Laboratory scientists Malcolm J. Andrews and My Hang V. Huynh are recipients of the Department of Energy's E.O. Lawrence Award.
“These brilliant scientists and their varied and important research inspire us,” DOE Secretary Samuel Bodman said. “Their work reminds us of the importance of continued investment in science and the need for increased emphasis on basic research and math and science education programs.”
Andrews is a mechanical engineer and mathematician in Continuum Dynamics (CCS-2) and Neutron Science and Technology (P-23). Named a Los Alamos National Security Fellow in 2005, Andrews is a world-renowned expert on Rayleigh-Taylor mixing and unstable or turbulent fluid flow processes that are critical to the quality of predictions of the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile reliability and thus to the nation's security. He has developed a world-class capability for buoyancy-driven mixing research and is one of the leading individuals in obtaining closure between theory, computation and experiment in this field.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award and would like to acknowledge the support of my family,” said Andrews. “Being at Los Alamos has offered me an exciting opportunity to work with world class Los Alamos researchers on projects of great consequence to our nation’s security.”
My Hang V. Huynh, a chemist in High Explosive Science and Technology (DE-1), is the pioneer for the groundbreaking discovery of Green Primary Explosives to replace mercury and lead primary explosives, which have caused detrimental effects on the environment and humans for nearly 400 years. Her interdisciplinary research has led to the formation of a new series of high-nitrogen transition metal complexes, which are perfect precursors for preparing metallic nanofoams.
Huynh said, “In my scientific work at [the Laboratory], I have always tried to focus on relevant issues of great consequence to human safety and enviromental problems. I am pleased that my work at the High Explosive Science and Technology group has allowed me to have an impact on national security science as well as a potential positive impact on the world's environment. It is truly an honor to be named as one of these select group of award recipients.
The Los Alamos winners join Paul Alivisatos from the University of California at Berkeley, and Moungi Bawendi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, jointly; Arup K. Chakraborty, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Marc Kamionkowski, Caltech, John Zachara, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington; and Steven Zinkle, Oak Ridge National Laboratory as E.O. Lawrence Award recipients. Andrew, Huynh and the other winners will officially receive their awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
“New Mexico is home to some of the most brilliant scientific minds," said U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, R-New Mexico. "During my time as senator, I have worked hard on behalf of the DOE labs so that every American can benefit from such smart and innovative minds. I am especially proud to know that two of my fellow New Mexicans are being recognized for their invaluable contributions to DOE.”
“I congratulate Malcolm Andrews and My Hang Huynh for this well-deserved recognition. Their work is a great example of the outstanding, important contributions being made by scientists, mathematicians and engineers at [Los Alamos National Laboratory,”] U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-New Mexico, said.
The Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award was established in November 1959 in memory of the inventor of the cyclotron to honor exceptional contributions by mid-career scientists involved in research and development that support the Department of Energy and its mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States. The award consists of a gold medal, a citation and an honorarium of $50,000.
More information on the winners and their work is available in a DOE news release or at www.sc.doe.gov/lawrence/ online.
