Does strategy matter?
Over the past three years, Sandia developed a strategic direction made up of seven priorities to guide the Labs for the next 20 years. Each priority has a team behind it, working to implement the strategy. The teams have brought these priorities to life and achieved significant accomplishments in each of the seven areas.
DNA science reveals hidden family connection
Sandia scientist Don Bender got the surprise of his life when he took a commercial DNA test last year and learned that he had a sister. Don and his sister met and learned that they had many similarities, including both earning science degrees from MIT.
Sandia teaches undergrads a lesson or two about cybersecurity
Hundreds of cybersecurity professionals and college students gathered around the country Nov. 16 for a day of cyber wargames. The event, DOE’s roughly annual CyberForce Competition, was created to teach and inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by giving them an opportunity to apply their skills against realistic problems. In its second year as host, Sandia worked with 10 teams in this year's event.
Tracy Vogler named APS Fellow
Tracy Vogler has been elected Fellow of the American Physical Society by the organization’s Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter. He was recognized for “landmark contributions to the basic understanding of shock propagation in metals, ceramics and granular materials; for sustained service to the APS Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter; and for leadership in the science community.”
Two Sandians honored at annual SWE awards
Sandia scientists Blythe Clark and Karen Devine were honored at the 2019 Society of Women Engineers awards ceremony in Anaheim, California. The annual event recognizes “the successes of individuals who enhance the engineering profession and advocate for women in engineering through contributions to industry, education and the community.”
State of the Labs
Labs Director Steve Younger gave his annual State of the Labs address on Oct. 30, encouraging Sandians to pause and think about what we’ve accomplished and where Sandia is headed. He described numerous accomplishments and praised Labs employees for taking intellectual leadership in defining the future of nuclear deterrence.
Internships fuel research for Puerto Rico engineering students
The NNSA-sponsored Consortium for Integrating Energy Systems in Engineering and Science Education internship program connects engineering students from five Hispanic-serving institutions, including UPRM, with research at Sandia and the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, West Virginia.
Building a medical-isotope producing reactor
Eden Radioisotopes LLC, a New Mexico company, secured funding this year and located 240 acres of land in the southeastern corner of the state to build a small reactor that exclusively will produce medical isotopes. The concept was developed and licensed by Sandia, and the effort, in partnership with Eden, earned a regional Excellence in Technology Transfer Award from the Federal Laboratory Consortium.
Congressman Swalwell visits Sandia/California
Rep. Eric Swalwell, Calif., visited Sandia/California on Nov. 4, where he met with Andy McIlroy, associate labs director for Integrated Security Solutions, and received briefings on a variety of topics.
‘I do have a place’
Sherralyn Sneezer is one of four students who interned at Sandia this summer through the DOE Indian Energy Internship Program. As we observe Native American Heritage Month this November, the Lab News spoke with Sherry about her experience at Sandia and her plans for the future.