of energy research programs. The Senate, which must confirm the appointment, will set a date for hearings once the nomination is officially submitted. Hunter will replace Alvin W. Trivelpiece, who left in April after six years to become executive officer of the American Assocation for the Advancement of Science.

Hunter, 40, has been president of Western Research Corp., a defense contractor in San Diego specializing in laser technologies that he helped to start in 1978. He received a Ph.D. in physics in 1981 from the University of California at Irvine.

From 1982 to 1984 Hunter served on the White House Science Council, and last year was considered a top contender for the position of presidential science adviser, for which William R. Graham was selected.

Hunter, in Washington late last month for a ...

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