Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff Visits Sandia, Speaks Highly of Labs

Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff visits Sandia, speaks highly of Labs’ antiterrorism technologies ‘We don’t need to reinvent the wheel,’ he says about national labs’ R&D resources By Bill Murphy

Taking up Sen. Pete Domenici’s suggestion that he tour Sandia, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said during a visit to the Labs last Friday that “it turned out to be good advice.” Chertoff spent a half day at the Labs to learn about Sandia’s capabilities, and received briefings on several specific Sandia-developed homeland security technologies and programs. The briefings came from new Labs President and Director Tom Hunter, other members of senior management, and several subject matter experts. Following the briefings, Chertoff, joined by Domenici, Rep. Heather Wilson, and Tom, conducted a half-hour news conference in the Bldg. 810 lobby to talk about the relationship between Sandia and the Department of Homeland Secu- rity. Representatives from most of the Albu- querque news media attended. Chertoff said he was impressed with what he had learned at Sandia and expressed a hope to spend more time at the Labs in the future. “There is a tremendous contribution [to homeland security] to be made here,” he said. He said the energy, the dedication, and the creativity at Sandia “truly are remarkable.” The 21st century challenges in national WELCOME MR. SECRETARY— US Sen. Pete Domenici, left, praises new Homeland Security Secretary Michael security, Chertoff said, more and more will be Chertoff, right, during last Friday’s news conference at Sandia. With them is new Labs President and Director Tom Hunter, who hosted Chertoff. Rep. Heather Wilson also spoke. (Photo by Randy Montoya) (Continued on page 4)

Port officials — with Sandia help — are using new radiation-detection technology. Story on page 3. Vol. 57, No. 10 May 13, 2005 Managed by Lockheed Martin for the National Nuclear Security Administration Paul Robinson says Sandia-developed game helps Special Forces goodbye at special function in his learn adaptive thinking, problem solving honor. Story on Video games can be more than fun; they can also be serious tools page 5. By Chris Burroughs Video games aren’t just for kids anymore. A multiplayer, nonviolent simulation game developed by a Issues Management team led by Sandia researcher Team prepares plan Elaine Raybourn (15241) is being used by members of the US Army to prevent future Special Forces to hone their skills beryllium contami- in adaptive thinking, negotiation and conflict resolution, and lead- nation at Labs. ership in cross-cultural settings. “This simulation game is the Story on page 6. only one of its kind focused on interpersonal and strategic communication in cross-cultural set- VP Frank Figueroa tings,” Elaine says. “It’s a serious application of technologies that gives presentation the entertainment industry has on the Integrated spearheaded. The graphics look as IN SILHOUETTE — Elaine Raybourn is silhouetted in front of an image of compelling as any other video the adaptive thinking simulation game she and her team developed for the Enabling Services game, but everything else about US Army Special Forces. (Photo by Randy Montoya) Management Unit. the simulation suggests that it was carefully designed for discovery learning.” 14 players on networked computers. Instructors Story on page 9. The game — which Elaine refers to as an can easily modify scenarios, monitor the play, Adaptive Thinking and Leadership (ATL) simula- and jump in and change the direction of the tion game — is designed to allow players to dis- game at any time. cover their strengths and weaknesses in mental Participants serve as either role-players or Kids have lots of agility, cultural awareness, interpersonal adapt- spectators. Their tasks vary according to the role. fun at Space Day ability, and communication. By role-playing in a Spectators’ tasks involve providing feedback on dynamically changing environment, users how well the role-players are doing during the and learn about — sharpen their ability to anticipate the conse- game. Later, when the training game is over, the well — space. Story quences of different courses of action to prob- instructor can lead debriefing sessions via an lems that may not have a “right” answer. “after action review” that incorporates the real- on page 12. Currently people can play the game by them- time evaluations as well as player statistics and selves on a personal computer or with as many as (Continued on page 4) Julia Phillips elected What’s what Fellow of American The mysterious Hardin Boulevard boulder is back. Academy of Arts and Charles Hanley (6216) pointed out its presence late last year (What’s what, Dec. 10), then it disappeared. Now, say Joseph Pavletich Sciences (6146, aka Mr. Lucky) and John Gould of the SSO, it’s back — in the Sandia’s Julia Phillips has been elected a same location and orientation. In a field with no other rocks around. Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Charles wondered originally if — among other possibilities — it Sciences, one of America’s oldest and most distin- had been pushed up from underground by industrious prairie dogs guished honorary societies. excavating their den. Julia, director of physical and chemical sci- Following its reappearance, Mr. Lucky suggested some ences at Sandia, is one of 213 leaders in scholar- possibilities: ship, business, science, the arts, and public affairs — It had been taken back underground by the prairie dogs, then elected in the 2005 class of Fellows, announced ransomed by Kirtland. April 27. — It’s simply back after being sent out for cleaning. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome these — Pressed by an impending wedding, it faked its abduction and outstanding leaders in their fields in this, the Academy’s 225th year,” said Academy President fled to Georgia. Patricia Meyer Spacks. “Fellows are selected I don’t have a clue, but if recent history is any guide, it could through a highly competitive process that recog- join the likes of grilled cheese sandwich religious art, crop circles, nizes individuals who have made preeminent lights in the evening sky, and giant stick figures on the Nazca Plains. contributions to their disciplines and to society at It could show up soon on CNN’s American Morning “news” report, in a large.” quickie TV docudrama, on the cover of at least two of those supermarket Founded in 1780 by John Adams, John checkout-lane newspapers, and be the subject of an Entertainment Hancock, and other scholar-patriots, the Academy Tonight debate about which hotties du jour will play the lead roles in has elected as Fellows the finest minds and leaders the sure-to-be-made movie. from each generation, including George Anyway, for whatever reason, it’s back. So, as suggested originally, Washington and Benjamin Franklin in the 18th get a Twinkie while you still can and get out there and have a look at it. century and Albert Einstein and Sir Winston Churchill in the 20th. Current membership * * * includes more than 150 Nobel laureates and 50 A group of first-graders from Albuquerque’s Double Eagle Pulitzer Prize winners. Elementary School would put the priorities of much of the grownup world “It’s both a tremendous honor and very to shame. Members of the class, which include Mark Boslough’s (9216) humbling to be included among such people,” daughter Kobie, and Judy Moore’s (16000) Julia says. grandson Zachary, thought it would be really Among other Fellows in the class of 2005 are neat to do something to help the victims of Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist, the December tsunami that devastated parts of Nobel laureate University of Colorado physicist Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries in Eric Cornell, NASA Mars Rover principal scientist that part of the world. So they did. Steven Squyres, Dante scholar Robert Hollander, They recorded a CD, and the proceeds actor Sidney Poitier, Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and journalist Tom Brokaw. from sales will go to help the tsunami New Fellows will be inducted at a ceremony victims. The kids also did the artful cover Oct. 8 at the Academy’s headquarters in Cam- artwork, shown at right. The playlist bridge, Mass. A complete list of newly elected includes nursery rhymes and other familiar members is at www.amacad.org. tunes long in the public domain, such as Pop Goes the Weasel, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Baa Baa Black Sheep, Home on the Range, and Old MacDonald. The CDs have been selling, helped in part by an Sandia, UNM to host appearance on KOAT-TV. If you’re interested in buying a copy, or just in knowing more regional meeting of about the project, I bet Mark or Judy would be more than happy to steer National Academy of you in the right direction. Engineering — Howard Kercheval (844-7842, MS 0165, [email protected]) Sandians invited to attend discussions of solid-state lighting Interested Sandians are invited to attend the National Academy of Engineering’s regional William Sweatt (1743) and Todd Christenson: meeting Thursday afternoon, May 19, in Ball- Method for the Fabrication of Three-Dimensional room A of the Student Union at the University of Sandia National Laboratories Microstructures by Deep X-ray Lithography. New Mexico. James Aubert (1821): Method for Making The meeting’s theme is “Solid State Lighting: http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews One-Container Rigid Foam. The Next Revolution in Lighting.” It will be hosted Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185-0165 Kenneth Tschritter (8228), Brent Haroldsen by Sandia and by UNM’s School of Engineering. Livermore, California 94550-0969 (8228), Timothy Shepodd (8762), and Jerome Luminaries expected to open the meeting at Tonopah, Nevada • Nevada Test Site • Amarillo, Texas • Stofleth (15322): Explosive Destruction System 1 p.m. include Sandia Labs Director Tom Hunter, Carlsbad, New Mexico • Washington, D.C. for Disposal of Chemical Munitions. NAE President Bill Wulf, and UNM engineering Sandia National Laboratories is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Eric Cummings (8324), William Even (8760), dean Joseph Cecchi. Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin company, for the US Department Blake Simmons (8764), and Paul Dentinger who initially expected to attend, will appear in a of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. (8764): Tamper-Indicating Barcode and Method. video from Washington. Paul Galambos (1769) and Kevin Zavadil Slated to assess the current and future status Ken Frazier, Editor ...... 505/844-6210 (1823): Tailored Ink for Piston Driven Electrosta- of the solid state lighting field are George Craford Bill Murphy, Writer...... 505/845-0845 tic Liquid Drop Modulator. of Lumileds Corp., speaking on inorganic semi- Chris Burroughs, Writer...... 505/844-0948 Dahv Kliner and Jeffrey Koplow (both 8368): conductors; Princeton professor Stephen Forrest Randy Montoya, Photographer ...... 505/844-5605 Preform for Producing an Optical Fiber and on organic LEDS; and Sandia’s Mary Crawford Nancy Garcia, California site contact. . . . . 925/294-2932 Method Therefor. (1123), Jeff Tsao (1123), and Jerry Simmons Contributors: Janet Carpenter (844-7841), John German (1130) on, respectively, deep UV LEDS, an LED (844-5199), Neal Singer (845-7078), Larry Perrine (845-8511), roadmap of the future, and Sandia’s solid-state Howard Kercheval (columnist, 844-7842), Will Keener (844-1690), lighting program; Jerry will deliver the talk. Iris Aboytes (844-2282), Michael Padilla (284-5325), Rod Geer Lab News Reader Service (844-6601), Michael Lanigan (844-2297), and Michelle Fleming The program ends at 5 p.m. and is followed (Ads, Milepost photos, 844-4902). Dept. 12651 Manager: Chris The Sandia Lab News is distributed in- by a reception. Miller (844-0587). house to all Sandia employees and on-site Sandians who want to attend should e-mail contractors and mailed to all Sandia retirees. their name, phone number, and organizational Lab News fax ...... 505/844-0645 affiliation to Marsh Burfeindt at meburfe@ Classified ads ...... 505/844-4902 Retirees (only): To notify of changes in address, contact Carol Wade, Benefits Dept. sandia.gov, says George Samara (1130), meeting Published on alternate Fridays by Media Relations coordinator. and Communications Dept. 12651, MS 0165 3341, at 505-845-9705, e-mail cawade@sandia.gov, or Mail Stop 1021, Sandia National An early morning visit to Sandia by Bill Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1021. Wulf will be hosted by Tom and by VP Pace VanDevender (1000). —Neal Singer SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 3 Sandia’s ‘SMART’ radiation detection technology is helping thwart terrorists ‘SMART’ vehicles and other technology could be future model for ports of entry and other key venues

