AFRL researchers recognized for STEM contributions

  • Published
  • By Tiffany A. Ferrell
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) --  Five Air Force Research Laboratory researchers were recently honored for their efforts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Air Force STEM Awards recognize scientists and engineers who make noteworthy contributions to technology and engineering, solving technical problems in development, sustainment, testing, training or advancement of Air Force systems.

In response to announcement of the awards, Maj. Gen. Thomas Masiello, the AFRL commander, said, "We are proud to see these exceptional individuals, whose continual efforts in the lab provide innovative contributions to our warfighting technologies, be recognized among their peers on a national level for their achievements in STEM research."

The 2015 STEM Award winners are:

-- Maj. Lorraine M. Walowsky, whose work as the chief of rapid technology integration within the AFRL Sensors Directorate earned her the Air Force Outstanding Scientist Award in the Senior Military category.

-- Capt. Donald A. Barrett is presented the Dr. Paul G. Kaminski Most Promising Systems Engineer of the Year Award for his efforts in leading multiple successful demonstration programs, including: Blue Devil, Blue Guardian, and Project SHEPHERD.

-- Todd R. Jenkins who leads various teams of engineers in developing sensor data exploitation technologies is being honored with the Air Force Outstanding Scientist Award in the category of Research Management.

-- Dr. Juan R. Vasquez takes the Air Force Science and Engineering Award in Engineering Achievement for his contributions in target detection and tracking for the Layering Sensing Exploitation Division of the Sensors Directorate.

-- Jamie L. Hoff, assigned to the AFRL Materials & Manufacturing Directorate, whose leadership in the strategy, planning, and execution of the Air Force ManTech Transparent Ceramics roadmap, along with several other successful materials and manufacturing programs, earns him the Air Force Manufacturing Technology Award.