News>Air Force Research Laboratory engineer receives Harold Brown Award
Photos
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley (left) presents the 2010 Harold Brown Award to Dr. Candace Lynch (right) during a ceremony in the Pentagon on Dec. 15, 2010. The award was named after Harold Brown who served as Secretary of the Air Force from 1965-1969. Dr. Lynch is the first female recipient of the award since its inception in 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley presents the 2010 Harold Brown Award to Dr. Candace Lynch during a ceremony in the Pentagon Dec. 15, 2010. The award was named for Harold Brown, a physicist who served as secretary of the Air Force from 1965 to1969. Dr. Lynch is the first female recipient of the award since its inception in 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)
Dr. Candace Lynch gives her remarks after she was presented the 2010 Harold Brown Award by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley during a ceremony in the Pentagon Dec. 15, 2010. The award was named for Harold Brown, a physicist who served as secretary of the Air Force from 1965 to1969. Dr. Lynch is the first female recipient of the award since its inception in 1969. (U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi)
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
12/15/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- A senior scientist from Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., received the 2010 Harold Brown Award Dec. 15 for her breakthrough research in pioneering new infrared technology that will augment aircraft defense and impact numerous Defense Department systems .
Dr. Candace Lynch strengthened aircraft protection from heat-seeking missiles by developing counter-measure device technology involving laser material, specifically with the growth of orientation-patterned gallium arsenide.
The research physicist extended her technology to generate terahertz sources used in future imaging systems that enable the warfighter to see through brown-out conditions during helicopter landings or to image concealed weapons through clothing.
"Dr. Lynch's technology breakthrough is not only a national asset, but a testament to her dedication to science with a focus on national security," said Dr. David Jerome, the director of the sensors directorate in the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Dr. Lynch's efforts as part of the sensors directorate supported the science and technology necessary for superior U.S. air and space systems in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, precision engagement and electronic warfare, Dr. Jerome said.
Having published more than 20 journal articles and eight conference presentations, Dr. Lynch received her Bachelor of Science from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., and her doctorate of philosophy from Brown University in Providence, R.I.
The Harold Brown Award recognizes significant achievement in research and development that led to or demonstrated promise of a substantial improvement in operational effectiveness of the U.S. Air Force. The award's namesake was a physicist who served as Air Force secretary from 1965 to 1969 and as Defense secretary from 1977 to 1981. Dr. Lynch is the first female recipient of the award since the program began in 1969.
