Stephanie Hansen has been elected Fellow of the American Physical Society by its Division of Plasma Physics.

Stephanie studies the behavior of atoms in plasmas relevant to astrophysics and fusion science. She was recognized for contributions to the fundamental modeling of nonequilibrium atoms and radiation in extreme environments, and for using spectroscopic analysis to increase understanding of diverse laboratory and astrophysical plasmas.

“This honor is absolutely a credit to the encouraging environment and technical excellence of the Labs,” Stephanie said.

A Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff at Sandia, Stephanie is author or co-author on more than 150 scientific papers, has been awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, and is the recipient of a DOE Early Career award. She is also the chair of the APS-DPP committee Women in Plasma Physics, which works to address challenges for women in a field where they make up less than 10% of the workforce.

Fellowship signifies recognition by one’s professional peers to members who make advances in physics through original research and publication, or significant innovative contributions in the application of physics to science and technology.

The fellowship was awarded at the APS-DPP yearly meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, at the end of October.