By Mike Janes

Homeland security experts generally agree that the threat of dirty bombs or other nuclear devices being smuggled into secure venues looms as one of the gravest concerns for those charged with keeping the nation safe from terrorists. Sea- ports, airports, border patrol stations, even government buildings are among locations that could be vulnerable. Now, port officials on the East Coast — with a major assist from Sandia researchers — are capi- talizing on new radiation detection technology that may serve one day as a model for other venues across the country. Known as SMART — for Sensor for Measure- ment and Analysis of Radiation Transients — the technology uses sodium iodide detectors and special software to distinguish “It can be between normally occurring radioactive materials configured and those that might suggest ill intent. to fit your Currently operational problem.” in test-bed mode at one major East Coast port, the WAY TO GO — The SMART system is demonstrated in a viaduct. (Photos courtesy of Linda Groves) technology enhances other detection capabilities in use at the facility and provides inspectors with a much greater level of sensitivity and accuracy, according to Sandia researcher Linda Groves (8114). Even better, SMART may perform just as well in different locales and scenarios where highly discriminatory radiation detection is necessary. “It can be configured to fit your problem,” she says, and in fact was deployed last year during a high-profile political event. SMART’s proprietary software, developed by Initially, it is used in conjunction with plastic integrated into an earlier point in the shipping Sandia researcher Dean Mitchell (5935), is key to inspection portals to ensure that the detection line, for instance (rather than waiting until cargo the technology’s success. The software helps oper- methods are reacting in concert with one another is at the tail end of the inspection process), would ators easily and accurately identify the isotopes and that SMART “sees” the same alarms that the be ideal for a shipping company or overseas port associated with radiological emissions. Most other portals see. Upon an initial alarm (signify- authority. important, Dean and his group have worked to ing that radiation material has been “sensed” on Gene Kallenbach (5935), a project manager in successfully integrate the software with the sys- an outgoing cargo truck), an operator can drive Sandia’s systems technologies department, says tem’s detection equipment and data management the SMART Cart around the inspection area to authorities at other venues are keenly interested scheme, a complex design that enables each com- further inspect the truck. The SMART Cart in advanced, mobile detection units and are ponent of the system to “talk” to one another enhances the sensing work being conducted with requesting SMART units for their areas. and work as a cohesive unit. the hand-held detectors. Other venue authorities may eventually The most visible part of the technology is the Sandia researchers, however, acknowledge choose to integrate SMART technology with their mobile SMART. One version is on a golf-cart- that SMART technology is far from perfect. Sandia existing detection technologies, though the pro- sized vehicle that performs analysis of suspect physicist Nathan Hilton (8233) and researchers at gram’s primary sponsor, the Department of vehicles, while the other is mounted on a Jeep. other national laboratories are discussing both Homeland Security, maintains responsibility for Both are used in concert with hand-held radia- “active” and “passive” detection to hash out the tion detectors. The mobile SMART, says Linda, is myriad effectiveness, safety, and cost issues asso- appealing to port officials because of its ease-of- ciated with each approach. operation, mobility, and accuracy. The vehicle, “It’s a classic trade-off,” Nathan says. “Some active detection methods use neutrons or gamma rays to search for shielded radioactive materials, but these interrogating sources are harmful to humans. Passive detection, on the other hand, does not run the same kind of risks, but it might not detect as wide a range of fissionable materials.” Sandia has programs in both active and passive detection (the method used for SMART), Nathan says the ongoing debate within the research community is “good for science” and TRAVEL FRIENDLY — The SMART Jeep is an alternative will likely lead to firmer conclusions in the future. way of carrying the technology. The Sandia researchers say efforts are under way to commercialize components of the SMART deciding when or if to “shop” the capability to MOBILE — The SMART Cart impressed Gen. Larry D. system. A licensing agreement with Thermo Elec- other potential users. Welch, chairman of the Department of Homeland tron Corp., for instance, will make possible the Officials seem pleased with the state of the Security’s Science and Technology Committee, when manufacturing of radiation monitoring systems technology. Gen. Larry D. Welch, chairman of he rode in one. that use advanced radioisotope identification the Department of Homeland Security’s Science software — known as FitToDB and PASSBY —that and Technology Committee, rode in a SMART which is easily accessible and normally travels 1-2 Sandia developed. (The Thermo Electron agree- Cart last year and gave the technology a mph during the inspection phase and at higher ment was one of 37 successes at all DOE laborato- “thumbs up.” Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., speeds when necessary, is mounted with equip- ries highlighted in a 2004 annual report to Con- toured the Homeland Security Countermeasures ment that can pinpoint whether the radiation is gress on technology transfer and partnering Test Bed to view the new, state-of-the-art harmless or dangerous and in need of further activities.) equipment, noting that “for too long, our scrutiny. Though the technology’s applications are ports were sieves.” Sandia researcher Kevin Seager (5935) says largely limited to defense and homeland security, With the installation of SMART and other SMART is deployed as both a primary and sec- SMART can function in many ways for any num- detection technology, Schumer said, “we’re ondary detection method for port personnel. ber of potential customers. Getting the system finally beginning to close the security gap.” SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 4

retary’s sharp mind and probing intellect were Chertoff visit on display during the morning briefings. (Continued from page 1) “Sandians will attest that he’s quick.” Domenici said he hoped the briefings will characterized by “asymmetric warfare,” conflict help convince the secretary that the Department in which a much weaker adversary can chal- of Homeland Security doesn’t need to “re-invent lenge a much stronger one through the use of the wheel” in the matter of research and devel- such tactics as suicide bombers, improvised opment. “Today was another way to show explosive devices, and other low-tech but lethal [Chertoff] that he has a lot of resources right technologies. here. This laboratory is premier; this is first- “This is a set of challenges we haven’t had class.” to deal with before,” Chertoff said, adding that Chertoff, who noted that he has a long- America’s technology is the “added value” that standing personal affection and regard for can differentiate it from its asymmetrical Domenici (which Domenici also noted in his adversaries. own remarks), indicated that he got the Chertoff noted that Sandia had begun message. addressing many homeland security, counterter- “We don’t have to re-invent the wheel,” he rorism, and related issues even before 9/11. The said. “There are tremendous wheels right here Labs’ foresight in tackling those problems before and at the other [national] labs.” they rose high up on the national radar, he said, “is a tribute to the value of these labs.” Chertoff said Sandia and the other national labs, because of their track record of looking at and addressing “Today was another way to show challenges before they fully materialize, are invaluable in preparing the nation for the wars it [Chertoff] that he has a lot of may have to fight not just today, but in the resources right here. This labora- future. Introducing Chertoff, Tom said the secretary tory is premier; this is first-class.” had very quickly established himself “as a person NEW HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY Michael in whom we can have great confidence.” Chertoff addresses the media at a news conference at — Sen. Pete Domenici Domenici, speaking of Chertoff, said that the sec- Sandia during his visit. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

