Sandia researchers have discovered a mechanism to “switch on” iron residing in clay mineral structures, leading to an understanding of how to make iron reactive under oxygen-free conditions. This research will help scientists understand and predict how contaminants move through the environment and enter waterways.
Laboratories Director Steve Younger and Chief Research Officer Susan Seestrom took the stage at the Steve Schiff Auditorium Aug. 26 to discuss “discovery science” and what it means for Sandia. The talk was the latest installment of the New Research Ideas Forum.
Sandia’s Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Laboratory is in the final phase of a collaborative research project with Nishati, a veteran-run manufacturer of light-weight, portable photovoltaic panels. The collaboration will shift to the PV proving grounds project at the end of the fiscal year.
An early milestone for developing missile technologies is to show they can work in computer simulations or large-scale field tests that shake and spin components without falling to pieces. Now, HOT SHOT sounding rocket data analysis has revealed a way to improve these tests, providing an earlier, more accurate indicator of whether an experimental technology will ultimately succeed in flight.
Sandia's Strategic Priority No. 5 is seeking new pathfinder systems to address threats. The goal of this strategic priority is to think beyond Sandia’s traditional boundaries, taking advantage of the Labs' technical depth and breadth across multiple disciplines. Inventing and demonstrating these systems are important steps toward creating the future at Sandia.
Sandia researchers, as part of a group of NNSA scientists, have wrapped up years of field experiments to improve the United States’ ability to differentiate earthquakes from underground explosions, key knowledge needed to advance the nation’s monitoring and verification capabilities for detecting underground nuclear explosions.
The Project on Nuclear Issues conducted one of its four annual conferences at Sandia’s Center for Global Security and Cooperation on July 9-10.
Strategic Priority No. 4: Closing the gaps in threat detection capabilities
Demand for cybersecurity specialists is growing rapidly. As one part of an initiative to help address the growing need for cybersecurity specialists, DOE developed the Consortium Enabling Cybersecurity Opportunities & Research, or CECOR, to create educational opportunities in technical areas for minority youths.
Not so long ago, Dori Ellis’ distinguished career at Sandia seemed over. Then new adventures came her way — and brought her back. Now she's been named Sandia's deputy labs director and she's looking forward to the road ahead.