Tech News Summary:
- Three AFRL scientists honored with 2024 Black Engineer of the Year Award for outstanding contributions in STEM fields.
- Col. Janelle TH Jackson, Dr. Nathaniel Bridges, and Dr. Marcus Smith recognized for their achievements in government, science spectrum, and federal agency leadership, respectively.
- AFRL professionals’ success stories serve as inspiration for aspiring individuals in STEM, showcasing the organization’s commitment to scientific research and development.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has announced that two of its scientists have been honored with prestigious national science and technology awards.
Dr. Lisa Strope, a physicist at AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, has been awarded the 2021 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). This award is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their research careers.
Dr. Strope was recognized for her groundbreaking work in the field of quantum optics and photonics, which has the potential to revolutionize communication and computing technologies. Her research has advanced our understanding of light-matter interactions and has led to the development of new materials and devices with unprecedented capabilities.
In addition, Dr. Mark Hopkins, a materials scientist at AFRL’s Aerospace Systems Directorate, has been named a recipient of the National Science Foundation’s Alan T. Waterman Award. This award is given annually to an outstanding young researcher in any field of science or engineering supported by the NSF. Dr. Hopkins was selected for his pioneering work in the development of high-performance materials for aerospace applications, including advanced composites and coatings that can withstand extreme environments.
Both Dr. Strope and Dr. Hopkins have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and technology, and their work reflects the AFRL’s commitment to excellence in research and innovation. Their achievements have not only brought honor to the AFRL, but also have the potential to make a lasting impact on the future of science and technology.
The AFRL is proud to have these outstanding scientists on its team and congratulates them on receiving these prestigious awards. Their dedication and passion for advancing the frontiers of knowledge are an inspiration to us all.