vant content design. Simulation game “Developing a simulation game is truly a col- Game built on (Continued from page 1) laborative effort requiring many talents,” Elaine says. “We’re not a game company; that’s why we ‘America’s Army’ replays of actual events. partnered with the Army Game Project, and in par- The Adaptive Thinking and Leadership The Special Forces turned to Sandia for help ticular with its Government Applications Team. simulation game developed by Elaine Ray- after Elaine appeared on a National Public Radio We’re a national laboratory with expertise in train- bourn and her team is built on the Army program where she discussed decision-making in ing, simulation experience design, and intercultural Game platform, which is based on Amer- stressful environments. One Special Forces officer, communication. By pooling Sandia’s expertise and ica’s Army, a video game designed to give who worked in training and doctrine, heard her those of our partners, we were able to design a game young people a virtual taste of military life. and came to Sandia to learn more about Elaine’s with scenarios that feel very real.” The Special Forces game has less action research, and in particular the focus she placed on The ATL game is built on the “America’s and more adaptive thinking. But the ideas culture in decision- Army’” video game platform, which is based on the behind the games are similar. making. game engine Unreal Tournament 2004 produced by The Army launched America’s Army, a After presenting Epic Games (see “Game built on ‘America’s Army’” series of PC games depicting realistic mod- a proposal to Special at right). ern combat situations, three years ago to Forces, Elaine was In developing the game, Elaine and team mem- overwhelming interest. It now has more tapped to lead a ber Michael Senglaub (15301) spent the first few than five million registered players. team to create a sim- months evaluating the Special Forces training pro- Besides being a source of information ulation game with gram. It became apparent that an innovative for prospective recruits, the game gives non-soldiering types a realistic view of both single-player SCENE FROM Special Forces approach to teaching adaptive thinking would Army life. All scenarios in the game are and multiplayer sce- simulation game enhance their existing training program. designed to actively reflect real-life tactics. narios. The game “The requirement for adaptive thinking — According to an official of the Amer- was to be designed to help people improve their being able to make good decisions on the fly — is ica’s Army project last year at the E3 gam- skills in critical thinking, problem solving, situa- very important to Special Forces,” she says. “In fact, ing trade show, prospective soldiers who tional awareness, understanding of novel situations, Special Forces has been on the forefront in adaptive contact Army recruiters after playing the cross-cultural sense making, and communication. thinking among US military organizations.” game have a better follow-through rate Elaine, working with a team from Sandia and Two aspects of the simulation game make it dif- than any other form of advertising or the Army Game Project directed by the Office of ferent from any other video game of which Elaine is promotion. Economic Manpower Analysis at US Military Acad- aware. It focuses on teaching interpersonal adapt- emy at West Point, developed the game for the ability, negotiation, and communication skills. The Army Special Forces in nine months. Sandia pro- game also uses a novel aproach for which a patent about cultural errors they may have committed, for vided the theoretical approach, innovative human has been filed to provide instructional or peer evalu- example. performance measurements, and culturally rele- ation in real time. Players get feedback immediately Now that the game is developed and being used, the next steps are to evaluate how well it is working in the classroom, add enhancements, and “This simulation game is the only one of its kind focused on interpersonal expand it into different training areas, such as and strategic communication in cross-cultural settings. It’s a serious appli- humanitarian assistance. Elaine says Special Forces began training with cation of technologies that the entertainment industry has spearheaded.” the simulation game earlier this year, and so far results have been positive. “This game is not about violence,” Elaine says. “It’s about learning to respect and work with other Simulation gaming and training and Sandia cultures by honoring other people’s ways of being Elaine Raybourn works in the Intelligent Sys- edge innovative training to help their leadership be and doing. The Special Forces are keen to improve tems and Robotics Center’s Cognition Exploratory more adaptive thinkers and leaders,” Alan says. “To communication skills so that if there is a problem Systems & Simulation Dept. 15241, managed by drive the point home, it just put out a professional they can talk their way through it. We believe this John Wagner. This department is providing leader- development video entitled ‘Adapt or Die.’” interpersonal adaptability ultimately saves lives.” ship for Sandia on several key technologies that Elaine is responsible for a research program and focus on the human cognitive element of future business development initiative within TAS LOB Game testers and project support military and DoD systems. Russ Skocypec is the called “Simulation Gaming and Training.” The Justin Basilico, Phil Chamberlin, David 15240 Level II Group Manager and leads a growing Special Forces ATL project is part of the initiative. Charles, Brian Clark, Kyle Cochrane, line of business (LOB) called “Transformational “We are really excited about the opportunity Melanie Corn, Sidney Holman, Jonathan Analytics and Systems (TAS).” for Sandia to help advance culturally relevant train- McClain, Alan Nanco, Marta Parnall, Tiara Alan Nanco (15240) has supported the ATL ing for the military,” Russ says. “This is a rapidly Poland, Paul Sanchez, William Stubblefield, project from its inception and championed Elaine’s growing strategic need given the kinds of conflict Stephen Verzi, Steve Roehrig, Michael business development efforts within Sandia. confronting our warfighters. Additional work with Senglaub, Russell Skocypec, Ronald Trellue, “The Army is serious about this type of cutting- Special Forces and the Army is underway.” Roger Vesey, John Wagner SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 5 Security: ‘Q’ clearances averaging 430 days to complete Representatives from Sandia Clearance Office explain lengthy process

By Michael Padilla and employment) on the QNSP must be in chrono- determination about whether the person should logical order or it will be rejected. be granted a clearance. Obtaining DOE access authorizations, com- monly know as “L” or “Q” clearances, is taking an Processing at DOE Service Center Backlog average of 270 days for an “L” and 430 days for a When the packet is received at the DOE Ser- Within the last several months, the backlog of “Q,” according to figures compiled by Sandia’s vice Center, here on Kirtland Air Force Base, it is cases at the DOE Service Center has grown from Clearance Office. The interim “Qs” granted reviewed for completeness. Information is logged 600 to more than 4,000. The DOE Service Center is through the Accelerated Access Authorization Pro- and is forwarded to the investigative agency for currently able to process about 600 cases per gram (AAAP) process are at 100 days. the next phase of processing. Average time for month, while completed investigations have been Boris Starr, manager of Personnel Security cases to be initially processed and sent to the coming into their offices at almost double that rate. (4233), says the time it takes to get a clearance has investigators is about 30 days. As of March 2005, the average time in adjudi- been frustrating to many new employees. cation was more than 120 days. Boris says the “During the wait for a clearance, many Sandi- Background checks DOE Service Center has indicated it might be ans are unable to participate in mission work Based on the information contained in the experiencing average adjudication time frames of requiring cleared access,” he says. However, he says, QNSP, the investigators (usually the Office of Per- 180 days in the near future. it is important for Sandians to understand the cur- sonnel Management) will research many aspects rent environment for investigating applicants and of an applicant’s background. Factors affecting the Granting a clearance processing clearances and the timeframes involved. duration of an investigation include multiple resi- When adjudication is completed by the DOE dences, multiple jobs, criminal activity, foreign Service Center and it has granted a clearance, San- Sandia processing involvement, financial obligations, emotional or dia clearance personnel are notified. The staff will The clearance process starts when a manager mental disorders, alcohol abuse, and drug use. verify that the information is correct and send out decides on an appropriate clearance level for the Multiple investigators could be working on a a notification to the applicant and the manager. applicant and completes the proper form, justify- single case. There have been instances where an A new process is soon to be implemented that ing the need for a clearance. The form is sent to investigator has told the applicant that a particu- will require Sandians and on-site contractors who Dept. 4233 and if needed, a packet is sent to the lar interview will complete his work on the case. have never before held a DOE clearance to attend applicant to be completed. This does not indicate that the case is complete. It the comprehensive security briefing SEC 150 after When the Clearance Section receives the com- may reflect on only a piece of the background the notification, but prior to receiving a new pleted packet of forms from the applicant, the staff investigation process. badge reflecting the new clearance level. will verify that all the information is complete. The average duration for a background inves- Both Boris and Brenda agree that requesting Clearance Office Supervisor Brenda Wickham tigation for an “L” clearance is 89 days; for a “Q” a status check on the process will not expedite (4233-2) says the form — questionnaire for clearance, 256 days. “These are all averages,” the process. Sandia has an agreement with the National Security Positions (QNSP) — is complex Brenda says, “Many cases can take longer because DOE Service Center to follow a specific schedule and must be thoroughly completed. of various factors.” related to requesting status checks on clearance “Not filling out this form correctly is one of the processing. The initial Q check is one year and L reasons for delays associated in getting a clearance,” Adjudication phase check is six months — both the time after the Brenda says, adding that this could lead to an aver- Once the investigation is completed a report case is sent to investigation. For cases that are in age delay of 20 to 25 days. She says mistakes and is sent by that agency to the DOE Service Center. adjudication after 120 days, DOE will do only a gaps in information submitted must be corrected At that point, the case goes into an adjudicative system check — essentially looking in the before the form can be sent to DOE for processing. process. During this process all of the information tracking system to verify it is in process. After DOE implemented an additional requirement in gathered during the investigation is reviewed and 180 days, DOE will do a physical search to April 2005 that all information (such as residence the DOE analyst uses that information to make a verify the processing status.

