Two Kirtland scientists selected as AFRL Fellows

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  • By Air Force Research Laboratory
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Two Air Force Research Laboratory scientists at Kirtland were recently recognized as 2013 AFRL Fellows, the organization's most prestigious honor.

Dr. William "Pat" Roach, Directed Energy Directorate, was selected based on the excellence and the impact of his research in the biological effects of directed energy and ultra-short-pulse lasers. His research led directly to the establishment of modern Department of Defense, national, and international laser and RF safety standards as well as new methods for laser eye surgery.

"For more than two decades, no one has had more influence on laser safety science and standards and USPL phenomena than Dr. Roach," said Dr. Robert Peterkin, the directorate's chief scientist. "His selection as an AFRL Fellow recognizes his many contributions to our nation and the laser community over the past 32 years. He is most worthy of this esteemed honor bestowed on only a few each year."

Since joining the laboratory in 1990, Roach has directed and led new science in cornea and skin laser effects, while securing the advancement of tactical and airborne laser systems ahead of schedule. He supervised a critical $35 million laser countermeasures program, fielded protective devices, guided laser eye protection warfighter acquisition, and realized a new, rapid DOD transitional acquisition process.

Dr. B. "Babu" Singaraju, Space Vehicles Directorate, was selected as a Fellow in recognition of his 35 years developing and transitioning space system bus, payload and operations technologies to the developer and user communities.

Singaraju has significantly advanced the state of the art in space system design through three decades of developing, demonstrating and transitioning next-generation spacecraft capabilities to the warfighter. In particular, he was recognized for leading the science of radiation-hardened materials for space. Most DOD satellites use the radiation-hardened electronics Singaraju and his coalition has developed. His work on an radiation-hardened 32-bit processor that was adopted into the strategic missile programs became one of the largest technology transfers for the laboratory, and the gold standard for technology transfer across the labs.

"We know of no DOD satellites that do not use AFRL radiation-hardened electronics. Similarly, our solar-power technologies transition to most if not all DOD satellites, thanks in large part to Dr. Singaraju," said Dr. Jim Riker, chief scientist of the directorate. "Throughout his 35-year career, Babu has continually exemplified the characteristics of an AFRL Fellow, and is highly deserving of this prestigious honor."

AFRL Fellow recipients are noted for their research and development efforts and technical program management. 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.