7 Los Alamos researchers named 2024 Laboratory Fellows

Seven researchers have been named 2024 Los Alamos National Laboratory Fellows: Robert Aikin, Malcolm Boshier, Luis Chacon, Sara Del Valle, Rod Linn, Kevin Mitchell and Cynthia Reichhardt.

"It is an honor to recognize these seven researchers," said Laboratory Director Thom Mason. "Their dedication and lifelong work have helped Los Alamos achieve its mission and improved the scientific community overall; I congratulate them on earning the prestigious rank of Laboratory Fellow.

About the Fellows

Robert Aikin, Malcolm Boshier and Luis Chacon

Robert Aikin, of the Sigma division, has made significant contributions to the field of solidification science and specifically pioneered an integrated experimental and computational approach to applying gravity casting technologies to uranium alloys. His long and productive career has established him as a recognized authority in solidification science and metallurgical processing.

Malcolm Boshier, of the Materials and Physics Applications division, is considered a founder of the field of atomtronics and is a world-leading authority in atomic, molecular and optical physics. Boshier is a recognized international authority on quantum technologies and is regularly sought as a leader on this topic by Laboratory and intelligence community leaders.

Luis Chacon, of the Theoretical division, has made a series of research contributions that have extended the reach of plasma simulations and defined the state of the art in computational plasma physics. He has deployed his methods to further understand important applications such as magnetic reconnection, inertial electrostatic confinement fusion, inertial confinement fusion and magnetic confinement fusion.

Sara Del Valle and Rod Linn

Sara Del Valle, of the Analytics, Intelligence and Technology division, revolutionized infectious disease modeling and forecasting by integrating the impact of human behavior into predictive algorithms - an element previously ignored in epidemiological models. This innovation has significantly improved the accuracy and real-world applicability of disease modeling. Additionally, she pioneered the use of novel data streams, such as internet data, enhancing early detection and response efforts in global disease forecasting.

Rod Linn, of the Earth and Environmental Sciences division, has had a transformative impact on wildland fire science and has made sustained and impactful contributions in weapon effects, wind energy and radioactive waste risk management. His achievements in developing a multi-fidelity suite of coupled wildfire/atmosphere models, including HPC-based research codes and fast-running codes that captured the essential qualities to support prescribed fire practitioners, have led to numerous intergovernmental collaborations.

Kevin Mitchell and Cynthia Reichhardt

Kevin Mitchell, of the Chemistry division, has more than 20 years of experience in remote sensing, specializing in spectral data analysis. From 2012 to 2018, he led the Remote Sensing team in the Chemistry division, building a team known for delivering comprehensive research solutions related to global security issues. Currently, he serves as a senior scientist overseeing remote sensing projects and is recognized for his technical leadership in tradecraft development for the Department of Energy and partner agencies. His current research focuses on applying machine learning to spectral imaging.

Cynthia Reichhardt, of the Theoretical division, has had a major impact in both hard and soft theoretical condensed matter physics and in Los Alamos core programs. She is internationally known for her pioneering work on phase transitions in nonequilibrium systems and has produced a prolific output of high-impact journal publications. She is also a fellow of the American Physical Society, served as Chair of the Topical Group on Statistical and Nonlinear Physics, and was awarded a Los Alamos Fellows' Research Prize.

About the Laboratory Fellows

A Fellow appointment at Los Alamos is an honor bestowed in recognition of outstanding achievement in science and/or engineering, recognizing the full breadth of Laboratory accomplishment from basic research to applied missions. Nominations are assessed on the basis of three criteria:

• Sustained, high-level achievement and/or leadership in advancing science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) or its application.
• One or more STEM discoveries, inventions or breakthrough applications of STEM that have made significant advances to a field of discipline, bringing widespread acceptance and recognition.
• Having become a recognized authority in a field or discipline as evidenced by citations, awards, Fellowships in prestigious societies and/or engagement at the national/international level because of their expertise.

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