‘Godspeed to you,’ Paul Robinson tells Sandians at farewell reception

national security laboratory. . . . There’s little doubt we [have risen to a $2.3 billion annual budget] because of our focus on customers and exceptional service. . . .” “I really do appreciate all of you who have come out here today. To say that I’m going to miss you is a huge understatement. But I hope you’ll keep your eye on the future. I intend to keep my eye on a future that if we’re successful just might bring the possibility for us to be joined up in an ever better way in years to come.” “So all the best. Godspeed to all of you and thank you once again.”

Memory Book writers wish Paul Robinson well As is frequent practice for retiring Sandians, an electronic memory book was set up for friends and colleagues to reminisce a bit about Paul. Here are just a few of the many Photo by Randy Montoya messages that Paul has received (the names uring his last two weeks as Sandia’s presi- ever had. I reminisced with some folks the have been omitted): Ddent and laboratories director, Paul Robin- other day that this probably is the best job in • I’m very proud of you and your accomplish- son spent a lot of time saying goodbye. the country. One of the things I’m proud of is ments and feel privileged to be a part of this In addition to the countless e-mails, voice- that I actually had a chance to tell two presi- company. We will miss you greatly. I’m sure mails, and other personal notes of farewell to dents that this is an even better job than they your future will be filled with exciting possibil- Paul, he participated in a couple of formal, had. . . .” ities and others will reap the benefits that we planned send-off events as well. During an April “We’ve come a long way together. I hear have gained under your leadership. Best 27 function on the plaza in front of Bldg. 810, comments that Sandia is the best performing wishes to you. many of Paul’s friends and colleagues had an lab. I also have been proud that over these past • Congratulations on the LMC decision to bid opportunity to wish him well as he embarks on 10 years, it’s also the lab with the lowest over- for Los Alamos. If anyone can get it back on a new mission: to head up the Lockheed Martin head rate. . . . I think there just might be a corre- the path to success, it is you. team preparing the bid for the M&O contact at lation. We have trimmed down and people are • I know the great reputation of SNL was strongly influenced on your leadership. Los Alamos National Laboratory. doing great things. . .” • Under your leadership Sandia has thrived. And Paul, in turn, offered poignant words of “We have expanded our missions a lot You are leaving a wonderful legacy and, in farewell. Here are some of the excerpts from together. . . . The most exciting part of my my opinion, a worthy successor in Tom. remarks he made that day: nearly 10 years here has been watching us move “I’ve got two more days of the best job I from a nuclear weapons lab to be very much a SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 6 Sandia on fast track to seek out and correct energized electrical hazards VP Les Shephard asks everyone who works with energized electrical circuits to complete an action plan An increased number of “near miss” dangerous • Phase 2 — Evaluate. Following Phase I work. Across the DOE complex there is concern accidents involving electrical work over recent where energized work activities were identified, because the number of injuries due to electrical months is causing Sandians to take the fast track this phase asked whether the energized electrical accidents is on the rise. Last year in the DOE and seek out and correct any possible hazards. work activities were absolutely required. For those nuclear weapons complex there was one serious Last month VP 6000 Les Shephard in a memo required, a review of work practices was to be accident and a death resulting from contact with to directors and above asked all centers conducting done to make sure that every possible method to energized electrical circuit parts while using tools energized electrical mitigate electrical hazards or control exposure to or other conductive objects. These accidents work to complete by electrical hazards are implmented. This includes occurred within six months of each other. May 14 an “Action making sure that appropriate technical work doc- Statistics show that each year within the US Plan to Improve uments are completed, such as troubleshooting workplace about 300 people are killed by electro- Electrical Safety.” operating procedures or electrical work justifica- cution; 3,600 experience a disabling injury — Sandia defines tion and permit forms. This phase also included a including cases of severe disfigurement; 4,000 energized work as worker training and qualifications review, electri- experience nondisabling injuries from electrical those activities per- cal accident review, lessons-learned training, and accidents, some requiring hospitalization; and formed on or close a work control process to determine appropriate 2,000 people are admitted go to burn centers to exposed parts of electrical circuits and equip- means for change control. This was done on with third-degree burns. ment operating at 50 volts or more. Some 2,000 April 29. “We don’t want to be among these statis- people at Sandia have taken an electrical safety • Phase 3 — Control. Problems discovered in tics,” Jeff says. “That’s why we’re taking efforts to course and might be doing energized work. Phase 2 are to be corrected. If a problem was improve our electrical safety programs and are In his memo Les, whose division includes the found in Phase 2, fix it. If procedures were miss- committed to supporting the line to help them Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Center at ing, write them. If permits didn’t exist, get them. ensure a workplace where electrical hazards are Sandia, said, “During the performance of various This was due May 6. understood and tools and work methods are in work activities throughout Sandia, organizations • Phase 4 — Feedback and improvement. This place to prevent exposure to these hazards.” continue to have incidents that indicate immediate is the wrap-up stage where lessons learned are pre- concerns with electrical hazard awareness and iden- sented to directors and vice presidents. This will tification, and the controls needed to mitigate the include deficiencies identified, a list of underlying associated risks to personnel and equipment.” causes, actions taken to correct the deficiencies, He pointed out that between August 2004 and and estimated dates of action completed. Dead- Why was safety such a big March 2005, there have been “eight electrical line for this phase is May 13. events and two electrically related lockout/tagout Gil Herrera, director of Manufacturing Science problem that Family Day incidents with the potential for serious injury or and Technology Center 14100 and chair of a fatality. Each of these incidents was associated with newly formed Electrical Safety Standing Commit- had to be canceled? an unrecognized exposure to energized circuit tee, says the four phases are consistent with what Q: Sandia executives have tried to explain the parts.” “we already do” in terms of the Integrated Safety logic for their last-minute postponement of Family Day, Hence the need to take quick action to reduce Management System (ISMS). which had been scheduled for May 14 in Albuquerque. potentially deadly electrical incidents. “It involves scoping, evaluating, implement- They say key reasons were safety considerations coupled Prior to even starting the required action plan, ing controls, and feedback, just like ISMS,” he with the significant amount of construction underway. all energized electrical work that could cause serious says. “From my point of view Phase 4 is the most There always will be construction projects. So, if it is injuries had to be authorized by the appropriate important because it’s where everything comes not safe enough for us to bring family members in for level II manager. In some cases work was paused together and is sustained.” what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see until the proper controls were established. The committee was formed a couple of and learn about where we work, why is it safe enough The action plan — developed by a team from months ago just as plans for the electrical safety for us to be expected to be present on site everyday? Per- the ES&H Center and reviewed by representatives action plan were being drawn up. Gil helped plan haps it isn’t. from line organizations — has four phases. Each crafters to “put a line perspective in the plan.” A: I apologize that the decision to cancel Fam- phase was due on four consecutive Fridays. The Gil says over the past several months there ily Day was made after the time many at Sandia four phases are: have been many improvements in the processes had finalized plans to participate that resulted in • Phase 1 — Two actions were required for and tools supporting electrical safety, particularly significant inconvenience and even expense for completion of this phase. The fist was to review all in lockout/tagout. some. The impact of this decision on all Sandians electrical work activities and identify those involv- “The ES&H organization has done a good job and their families was seriously considered as the Laboratory Leadership Team (LLT) discussed the ing worker exposer by direct contact with energized of making the process for electrical safety simpler situation, and while we value Family Day, our first circuit parts. The second was to review electrical and more understandable,” Gil says. “But we commitment must be to the safety of all who par- worker qualification and work authorization must remember that it is a line responsibility to ticipate. Our Family Day planning team had con- processes for such activities to ensure qualifications follow these processes as we execute work. Electri- sidered visitor safety and construction schedules as and authorization was commensurate with the cal safety is ultimately the responsibility of people part of our planning effort. Honestly, I did not worker health risk. This was due April 22. In some conducting work, and that means the line.” anticipate the impacts scheduled construction cases work was paused until the proper controls Jeff Downs, one of the staff members in Safety would have on streets, sidewalks, and walkways were established. Engineering Dept. 6322 helping members of line nor did I anticipate the number of open ditches organizations that and trenches within Tech Area 1. Statistics from all are adhering to the past Family Day events suggest we would have an electrical safety expected attendance of 15,000 people including < 4BGFUZ'JSTU > action plan, employees and guests, resulting in considerably believes people are more foot traffic than on a typical workday in Area really committed to 1 and elsewhere. While our employees are accus- 8PSLTBGFMZ make this work. tomed to working in an environment where safety “People in my Dept. is paramount and rigorously following procedures, 4PNFPOF 6322 have been requirements, signage, etc. is routine, many of our spending a lot of guests — ranging from toddlers to elderly — would XBOUTZPV our time over the be unfamiliar with the area per se and unaccus- past weeks helping tomed to the expectations of our safety culture. IPNF people who really Data for Sandia employees in FY 2004 indicated that 25 percent of the injuries occurring on site to want to improve our employees and contractors are a direct result of UPOJHIU electrical safety,” he slips, trips, and falls — this pertains to employees says. “They are not and contractors familiar with our site and our poli-

