January 09 Issue - Employee Monthly Magazine
Meet the Laboratory's newest Fellows
New Laboratory Fellows, from left to right, Kurt Sickafus, Robert Albers, and Paul A. Johnson share thoughts on their latest honor. Photo by LeRoy N. Sanchez
Three researchers recently were selected as 2008 Laboratory Fellows. Designation as a Laboratory Fellow is recognition of sustained outstanding scientific contributions and exceptional promise for continued professional achievement.
Robert Albers, Paul A. Johnson, and Kurt Sickafus received the honor. The designees come from a variety of scientific disciplines and have sustained high-level achievement important to the Laboratory, become recognized authorities in their fields, and made important discoveries used or cited by peers inside and outside of the Laboratory.
Fellows play a continuing role in helping maintain the scientific excellence of the Laboratory. Fellows often are asked by the Laboratory director to assess issues and provide advice. As recognized leaders, Fellows are advocates for the continuing conduct of science at the Laboratory.
Robert Albers
Laboratory Fellow Robert Albers of the Theoretical Division is an American Physical Society Fellow and expert on the role of electronic structure on the physical properties of complex materials.
"It is very satisfying to be awarded this great honor," said Albers. "I am very happy that I have been able to repay the wonderful scientific environment and the nurturing that I have received at Los Alamos with some accomplishments of my own."
Albers, who lives in Santa Fe, attributes his success in part to the people he drives to work with. "For the last 30 years, I have been in the same carpool," he said. "All of the other staff members in the carpool are Laboratory Fellows. I guess it helps to hang around good company!"
Albers came to Los Alamos in 1977 as the very first postdoc in the then newly created Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics group (T-11), after having received a bachelor of science degree in physics from the University of Santa Clara and master's and doctoral degrees in physics from Cornell University.
Harold Agnew was Lab director then, he said. "Agnew was deeply committed to science and to the Laboratory," Albers explained. "I remember meeting him at a reception that was held for new postdocs at the Laboratory - Agnew always made a point of meeting the new postdocs - where the most amazing tamales were served. Agnew had a deep and intimate knowledge of Northern New Mexico cuisine."
Paul A. Johnson
Paul Johnson of the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division said that never in his wildest dreams did he imagine being named a Laboratory Fellow.
"I'm speechless," Johnson said. "It means so much to be in the company of those I follow into this position, people for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration. I am in the company of scientific giants."
Johnson, who has been with the Laboratory for more than 25 years, pioneered a new field of research: nonlinear, nonequilibrium dynamics. His discovery has implications for geophysics, nondestructive evaluation of materials, seismology, and medical diagnostics.
Johnson also is known for his research in seismology, where he studies earthquakes. He has worked on strong ground motion, as well as contributed to programs that monitor for potential nuclear explosions. His work also is leading to possible development of new diagnostic tools for osteoporosis. Johnson's published papers have been cited nearly 1,200 times.
Johnson grew up in Los Alamos and holds a bachelor of science degree in geology from the University of New Mexico, a master's degree in geophysics from the University of Arizona, and a doctorate in physical acoustics from the UniversitŽ Pierre et Marie Curie at the Sorbonne, Paris.
"After many travels, I realized that New Mexico was a compelling place to live and work," he said. "Los Alamos National Laboratory is highly respected worldwide. It is truly unique with amazing talent and resources."
Kurt Sickafus
New Laboratory Fellow Kurt Sickafus of the Materials Science and Technology Division is an expert in electron microscopy and in understanding the effects of radiation on solid materials.
Sickafus said that being named a Laboratory Fellow also has brought recognition to his team. "My close colleagues, James Valdez and Blas Uberuaga, and I have experienced many years of modest funding, so it is particularly satisfying to be acknowledged for our achievements," he said. "We are particularly indebted to the Department of Energy Office of Basic Energy Sciences and to John Sarrao, the Laboratory liaison, for keeping us going for more than 20 years."
Sickafus holds bachelor's degrees in physics and mathematics from Ohio Wesleyan University and master's and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering from Cornell University.
"The Laboratory has been very good to me throughout my career," said Sickafus, who joined the Laboratory 20 years ago and who also is a Los Alamos Fellows' Prize recipient. "I have greatly enjoyed the academic freedom that LANL offers to its staff to chase their science and their dreams as they see fit."
Sickafus also enjoys pursuing his hobbies, which include bird watching, horseback riding, spending time with his five dogs, and playing basketball. "My noontime basketball buddies are responsible for keeping me sane over all of these years," he said. "We have more fun than anyone can imagine, though I have a reputation for fouling more than I score."
—Tatjana K. Rosev
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