Q&A with the ALD: Looking into Associate Labs Director Dori Ellis’ crystal ball

Jules Bernstein recently caught up with Associate Labs Director Dori Ellis to get her thoughts on where Division 8000 has been in the last year and where it’s going. Dori reflected on the first year of NTESS management, expected growth at the California site and aspects of Sandia culture she’d like to preserve.

Researchers discover new source of formic acid over Pacific, Indian oceans

Insights from experiments at Sandia designed to push chemical systems far from equilibrium have led an international group of researchers to discover a new major source of formic acid over the Pacific and Indian oceans.

Cutting it short

Diseases currently considered incurable could one day be eliminated with a single injection. New gene-editing technologies can cut disease out of a person’s DNA, but they aren’t safe to leave in the body for long, so Sandia scientists have developed a test to quickly, accurately and simultaneously screen thousands of molecules for their ability to shut down DNA-cutting proteins.

From concept to commercialization: 40 years of concentrating solar power research Researchers, industry gather for celebration

To mark the National Solar Thermal Test Facility’s 40th anniversary in July, present and past Sandia staff and managers, industry leaders and government representatives came together for a day of talks and tours focused on the history of the facility, its contributions to solar energy and other fields and the current research outlook.

Keeping perspective during a long recovery

Sean Dunagan knows firsthand how to bring a major project back online after a three-year shutdown. Following the February 2014 events that closed the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico, he was the senior WIPP recovery manager at DOE. Now back in Sandia’s employ, Sean manages special projects and remote site support for the Labs’ Carlsbad office.

Sandia engineer receives top honor

Sandia researcher Brandon Heimer has been selected to participate in the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) 24th annual U.S. Frontiers of Engineering symposium. The academy called Brandon one of 84 of the nation’s “top-notch” engineers performing exceptional engineering research and technical work in a variety of disciplines.

Operation Backpack expands reach to Moffett Air National Guard

For the fifth year, Sandia/California has rallied to give children of local military families a stellar start to the school year. The Operation Backpack team initially aimed to collect 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. By the end of the campaign, Sandia had far surpassed that number, collecting backpacks and supplies for 202 students.

Florida gator savors watermelon

Sandia has a special allure for manager and University of Florida alumnus Marie Kane. The national security mission, engaging work, friendly culture and excellent work/life balance are all factors that brought Kane not once, but twice to Sandia’s door.