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F < A Q I action plan because 3FQPSU BOZ VOTBGF P J F E < We are now evaluating alternative dates for DPOEJUJPOT UP ZPVS NBOBHFNFOU they have to. They Family Day and other similar events (e.g., Take XXXJSOTBOEJBHPWFTI are doing it because #SPVHIU UP ZPV CZ UIF 4BOEJB .BOBHFNFOU 5FBN Your Daughters/Sons to Work Day) to assure our it is the right thing next scheduled event is congruent with site con- THIS “SAFETY FIRST” poster starts a series to heighten awareness about the importance of to do.” struction and other related activities that may safety in our lives at work and elsewhere. It was commissioned by senior management as He says Sandia adversely impact our guests. an important element of the best-in-class objective to be the ES&H leader among the is not the only We anticipate a decision over the next few nuclear weapons labs within three years. The posters will be distributed throughout San- national laboratory weeks and hope that all Sandians and their guests dia starting this week. Other posters will address issues including ergonomics as well as seeking to improve are eager to participate. slips, trips, and falls. its electrical safety — Les Shephard, VP Energy and Infrastructure Assurance SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 7 Beryllium Issues Management Team prepares plan to prevent future beryllium contamination By Chris Burroughs tematically addresses the potential for contamination from unexpected sources of the metal. The IMT The Beryllium Issues Management Team (IMT) was formed by Executive VP Joan Woodard and VPs is winding down its efforts after putting together a John Stichman and Les Shephard, who were con- plan that will help prevent future beryllium contam- cerned for the safety of people. ination at Sandia. “When it comes to beryllium, this is only the Established a year ago following the discovery of beginning of the journey for Sandia,” says Steve higher than expected levels of beryllium contamina- Rottler, IMT chair. “Finding beryllium contamination at the Z machine in Area 4 and other buildings, tion outside of beryllium work areas was a wakeup the team was created to make sure that Sandia sys- call, and it should change the way everyone thinks about ES&H [environment, safety & health].” Lessons learned The team had several hefty tasks, including developing and implementing a plan for systemati- SANDIA EMPLOYEES work in a beryllium-designated As a wrap-up to the Beryllium Issues cally evaluating Sandia facilities for beryllium Management Team (IMT) efforts, the group area at the Z machine using safe-handling methods. contamination; establishing guidelines and (Photo by Randy Montoya) put together a “lessons learned” designed to processes for use by line management upon discov- help everyone in dealing with future issues of ery of beryllium contamination; and identifying “These we divided into three categories,” Steve beryllium and ES&H. They include: lessons learned and how to apply them to the future. says. “They were those known to be contaminated, • Unexpected things happen. If we as an One of the team’s early discoveries was an those that someone remembered had operations institution don’t do a better job of having a absence of policy and process about how to manage that could have resulted in beryllium contamina- questioning attitude, these things (like unex- beryllium contamination. Over the past year the tion, and those that may have had operations, but pectedly finding beryllium) will continue to happen. team — made up of representatives from ES&H, there was no paperwork to verify the status.” • Ask questions. Is this operation safe to procurement, communication, medical, legal, line After an initial review in 2004, 22 buildings were proceed? Prove to yourself that the work is organizations that have beryllium-contaminated deemed likely to be contaminated, 28 had possible safe — the hazards are known and analyzed, facilities, and the NNSA Sandia Site Office — devel- sources of contamination, and 84 had a low proba- and proper controls are in place to safely oped the much-needed plan that outlines how to bility of being contaminated. As of today 80 build- proceed. identify and characterize beryllium contamination ings have been cleared, including three through • The safety content of everyone’s work and manage it. decontamination; 11 buildings are still partially con- is just as important as technical work. Their job of determining all the potentially taminated; and 43 buildings remain to be com- • Mission, safety, and security — all three beryllium-contaminated buildings was handled by pletely evaluated, including 15 in California. must work together, and simultaneously. surveying Sandia directors who identified possible There were some surprises. suspect facilities. For example in Bldg. 809, a facility not designated as a beryllium work area, contamination was discovered and traced to an old nuclear weapon Most Sandians, contractors to receive component being demilitarized. The original military specs did not list beryllium as part of the compo- safety survey next month nent. The dust that settled in the work area from the As an important key step in Sandia’s goal to be • Extent safety rules are enforced demilitarization operation contained higher than the best in the nuclear weapons complex for safety • Recognition for safety achievements acceptable beryllium levels. within three years and the best-in-class nationally Safety at Sandia has been a growing concern Like several other buildings contaminated with beryllium, Bldg. 809 was closed for several months within a decade (Lab News, April 2), all Sandians as numbers of accidents and near misses remain while it was being decontaminated. and contractors will receive a safety survey next high. Last year Sandia had an accident rate of “Workers in special protective clothing went in month. The survey will benchmark employees’ three per 100 full-time-equivalent employees a and decontaminated hardware and moved equip- levels of awareness and thought processes about year, which represents about 275 to 300 people ment to another facility,” Steve says. “They disposed safety at the Labs. annually suffering injuries requiring more than of equipment and parts that could not be easily “This survey is simple first aid. cleaned.” an important ele- This injury rate, Jaime says, is a factor of three Several million dollars, budgeted elsewhere, ment as we gear higher than the industrial standard for scientific were used to support the facilities assessment and up to improve and technical services industries, and is “unac- subsequent cleanup operations. safety awareness ceptable,” he says Steve says the good news in all the building and our safety “Our employees are our most important investigations is that no airborne contamination was found above DOE’s thresholds. “That,” he says, “was record,” says Jaime asset,” Jaime says. “We don’t want them hurt. We an important concern because people can inhale it. Moya, level II have to get those numbers down.” Only higher than acceptable levels of surface beryl- manager of ES&H Improving safety at Sandia will involve more lium were found in contaminated buildings.” Planning and Assurance Dept. 6333, who is lead- than just saying we want a safe environment; it As soon as a building was identified to have ing the survey effort. “We hope to learn how will require a culture change, he says high levels of beryllium exposure, the buildings were important safety is and its value at Sandia. This will “Sandia has so many strengths — a highly secured and the workers checked medically on a vol- help us develop a path forward.” diverse and strongly technical workforce, a highly untary basis as part of the federal Chronic Beryllium Working with Sandia to tailor a survey for its goal-oriented organization, a culture that allows Disease Prevention Program. population is DuPont Safety Resources, a spinoff for emergence of leaders, and empowerment of “No one was forced to get a medical checkup, company of DuPont that does safety consulting. employees,” Jaime says. “But we also have a lot of but they were highly encouraged,” says Lisa Hooper Sandia has hired the company to help implement areas that need improvement to raise safety on of Industrial Hygiene Dept. 6327. “Those who did were interviewed, given a general physical, and pro- a new safety initiative. the radar screen.” vided blood tests and chest X-rays.” The survey will be e-mailed to most employ- Some examples he gives: Now the IMT’s work is coming to a close, and ees and contractors with computers, and hard • Formal documentation is not valued. Steve says it will become part of a standing ES&H copies will be given to all without computers. Processes are seen as stifling creativity. committee that will focus on beryllium. Employees in Organizations 8000 and 10000 will • Mission goals don’t include ES&H objec- not be issued the survey because they will be par- tives. ES&H is viewed as punitive. ticipating in a behavorial based safety program. • Business units function as independent What is beryllium? “I can’t emphasize enough how important it is organizations. Beryllium is a metal that occurs natu- for everyone to take 15 minutes to complete the • Sandia tends to be reactive versus proactive rally in rocks, coal, soil, and volcanic dust. survey,” Jaime says. “By filling out this simple sur- about safety. Beryllium compounds are commercially vey, people can indicate that they are committed Jaime says Sandia’s administrators are taking mined, and the beryllium purified for use in defense and electronics applications. Beryl- to making Sandia a safer place to work.” safety very seriously, and in fact have taken the lium is not radioactive but can be dangerous Jaime says the survey will have 24 easy-to- position that safety comes from the “top down”: to your health when it is reduced to a form answer questions. They fall into nine themes: If upper management cares, sets it as a priority, that can be inhaled, e.g., powder. Beryllium • Priority given to safety and makes necessary funds available, then every- is considered a toxic metal and thus is heav- • Priority others give to safety one else will take it seriously as well. ily regulated by DOE. Some people who • Extent safety is built-in All the vice presidents have been briefed have been exposed develop sensitivity to the • Presence of safety values about the survey and agree that safety needs to be metal. A small percentage might later develop a lung disorder known as chronic • Safety values up-to-date and influential more of a concern at the Labs. They soon will beryllium disease. • Line management held accountable receive executive training sessions on safety pro- • Involvement in safety activities vided by DuPont. — Chris Burroughs SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 8 2005 Thunderbird award winners show us how to overcome obstacles in a big way

