A material benefit to society
Sandia senior scientist Tina Nenoff, a perennial inventor of advanced materials, has been elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Tina was bestowed the honor by her peers “for outstanding accomplishments in nanoporous materials and technology through research and group effort leadership, particularly in ion and gas separations for energy and environmental applications.”
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.
Quantum Information Edge
The Quantum Information Edge, a nationwide alliance of national laboratories and universities, has launched to maintain U.S. leadership in next-generation information technology and advance the frontiers of quantum computing systems, which have the potential to make calculations that are far beyond the reach of today’s computers.
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.”
New wind technology breathes life into turbine siting
Sandia researchers Chris Kelley and David Maniaci and former Sandian Brian R. Resor have developed a wind turbine blade design that would allow for the closer placement of turbines, thanks to a faster dissipating wake.
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.
Power plants get watered down
Electricity production is one of the industries that uses the most water in the country each day. Sandia researchers are helping the largest power plant in the U.S. identify the most efficient and cost-effective strategies to reduce water use. They have developed a first-of-its-kind comprehensive system dynamics analysis that can show power plants which wet cooling systems can save them money.