Sandia scientists recognized by science, engineer society
The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers has recognized two Sandia National Laboratories scientists for years of leadership and accomplishments.
Patrick Feng, a materials scientist, received the Professional Achievement Award, 10-plus years, for his work developing radiationdetection materials. He’s been a part of early-stage research and development and the commercialization of devices used to detect radiation, particularly neutron and gamma-rays. His work has resulted in 10 U.S. patents.
Feng leads a team of 15 technical staff members and mentors, undergraduate and graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, according to a Sandia news release.
“When you’re lucky enough to enjoy your work and those you work with, good things happen,” Feng said in a news release. “Developing solutions to complex engineering challenges takes an interdisciplinary team that values everyone’s unique perspective equally. To be recognized by SASE for our great teamwork in solving national security challenges is truly fulfilling.”
Meanwhile, Thushara Gunda, a systems research analyst, earned a Promising Professional Achievement Award, 2-10 years, for her advances in water security, energy resilience and anticipatory science.
Gunda works on analytics for climate and earth sciences and co-leads a multilab effort focused on water-energy information exchanges.
She also mentors early career science, technology, engineering and math students, according to a Sandia news release.
“Having the flexibility and support to explore integrating ideas across disciplines with data helps advance solutions at the nexus of social, environmental and engineering puzzles,” Gunda said in a statement. “This award helps underscore the many creative minds working together on these projects. Being at Sandia truly helped us all connect with each other around a common purpose.”