By Iris Aboytes feels he can help others whose lives are controlled by “the system” that has had such an impact on Imagine being five years old, speaking only his own life. Welky will be attending either UNM French, and coming to this country with the Valencia campus or TVI. “I can get a degree and promise of being adopted and finally belonging to become a paralegal at TVI,” says Welky. “But I a family. The only person you know is your have no transportation to get there, so I think I brother, who is four years older and has the same will be attending UNM.” expectations. Welky Theodore, Belen High School, Another Thunderbird winner, Antonio one of this year’s Thunderbird Award winners, was Lopez, School on Wheels, is very grateful for his the five-year-old. Thunderbird award. “Antonio Lopez’s life has Two years later on Christmas Eve, Welky’s been full of adversity, but he has turned this prospective new family placed him and his brother adversity into opportunity for growth,” says Sue in foster care. They were in numerous foster homes Abare, School on Wheels teacher. “Antonio’s until they were 18. Sometimes they were placed parents split up when he was very young. He together, other times they were in separate homes. dropped out of high school his sophomore year His older brother lives in Oregon. to work full time and help support his mother Welky, now 18, is out of the foster care pro- and four older sisters.” gram and lives with a family where he helps with In April 2003 Antonio returned to high THREE T-BIRD RECIPIENTS, from left, Antonio Lopez (School some of their bills. He works more than 40 hours school because he realized how much he needed on Wheels), Chris Goy (Eldorado H.S.), and Welky Theodore a week and attends school. He participates in his education. Since 2003 he cared for his (Belen H.S.). (Photo by Bill Doty) Project 504, a program where troubled teens can mother until she died of cancer a year ago. He seek advice from its members. This year they maintained a full-time job and completed his grad- ent upbringing has taught him patience, respect for went before the State Legislature to address stu- uation requirements last December. all others, and an understanding for what is differ- dents’ concerns. “There are only two outcomes derived from ent in life,” says school counselor Gerry Gardner. According to Belen High School counselor adversity,” says Antonio. “Either the person folds “Chris has always wanted to be involved in politics Gretchen Weibeft, Welky is interested in law. He under the pressure and never succeeds in life, or the — he sees that as a productive way a person can person is forced to grow in courage and strength to make a difference for his fellow citizens.” better his chances for advances in life. Facing adver- Chris has applied to different universities but 2005 Thunderbird Award Winners sity head on and overcoming it causes a person to has not decided what curriculum he will pursue. Albuquerque HS ...... Guadalupe Marquez acquire self-reliance, responsibility, and integrity.” “Every year these students put my perspective Belen HS ...... Welky Theodore Antonio is planning to attend TVI. In the on life in check,” says Cheryl Garcia (12652), Bernalillo HS ...... Cassandra Crespin future, he would like to own an auto mechanic Community Involvement. “They set examples for Cibola HS ...... Brandi Fucci Del Norte HS ...... Madlin Jabarkhail business. all of us. I am happy that Sandia can help them, Eldorado HS ...... Chris Goy Chris Goy, Eldorado High School, had great even in a small way.” Evening HS ...... Jennie Wyse difficulty during the spring semester of his fresh- Freedom HS ...... Pervaiz Sattarzada man year and fall semester of his sophomore year. Highland HS ...... Andre Vaughn La Cueva HS ...... Tara Ransom He was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. hunderbird Awards are presented yearly to 21 gradu- Los Lunas HS ...... Andrei Rivera Chris’ biggest concern during this period was his Tating seniors from 11 Albuquerque public high Manzano HS ...... Karl Nieman GPA. He felt disconnected from his schooling. schools, five alternative schools, and five outlying schools Moriarity HS ...... Ashley Sanforth “My parents are an inspiration to me,” says (Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Los Lunas, Belen, and Moriarity) New Future School ...... Perla Cabrales who have overcome obstacles with ability, determination, Rio Grande HS ...... Candance Lopez Chris. “They are both deaf, but are very successful.” and desire to turn their lives around, and also raise their Sandia HS ...... Sydney McCallister Chris fought back. His current semester GPA is 4.3. School on Wheels ...... Antonio Lopez grade point average. Created in 1994 by Sandia and Sierra Alternative ...... Shawna Tillberg Chris has worked for Relay New Mexico, where Lockheed Martin, the awards come with a $1,500 check. Valley HS ...... Mikel Enriquez he processes telephone calls for deaf, hard-of-hear- The awards were presented to the winners on May 5. West Mesa HS ...... Erica Baca ing, and speech-disabled persons. “His vastly differ-

Emily Hnath, Robert Rieden, Stan Hall are Sandia 2005 volunteer award winners

By Iris Aboytes people’s faces.” A new Community Service Award was devel- Community Involvement (12652) recently oped to provide financial support for the non- held its annual volunteer awards celebration. Vol- profit organization with which employees are unteers recording the most hours during the last involved. Volunteers donating 100, 250, or 500 year were honored. hours to one nonprofit in a calendar year are eli- Emily Hnath (9612) was awarded the gible. After paperwork is completed an award of Shining Eagle Award. The award is given to the $100, $250, or $500 is given to the nonprofit. employee volunteering the most hours. Emily These Sandians received awards on behalf of volunteered a total of 2,304 hours. She and her their nonprofit organizations: Melecita Archuleta, husband are puppy handlers. They provide a Dennis Bateman, Virginia Cleary, L. Jay Clise, foster home for the puppies until the Assistance Nancy Clise, Patricia Cordeiro, Leonard Duda, Dogs of the West places the puppy with a Charles Duus, Ronald Espinoza, Margaret Furman, companion. Neill Gilbertson, Calvin Guymon, Cody Hender- She is required to attend weekly classes that son, Jane Hillman, Bryan Ingram, Christina include training sessions and field trips to public Jenkin, Charles Jenkins, Tim Knewitz, Steven settings. The mission is to produce and place assis- Knudsen, Jannifer Levin, Christine Morgan, Tina tance dogs with individuals who have disabilities. Nenoff, Lewis Reif, Joseph Anthony Romero, Dick FIT TO A T — Bruce Fetzer (12600) and Mike DeWitte Assistance dogs help people with disabilities Steele, Sandra Tonnesen, Julian Trujillo, Jeffrey (12650) display the new Sandia Serves T-shirt. The be more self-sufficient. They “see” for blind peo- name and logo were changed to differentiate Sandia Tsao, Larissa Velasquez, Barbara Wampler, Barbara ple, “hear” for deaf people, offer mobility for peo- Labs from the many “Sandias” in the Albuquerque Wells, Jan Williams, and Elton Wright. ple in wheelchairs, and offer therapy and love to area. A contest was held for the new name. Paul Sands people who are lonely or sick. With the award (9312), Liz Scott-Patterson (5010), and Jonathon Lee came $500 for Assistance Dogs of the West. (14417) all suggested the name “Sandia Serves.” The retiree Shining Eagle award winner is Wilbur Johnson (6225) suggested adding “exceptional New database for Sandia Robert Rieden. Robert volunteered 615 hours to service in our community.” Michael Vittitow (12653) Serves volunteers Habitat for Humanity and 231 hours to New designed the new logo. (Photo by Bill Doty) Mexico Search and Rescue Support. According to A database for use by Sandia Serves volunteers is now in place. Sandia volunteers can enter their Community Involvement, Robert retired from was presented to Stan Hall (9623). The award rec- hours as they are completed or enter them at the Sandia in 1997 so he could have more time to ognizes a Sandian who has significantly con- end of the calendar year. work on things he really enjoys. He wanted to be tributed to Sandia’s corporate volunteer efforts. Amy Tapia and Patty Zamora (12651), new vol- able to give back to the community. Both Search Stan served as the Division 9000 Habitat for unteer coordinators, refer to the database to identify and Rescue and Habitat for Humanity received Humanity representative. In addition to coordi- Sandia Serves volunteers. checks for $250. Robert will again serve as a lead nating Division 9000’s Sandia participation and Invitations to this year’s breakfast were sent to volunteer on Sandia’s sixth Habitat for Humanity working on the house, he solicited numerous volunteers recording their times on the new data- house that began May 6. contributions. base. You too can register your hours at The Goodness Award created to honor the Stan was recently quoted in the USA Weekend https://cfwebprod.sandia.gov/cfdocs/VolunteerHours/ memory of Sandia volunteer Harriet Goodness magazine as saying, “It’s fun to bring a smile to templates/index.cfm SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 9

