Archive for September, 2017

The Carnegie Foundation announced the awarding of 8 new grants to advance the field’s understanding of technology-driven challenges. 

One award went to a partnership between the University of California, Berkeley, and Sandia National Laboratory. NSSC Nuclear Security Policy Focus Area Lead, Prof. Michael Nacht will serve as the Principal Investigator. This research project will analyze the implications of using low-yield nuclear weapons through serious games that force national experts and university students to confront escalation dilemmas.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies, Inc., Washington, D.C. received funding to bring current and rising nuclear experts together to examine how recent advances in computer platforms, sensors and networks could affect situational awareness of decision-makers during crises between nuclear-armed states. The Nuclear Policy Working Group will be collaborating with CSIS for this project.

The College of Chemistry welcomes chemistry professor John Arnold as the new Undergraduate Dean. His appointment begins July 1, 2017. Arnold brings to this position a strong record of teaching and mentoring and a proven dedication to our students, and will build upon the tradition of personalized advising within the college.

Arnold, whose research specialty is inorganic synthesis, brings to his new position many semesters of experience teaching the college’s introductory chemistry courses. He also serves as the Nuclear Chemistry and Forensics Focus Area Co-Lead for NSSC.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Jill Hruby Fellowship in National Security Science and Engineering. The Hruby Fellowship is one of Sandia National Laboratories’ most prestigious postdoctoral fellowships. This fellowship aims to develop women in the engineering and science fields who are interested in technical leadership careers in national security. Jill Hruby is the first woman to have been appointed director of a large, multidisciplinary national security laboratory and has been a driving force for other women at Sandia and across the country to follow careers in technical leadership.

Jill Hruby Fellows have the opportunity to pursue independent research that supports Sandia’s purpose: to develop advanced technologies to ensure global peace. In addition to receiving technical mentorship, Jill Hruby Fellows participate in a unique, prestigious leadership development program. To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must display excellent abilities in scientific and/or engineering research and show clear promise of becoming outstanding leaders. Fellows may work at either of Sandia’s principal locations in New Mexico and California. All qualified applicants will be considered for this fellowship.