Scientists, engineers selected as Fellows Published June 17, 2011 By Connie Rankin 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Kirtland Air Force Base -- Three Air Force Research Laboratory scientists and engineers from Kirtland Air Force Base have been recognized as AFRL Fellows. Recipients are noted for their research and development and technical program management. Dr. Don Shiffler of the Directed Energy Directorate was selected for his research and achievements in highpower microwave technologies for directed energy systems. His accomplishments have allowed AFRL to develop the world's first airborne high-power microwave counter electronics demonstration system. One of his many inventions was the cold cathode which successfully extended the operation range and capabilities of high-power microwave devices. As a result of his efforts, high-power microwave sources can now run at multi-hertz repetition rates for long durations. Dr. Thomas Cooley of the Space Vehicles and Sensors Directorate was selected for his work in calibrating hyper spectral imaging data and also for his atmospheric radiance and compensation models. His most significant achievement is the success of the Tactical Satellite-3 that was transitioned from a demonstration to operational use. He guided the program from its inception as a rapid-build, highly capable space demonstration for less than $100 million. Dr. Cooley is also internationally recognized for his contributions to space-based remote sensing. Dr. Albert Viggiano, also with the Space Vehicles Directorate, was selected for his work in plasma chemistry and for turning his chemistry laboratory into a state-of-art facility. Dr. Viggiano is credited with solving many difficult problems for the Air Force with his plasma chemistry work. He resolved technical problems in re-entry vehicles, chemical weapons and detection, satellite propulsion, and high-energy laser chemistry. Dr. Viggiano's chemistry laboratory has been selected by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research as one of its "Star Teams" every year since 1991. "This is great news, out of the 10 directorates in AFRL, three of the eight Fellows were selected from the two directorates here," said Colonel William Cooley, commander of the Phillips Research Site.