Absolutely, positively: IES all-minds Retiree, Michener devotee Gay Dybwad edits the meeting talks mission success Michener Society Newsletter

T-shirt slogans have this going for them: by enabling Sandia to achieve its mission. If at first it seems surprising that a retired their nature, they’re short and to the point. He recounted how John Brown, shortly after Sandia scientist is the new editor of the James A. That’s why the slogan on the back of the stepping down as head of Los Alamos National Michener Society Newsletter, it soon sounds eminently reasonable when you recall that a new IES T-shirts, introduced by VP Frank Laboratory, came and talked to a group of Sandia decade ago he and his wife wrote and published Figueroa during a series of IES all-minds meet- leaders. Brown told the Sandians that the problem a book about Michener’s early life as a begin- ings, resonated with the 200 or so folks at the at LANL — and one he never fully got a handle on ning teacher — with Michener’s consent and Steve Schiff Auditorium. — was that everyone, while ostensibly working for collaboration (Lab News, Jan. 5, 1996). The slogan: “Absolutely, Positively Enable the same institution and with the same high pur- But that’s exactly what Sandia retiree Gay pose, wore a different T-shirt. Dybwad and his wife Joy “If we’re going to be successful,” Bliss are now doing — Frank said, “we all have to wear the same editing and producing T-shirt.” the Michener Society Frank spelled out a number of funda- newsletter from their mental principles that guide Integrated home in Albuquerque. Enabling Services: It’s even printed by an • We are one team delivering the Albuquerque printer. whole job. The first issue under • We are first and foremost about the their tutelage, Spring 2005, has just been interest of the nation. JAMES A. MICHENER • Sandia interests come before corpo- issued. rate or parochial organizational interests. Michener, the great historical novelist (Tales • Safety and security are not an after- of the South Pacific, Hawaii, Centennial, Space, thought or an added-on component of Caravans, Texas, The Covenant, The Source, and Sandia’s mission, but an integral, insepa- several dozen other like works) and educator, died in 1997 at the age of 90. He described him- rable part of it. self simply as “citizen, traveler, writer,” but his While the IES T-shirt slogan offers a works entertained and educated generations of good shorthand description of IES’s ambi- readers about the geography, history, and culture tions, the mission statement is a bit more of lands and peoples around the globe. Shortly detailed: “[The mission of IES is to] proac- after his death a group of his friends founded the DIV. 10000 VP AND IES CHIEF Frank Figueroa, right, shares a tively participate in Sandia’s mission suc- Michener Society to celebrate his life and work. light moment with Jesus Martinez (4225) during the IES all- cess by delivering high-quality, sustain- The newsletter is its semiannual publication. minds meeting. Jane Zingleman of IES Support Systems looks on. able, and affordable infrastructure Recently the newsletter’s editor, an adminis- systems and services.” trator at the University of Northern Colorado Labs Success.” That, in a nutshell, defines the goal Frank described three IES 10-year goals, the where Michener’s papers reside in the James A. of the Labs’ Integrated Enabling Services Manage- critical one being that “IES delivers its services so Michener Library, gave up the editorship due to ment Unit, headed by Frank (who is also the Labs’ well that SMUs, programs, and organizations time constraints. Gay, who retired in 1997 after Chief Financial Officer and VP of Business Man- choose IES as a partner to achieve mission seven years at Sandia and 21 years at Bell Labs, agement and Enabling Services Division 10000). success.” gladly stepped into the gap. Frank’s presentation on May 5 was the second Joe Polito (10700), sharing the stage with “This was a perfect project for us, having of three IES all-minds meetings (“We want more Frank, discussed some of the specifics that define known Mr. Michener and having written that than just your hands here”) scheduled to accom- IES. Briefly, IES encompasses the management book with him,” says Gay. He says their experi- modate the schedules of the 2,000-some IES staff and operational services of the Labs. Approxi- ence in design and publishing, including their at both the New Mexico and California sites. mately 2,000 FTEs are associated in IES functions; now four books on the World’s Columbian Frank used the T-shirts — with their descrip- they come from 16 centers spanning eight divi- Exposition in 1893 in Chicago (Lab News, Sept. tive slogan — as a central metaphor in his discussions. The operational budget for IES in the cur- 12, 1997), didn’t hurt either. “Also,” says Gay, sion of the role of IES in the Labs. Everyone wear- rent fiscal year is just shy of $300 million. That “it was a perfect time for us and is an opportunity to give something back to the Michener ing the same T-shirt is a sign of unity, of purpose, investment in money and people, Joe said, pro- Society.” and of commitment to common goals, said Frank, vides the essential support needed by the techni- Sandians interested in the Society whereas everyone secretly wearing different T-shirts cal line to carry out its mission-related work. (www.unco.edu/library/jamsociety) or the causes discord and inability to perform as a team. “Our job is to keep these [R&D] systems newsletter can contact Gay and Joy by phone or Frank emphasized that when we all wear the IES working every day,” Joe said. “Without IES, e-mail: 505-296-9047 or [email protected]. T-shirt, we are committing to the IES vision of [researchers] can’t do their jobs.” — Bill Murphy — Ken Frazier Sandians help author two guidebooks to the Sandia Mountains

By Neal Singer ner and hiker in the Sandias — the field guide was interest on how places came to be called what they the setting — like a ring for a jewel — for its com- are called seems inexhaustible. Two books focused solely on aiding those of us panion volume, Sandia Mountain Hiking Guide, There’s a technical explanation of the role of who frequent the Sandia Mountains for hiking, pic- written by Sandian Mike Coltrin (1126). higher-elevation aspen in the fire cycle. nicking, running, skiing, bird watching, rock climb- This book is interesting because it chiefly dis- Mountain Hiking’s ing, hang-gliding, and cusses what one encounters in trying to get some- tone is both more other healthy pastimes where on the mountain. It suggests trails many of casual and more have been published by us may have started on, and gives enticing glimpses urgent. About a the University of New of what awaits you further up the trail. It gives potentially confus- Mexico Press (unm- directions to trails not often spotted. It warns when ing stretch of the press.com). Contents of a trail becomes vague and what to look for to stay on mountain’s Embu- the two handsome it. Altogether, it has the intensity of an enthusiast dito trail, Mike paperbacks contain siz- to whom these trails, and hiking them, matter. writes, “One or two able contributions from Not that the Field Guide doesn’t shine with its paths go over the Sandia employees. own interests. You learn that “This flower smells rise, and you will see The Field Guide to the like chocolate!” [Chocolate Flower, Green Eyes] or that they start head- Sandia Mountains has that “the tall plant with droopy ray flowers catching ing down toward the plenty of facts, figures, your eye” is the Cut-leaf Coneflower, which can be canyon bottom. and technical images — made into a tea, the authors inform us. You want to take the not surprising, since six You learn the history behind Tinkertown, the branch just to the retired and three active odd collection of “whittled wooden characters left of those paths and head uphill past a large boul- Sandians took part in the writing and editing. It and critters living in the whimsical miniature der. It’s easy to take the wrong fork here, because even has anecdotes. frontier community” one passes on the road to the paths appear almost equally worn.” A brief introduction by noted fiction author Sandia’s crest. Advice on safety measures is frequent and apt in Tony Hillerman establishes the Indian mythology I had a general geologic idea of how the Sandias both volumes. surrounding the largest natural prominence in were formed but had heard conflicting views of Contributing to the Field Guide are retired man- the area. whether they were the southernmost part of the agers Art Arenholz, Don Carnicom, Don Peterson, Carrying the book with you is like having a Rocky Mountains; the book gives the current defini- and Dick Traeger; retired staff Sam Beard and James knowledgeable, nonintrusive friend along to tive answer. Karo (deceased); and Mike Coltrin, Margaret Fur- explain, as you want it, the background of the area’s There’s a useful list and explanation of Sandia man (5524), and Jeff Young (10223). The volume plants, animals, trails, geology, and amusements. Mountain place-names by lead co-editor and New was co-edited by Bob Julyan and Mary Stuever, However, I confess that for me — a frequent run- Mexico place-name guru Bob Julyan, whose now in Arizona. SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 10

