AFRL physicist traces career to scientist mom, astronaut Published March 19, 2013 By Jeanne Dailey Air Force Research Laboratory KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- "My mom and Sally Ride are two big reasons I became a scientist," said Capt. Katrina Schweiker, of the Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy Directorate. "When I was six years old, my dad read me a bedtime story about what it was like to be an astronaut that featured Sally Ride. That childhood dream played a large role in my early reasons for becoming interested in joining the Air Force." Schweiker said her mother was another role model. "My mom is also a scientist and, rather than just give my sister and me answers to our questions, she made us design and do our own experiments so that we would learn. It was tedious at times, but we never forgot." After growing up in Johnson City, Tenn., Schweiker went to the University of Minnesota, where she studied physics while enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Schweiker was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2004 and delayed entry onto active duty while completing her advanced degree. In 2009, she graduated from Penn State University with a doctorate, specializing in biophysics. Transitioning from graduate school to active duty, Schweiker arrived at Kirtland AFB to work in AFRL's High Power Electromagnetics Division. As a branch chief, her job focuses on inventing new components and systems for future directed energy weapons systems that will provide non-kinetic options for the warfighter. "I get to supervise a world-class team of scientists and engineers who are consistently on the cutting-edge of researching and developing game-changing technology," Schweiker said. "It is a very exciting community to be a part of. I like being a part of something that matters. Plus, as a scientist, the Air Force provides some unique opportunities for personal and professional development that you can't find anywhere else." Schweiker's scientific accomplishments started early. At the University of Minnesota, she looked at mechanisms to suppress shiver so head trauma patients could be made mildly hypothermic, protecting them from brain damage while doctors evaluated the right treatment. In graduate school, she built on older experiments to measure cavity volume in proteins, an important step in being able to design thermally stable proteins that could be used for drug therapies for cancers or even vaccines. "Since coming to AFRL, I have had the privilege to be involved in a number of critical programs, such as the Active Denial System," stated Schweiker. "The ADS is a non-lethal, counter-personnel device that could really change the way we protect our troops." The captain said that in addition to being a scientist and performing important work for the defense of the nation is exciting, she is always looking for new adventures. "Recently, I discovered the sport of roller derby and started skating as a member of one of the home teams for Duke City Roller Derby, the Albuquerque DoomsDames," she said. "I have really enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people and exercise in a super fun way."