Three LLNL Scientists Honored with Presidential Early-Career Award

Design physicist Kelli Humbird, who has been recognized for her innovative application of machine learning in inertial confinement fusion (ICF) physics, was one of three distinguished LLNL researchers honored with a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) award.

Humbird and LLNL colleagues Tomi Akindele and Holly Carlton were among the nearly 400 scientists and engineers who received the award from President Biden in mid-January to recognize their exceptional contributions and potential for leadership in their research fields.

Established in 1996 by President Clinton, the PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on early-career scientists and engineers. The award acknowledges far-reaching developments in science and technology, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, promotes awareness of science and engineering careers, and highlights the critical role of science and technology in shaping the nation’s future.

PECASE awardees, including the three LLNL scientists, are at the forefront of scientific innovation and leadership, making substantial contributions to the nation’s progress in various scientific fields, according to a White House announcement. Their work exemplifies the impact of dedicated research and collaboration in addressing complex challenges and advancing knowledge.

Design physicist Kelli Humbird has been recognized for her early work involved building a machine learning model on a vast database of 2D ICF simulations, leading to the discovery of a new class of igniting implosions. Humbird’s research continues to push the boundaries of machine learning and physics, with applications in nuclear forensics, weapons physics, and ML-based accelerators for simulations.

“Receiving the PECASE is a great reminder to reflect on the career I’ve had so far, so I can be intentional about shaping where I go next,” Humbird said.

Emphasizing the importance of passion and teamwork, Humbird offers advice to aspiring scientists. “Do what excites you, even if it’s not what others are doing or what they value at the time and surround yourself by people who say ‘yes’ to new ideas,” she said.

Humbird earned her Ph.D., master’s and bachelor’s degrees in nuclear engineering and a bachelor’s in physics from Texas A&M University. She joined LLNL as a summer intern in 2016.

Nuclear engineer Tomi Akindele has been recognized for her pioneering research at the intersection of nonproliferation and particle physics. Her work focuses on advancing the understanding of neutrinos as a tool for reactor monitoring through international scientific collaboration. Akindele’s contributions include developing a new scintillator formulation to enhance the detection of neutrino interactions.

“Receiving the PECASE reinforces why I’m so fortunate to have a career at LLNL,” Akindele said. “LLNL has been a leader in applied antineutrino detection for decades. The opportunities that led to this award would not have been possible at another institution.”

“The dedicated focus on mentorship here has been imperative to my success,” she said emphasizing the importance of collaboration at the Laboratory. “Although the award is issued to individuals, the work that led to the award could not have been possible without the support of the multi-disciplinary teams I collaborate with.”

Akindele received her Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from University of California, Berkeley, and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering Texas A&M University. She started at LLNL as a summer student in 2014.

Materials scientist Holly Carlton is a group leader in the Materials Engineering Division. Her research explores the process, structure, properties and performance relationship of advanced manufactured materials using advanced characterization techniques.

Carlton’s work using in-situ mechanical testing of additively manufactured alloys at the Advanced Light Source synchrotron facility led to greater understanding of failure modes and defect tolerances in 3D-printed metal alloys and light-weighted structures. Her work continues to focus on developing a fundamental understanding of mechanical behavior of alloys in a broad suite of technical challenging areas important to Laboratory programs.

“This award is such an honor. I am incredibly grateful to the mentors, colleagues, and of course my family who have supported me throughout this journey,” Carlton said. “I am excited to continue exploring new research directions and contributing to impactful scientific advancements. I look forward to using the grant money to conduct future studies that focus on using advanced manufacturing techniques to create novel materials for fusion energy science applications.”

Carlton received her Ph.D. and master’s degree in materials science and engineering and a bachelor’s degree in engineering physics from the University of California, Berkeley. She joined LLNL as a postdoctoral research scientist in 2012.

More Information:

“Designing for Ignition: Precise Changes Yield Historic Results,” NIF & Photon Science News, March 1, 2023

“The Internship that Launched a Machine-Learning Target Revolution,” NIF & Photon Science News, November 1, 2020

“Four LLNL Researchers Receive Presidential Early Career Awards,” NIF & Photon Science News, July 23, 2019

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