JSF STOVL (liftfan) aircraft. (Corporate Compensation) in Greensboro, N.C. Manager promotions Bruce joined the Labs in June 1993, working on In 1984, John joined Sandia’s negotiating team the Intelligent Induction Hard- for the contract negotiations with the Metal Trades ening Project with Saginaw Council (MTC) and the Office and Professional Division of GM (now called Employees International Union (OPEIU). Delphi Saginaw Steering Sys- On Jan. 1, 1985, he took what was originally to New Mexico tems). He was awarded an be a five-year leave-of-absence from AT&T Technolo- Scott Collis from SMTS, Optimization and R&D100 Award and a Lockheed gies and became Supervisor of what was then the Uncertainty Estimation Dept. 9211, to Manager, Martin Nova Award for Team- Position Evaluation Division. Eventually, John was Computational Math/Algo- work in leading the team that able to stay permanently at Sandia. He became rithms Dept. 9214. conducted the work. He contin- Supervisor of the Personnel and General Employ- Scott joined Sandia’s Opti- ued to lead a cross-laboratory, ment Division in September 1989 and Supervisor in mization and Uncertainty Esti- multidisciplinary team on the J. BRUCE KELLEY the Labor Relations in January 1990. John has a BA mation Department in July Intelligent Induction Processes in economics from Boston College and an MBA 2003. Before coming to Sandia, CRADA with Big 3 for an additional four years. from Columbia University. Scott was assistant professor of He transferred to Division 6000 in 1999, and has * * * mechanical engineering at Rice worked on materials application projects and served Jim Novak from Team Leader, Micro-Product University in Houston. as project manager for a variety of Sandia organiza- Applications Team 1738-1, to Manager, Systems Scott’s specialty is in high- tions. Bruce has been actively involved in business Technologies Dept. 5935. order spatial discretizations SCOTT COLLIS development across the Labs since 1997 and partici- Jim first joined Sandia in applied to nonlinear partial dif- pated in the Advanced Sales Training program. 1998 to develop tactile, prox- ferential equations. He uses these methods to simu- Bruce developed funding for the SERAPHIM imity, and positioning sensors late and model transitional and turbulent fluid flows maglev propulsion project, and continues to serve as for robotic and remotely oper- for aeronautical and hydrodynamic systems. He has industrial technologies coordinator for EE programs. ated machinery in the Intelli- also used optimal control theory to improve the per- He also served as Acting Manager for Dept. 6245. gent Machines Principles formance of such flows using small-scale actuators He has a BS in metallurgical engineering from Department. He has been and sensors within an active flow-control system. He Illinois Institute of Technology and an MS in the involved with sensors since has applied these technologies to reduce drag due to same field from the Colorado School of Mines. his graduate work developing turbulence and to reduce the sound generated by * * * systems to analyze electrical JIM NOVAK unsteady flows over airfoils and rotor blades. John McAuliffe from PMLS to Manager, signals from rat brains. In Scott has a BS in aerospace engineering from the Employee and Labor Relations Dept. 3501. 1994, Jim moved to Sandia’s University of Kansas and an MS and PhD in mechan- From 1970 to 1972, John Microsensors Department, where he developed sen- ical engineering, both from Stanford University. worked for Western Electric as sors for nondestructive evaluation and manufactur- * * * an internal auditor in manu- ing process control. J. Bruce Kelley from PMTS to Manager, Chemi- facturing at No. Andover, In 1997, Jim left Sandia to found SenSolve, Inc, cal & Biological Systems Dept. 6245. Mass., and Kearny, N.J., as well to commercialize several of the eight patented sen- As a metallurgical engineer, Bruce worked 14 as the regional service head- sor technologies he developed at Sandia. He years for the locomotive and gas turbine divisions of quarters in Newark, N.J. He was returned to Sandia in the Integrated Microsystems General Motors, then did corrosion and failure then at corporate headquarters Department in January 2003 to develop microsys- analysis consulting for two years, just before joining in New York City from 1972 to tems-based products for a variety of customers. In Sandia. As a powertrain materials and heat-treating 1977 working in corporate sta- May 2004, he was promoted to team leader of the expert for GM, he worked on transmission metal- tistics and banking relations. JOHN MCAULIFFE Micro-Product Applications. lurgy for the first “super-series” (wheel-slip con- He became Section Chief in Jim has an MBA from University of New Mexico trolled) locomotives and worked on design teams for Bank Reconciliations in 1973. In 1977, John was and BS, MS, and PhD degrees in electrical engineering turbine engines and gearboxes for V-22, C130J, and promoted to Department Chief, Wage Practices from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

First the Duke City Marathon, then 20 companies will present at Boston, what next for Vanessa Berg? TVC’s Equity Capital Symposium

By Iris Aboytes 20,405 runners, male and female, placing her Twenty startup companies from New Mexico, in the top five percent of all entrants. “It was California, and Nevada will present their business an amazing experience,” says Vanessa. “I felt cases before investors at the 12th annual Equity Vanessa Berg (15322) started running a year so blessed to be running with such wonderful Capital Symposium sponsored by Technology and a half ago. In October she won the Duke runners. There was so much emotion as I Ventures Corporation, May 18-19, in Albuquerque. City Marathon, crossed the finish The annual forum provides hundreds of and that qualified line. I did it! It investors from the US and abroad the chance to her to run in the was a once-in-a- invest in new technology-based products and ser- Boston Marathon. lifetime feat. It vices. Of the 20 companies presenting, seven have Last month in was a great race. strong connections to the national labs or universi- Boston she fin- I’ ll never forget ties, including five with Sandia-specific connections. ished among the it.” This year’s symposium features 13 New Mex- top one percent of “Mentally I ico-based companies, four from California, and women runners. was strong,” says three from Nevada. The companies were selected Vanessa first Vanessa. “I knew I by TVC in January. Since then, the presenters ran in the Duke would finish. have worked with TVC project managers and City Marathon in When I finished advisors to refine their business case, hone their 2003 and had an mile 10, we were business plan, and package their funding pro- 11th-place finish. in the hills. I posal. After months of work, each entrepreneur When she ran in thought ‘yeah,’ will have 10 minutes to present the company’s 2004, her goal and got stronger business case to the assembled investors. was to set a per- as I got into my TVC serves as a bridge between the investor sonal best and rhythm. I do bet- community and publicly funded technology that maybe break into ter in the hills.” has commercial application. the top ten. She In preparation “Nationally, one entrepreneur in a thousand ran the race half for the Boston will receive seed equity funding,” says TVC Presi- an hour faster Marathon Vanessa dent Sherman McCorkle. “We have an amazing than she did in ran about 80 miles record. One out of every three TVC symposium 2003. Her time a week. When presenters has received funding. We have the was recorded at Vanessa is not honor to work with some very outstanding 3:08.12. The win qualified her to run in the training she usually averages 30 to 40 miles a clients and advisors. Our success is really a reflec- 2005 Boston Marathon. week. “It feels good to go out and run after a tion of the hard work and talent of these entre- In Boston Vanessa posted another personal long day,” says Vanessa. “That’s my time when I preneurs.” record. Veterans who had run in Boston told can get out and be by myself.” She also changes For more detail about presenters and for regis- her about the notorious course and how very her routine by swimming and riding her bike. tration information, go to the TVC web site at few people set personal records or better their “I am one of the lucky ones,” says www.techventures.org. qualifying time. She did both by more than two Vanessa. “Some people cannot run marathons. minutes. She ran a 3:06:04, placing 65th overall The only thing that I have gotten from run- out of 7,901 women. This also placed her in the ning is a blister.” Sympathy top one percent of female runners (where all What’s next for Vanessa? “I am considering runners must qualify). a fall marathon,” she says. “Right now it will To Dan Saladin (8947) and Maria Beltz (2025) Vanessa placed 1,028th overall out of probably be either Twin Cities or Chicago.” on the death of his mother-in-law and her grand- mother, Leonela Sanchez, May 1. SANDIA LAB NEWS • May 13, 2005 • Page 12 Space Day 2005 sizzles skyward

pace Day is an annual educational initiative sponsored S by Lockheed Martin and dozens of other corporate and institutional partners. This year’s event, held May 5 at venues around the country, was designed to inspire young people to explore careers in mathematics, science, engineering, and technology and to realize the vision of our space pioneers. In Albuquerque, Space Day activities were held again this year at the National Atomic Museum. The event attracted scores of students from several local schools.

Photos by Randy Montoya