Two Team KAFB scientists inducted as 2012 AFRL Fellows

  • Published
  • By Laura Dempsey
  • Air Force Research Laboratory
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Two Team Kirtland scientists from the Air Force Research Laboratory have been chosen as 2012 AFRL Fellows, the organization's most prestigious honor.

The Fellows Program recognizes outstanding career accomplishments while providing support for future endeavors by awarding each honoree additional research funding of $150,000 per year for the next two years.

Dr. Jennifer Ricklin, AFRL's Chief Technologist and overseer of the Fellows Program, said, "This is AFRL's top award, given to those who've shown superior research and development expertise during their years in the lab. It's an incredible honor. This year, only 16 people were even considered for nomination, and then the nine AFRL Chief Scientists painstakingly review each nomination package. It's never an easy job - but it's inspiring to review the accomplishments of these talented and dedicated individuals."

Nominations can be submitted by any member of the AFRL workforce on behalf of a military or civilian candidate. The only restrictions are the nominated individual must have been assigned to AFRL for the past three consecutive years, and have seven or more combined years of active federal service. Dr. Ricklin heads a committee that deliberates and scores the nominations before passing them to Maj. Gen. William McCasland, AFRL commander, who makes the final determination.

"Each year, the Fellows selection process is a tangible reminder of the quality of the AFRL workforce," said McCasland. "I'm very proud such gifted and capable scientists and engineers have chosen to serve National Defense here at the Air Force Research Lab."

The two Team Kirtland scientists chosen to be AFRL Fellows are:

Dr. Ron Kaspi, AFRL Directed Energy Directorate, is a senior research scientist who leads a team in molecular beam epitaxy of semiconductor structures for compact mid-infrared lasers. His research group has been recognized as an Air Force Office of Scientific Research Star Team for four consecutive three-year terms, and his research protects United States Air Force assets from surface-to-air and air-to-air infrared-tracking missiles.

Dr. Danhong H. Huang, AFRL Space Vehicles Directorate, is a pioneer in the research of quantum device physics. His expertise in theoretical semiconductor physics has led to breakthroughs in space sensor technologies that will reduce the size and cost of satellite sensor systems and enhance obscured target detection, continuous all weather monitoring and chemical/biological weapons detection. Dr. Huang was one of two people to develop a physical model for understanding the possible photoluminescence cooling of a lattice in semiconductors.

The 2012 AFRL Fellows will be honored in September at the annual Fellows Banquet.