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Immersing in Sandia’s mission

BY KENNY VIGIL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025

Sandia hosts Air Force captain for fellowship

LEARNING EXCURSION — Sandia fellow Joshua Widick, left, and Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer visit Sedan Crater during a trip to the Nevada National Security Site. (Photo courtesy of the Nevada National Security Site)
LEARNING EXCURSION — Sandia fellow Joshua Widick, left, and Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer visit Sedan Crater during a trip to the Nevada National Security Site. (Photo courtesy of the Nevada National Security Site)

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick is getting a deep dive into Sandia’s mission as part of the Air Force’s Education with Industry. Joshua, who has more than 19 years of active-duty military experience in intelligence, weapon system maintenance, munition sustainment and explosive safety, is eager to learn and contribute during a 10-month sponsorship by Sandia’s Military Liaison.

HISTORY LESSON — Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer, left, and Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick in front of the Apple 2 House at the Nevada National Security Site. The house is one of the remaining structures constructed in the 1950s to measure the impact of nuclear tests. (Photo courtesy of the Nevada National Security Site)
HISTORY LESSON — Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer, left, and Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick in front of the Apple 2 House at the Nevada National Security Site. The house is one of the remaining structures constructed in the 1950s to measure the impact of nuclear tests. (Photo courtesy of the Nevada National Security Site)

“The nuclear security enterprise might be in a renaissance, and it’s pulling talent from many different places,” Joshua said. “There are a lot of up-and-coming folks in the enterprise and that’s very heartening.”

Joshua is particularly interested in how organizations identify and maintain talent. “I do a lot of talent management, and I try to motivate others to see the bigger picture,” he said.

He finds it fascinating to observe how NNSA design and production agencies contribute to the overall nuclear posture. In the first few months of his fellowship, he has visited the Nevada National Security Site, Savannah River Site and the Kansas City National Security Campus.

“Everywhere I’ve gone, the leadership team wants to share insight and wisdom. They’re really invested in the mentorship aspect. That’s amazing to see,” Joshua said.

Fellowship history

LEARNING THE INS AND OUTS — As part of a fellowship at Sandia, Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick, right, is visiting various locations within the U.S. nuclear security enterprise, including a trip to the Savannah River Site. Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer, left, is Joshua’s sponsor. (Photo courtesy of the Savannah River Site)
LEARNING THE INS AND OUTS — As part of a fellowship at Sandia, Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick, right, is visiting various locations within the U.S. nuclear security enterprise, including a trip to the Savannah River Site. Sandia systems engineer Mark Meyer, left, is Joshua’s sponsor. (Photo courtesy of the Savannah River Site)

This is the fifth year Sandia has sponsored an Education with Industry fellow.

“Joshua has already contributed to all three Military Liaison mission areas of field engineers, technical publications and training,” said Mark Meyer, a systems engineer and Joshua’s Sandia coordinator. “Through this fellowship, Joshua has personally trained over 350 students from all over the U.S. nuclear security enterprise.”

Education with Industry began in 1947, the same year the Air Force was established. The program sends Air Force officers and enlisted personnel on a 10-month career-broadening tour with a selected company to learn cutting-edge technology and innovative management processes. More than 40 companies, including Boeing, Delta Air Lines Inc. and Google, are supporting this year’s class. The students were selected through a highly competitive process.

Relationship-building

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS — Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick is establishing important relationships at Sandia and across the U.S. nuclear security enterprise during a fellowship at the Labs. He says the relationships will help fast-track problem-solving. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Widick)
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS — Air Force Capt. Joshua Widick is establishing important relationships at Sandia and across the U.S. nuclear security enterprise during a fellowship at the Labs. He says the relationships will help fast-track problem-solving. (Photo courtesy of Joshua Widick)

When Joshua completes the fellowship, he anticipates he will become the director of operations for a munitions squadron.

“During my time at Sandia, I have established relationships about who I need to talk to. That’s priceless,” he said. “Communication is more effective when you have relationships and that makes it easier to solve problems.”

Mark has taken notice of Joshua’s outstanding relationship-building skills. “In his short time here, Joshua has used his almost 20 years of experience in the Air Force to leverage professional connections and personal relationships all over the Labs,” he said.

Sandians interested in assisting with Joshua’s training can find his contact information in the Labs’ employee directory.

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