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William Blackwell receives the 2009 NOAA–David Johnson Award
Dr. William J. Blackwell, a member of the technical staff in the Sensor Technology and System Applications Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, received the 2009 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—David Johnson Award. The award was presented by Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of NOAA, at the Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Dinner in Washington, D.C. on 17 April.
The David Johnson Award is given by the National Space Club in honor of the first administrator of the agency that became the NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, and it recognizes young scientists who have developed innovative applications of Earth-observation satellite data that may be used "to assess and/or predict atmospheric, oceanic, or terrestrial conditions."
Blackwell was recognized for his work in neural network temperature and moisture retrieval algorithms and in microwave modeling and calibration in support of NOAA's forthcoming National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System and NASA's Aqua satellite, part of the NASA Earth Observing System that has been collecting vast amounts of data on the Earth’s weather and climate systems for almost ten years.
Since joining Lincoln Laboratory in 2002, Blackwell has focused his research in the area of atmospheric remote sensing, including the development and calibration of airborne and spaceborne microwave and hyperspectral infrared sensors, the retrieval of geophysical products from remote radiance measurements, and the application of electromagnetic, signal processing, and estimation theory. He holds a BEE degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and SM and ScD degrees from MIT, all in electrical engineering.
Posted April 2009John Zayhowski named a 2009 Fellow of the Optical Society of America
Dr. John J. Zayhowski, a senior staff member in the Laser Technology and Applications Group at Lincoln Laboratory, has been named a Fellow of the Optical Society of America (OSA) in recognition of "seminal contributions in miniature solid-state laser technology and laser applications and for pioneering work on microchip lasers."
The OSA, an international association of optics and photonics scientists, engineers, educators, and business leaders, was founded in 1916 to expand and disseminate knowledge of optics.
At Lincoln Laboratory, Zayhowski has worked on semiconductor devices, solid-state lasers, nonlinear optics, and electro-optic systems. His current focus is on the development of robust miniature solid-state laser systems. His work has resulted in sixteen U.S. patents and the formation of four companies.
A 2005 recipient of an MIT Lincoln Laboratory Technical Excellence Award, Zayhowski has published extensively on microchip and miniature lasers and has served on the Laboratory's Advanced Concepts Committee and New Technology Initiatives Board. He holds a joint BS and MS degree in electrical engineering and computer science and a PhD degree in electrical engineering from MIT.
Posted April 2009
Lincoln Laboratory earns Superior security rating
The U.S. Air Force 66th Security Forces Squadron awarded Lincoln Laboratory a "Superior" security rating for 2008. This rating was based upon the cumulative results of twelve comprehensive security inspections conducted on divisions, groups, and departments randomly chosen for evaluation. The Laboratory earned high ratings on security reviews performed between January and December 2008. The Laboratory's continued compliance with National Industrial Security Program requirements has earned it this third consecutive "Superior" rating.
Eric Evans, Director (center left), and Shawn Daley, Chief Security Officer (center right), display the plaque honoring Lincoln Laboratory for earning a Superior security rating from the Air Force 66th Security Forces Squadron. Col David L. Orr, 66th Air Base Wing Commander (front left), represented the squadron at the ceremony. Leadership of the departments, divisions, and groups that achieved high scores in the 2008 security review are, from left to right, Joseph Flynn, Head of the Information Services Department; Gary Ahlgren, Leader of the Ranges and Test Beds Group; James Kuchar, Associate Leader of the Weather Sensing Group; James Gregory, Assistant Leader of the Advanced Imaging Technology Group; David Whited, Leader of the Space Control Systems Group; Marc Bernstein, Head of the Air and Missile Defense Technology Division; Aryeh Feder, Leader of the Systems and Analysis Group; David McElroy, Leader of the Advanced SATCOM Systems and Operations Group; Michael Languirand, Leader of the Optical Systems Engineering Group; Jeffrey Herd, Assistant Leader of the Advanced RF Sensing and Exploitation Group; Gregory Berthiaume, Leader of the Sensor Technology and System Applications Group; and Richard Heinrichs, Leader of the Active Optical Systems Group. Posted April 2009
Allen D. Pillsbury and Benny J. Sheeks receive 2008 Technical Excellence Awards
Allen D. Pillsbury and Dr. Benny J. Sheeks are the recipients of the 2008 MIT Lincoln Laboratory Technical Excellence Awards, presented to them by Dr. Eric D. Evans, Director, at a ceremony held in the Laboratory's auditorium on 6 February 2009.
Mr. Pillsbury was honored for his innovation in the mechanical design of space-based sensors and optical communication systems, and his introduction of new technologies that demonstrate revolutionary performance gains for space systems.
Dr. Sheeks was honored for his analysis of radar observations of foreign and domestic ballistic missiles, his expertise in the utilization and interpretation of real-world ballistic missile radar data, and his techniques and results that have formed a critical cornerstone for the development of the Ballistic Missile Defense System.
Allen D. Pillsbury (left) and Dr. Benny J. Sheeks (center) are congratulated on their Technical Excellence Awards by Dr. Eric D. Evans (right), Director of Lincoln Laboratory.
Posted February 2009 |
Four from Lincoln Laboratory receive 2009 MIT Excellence Awards
Four Lincoln Laboratory employees have been named 2009 recipients of MIT Excellence Awards. On 4 March, this year's recipients will be recognized at a ceremony in MIT's Kresge Auditorium.
The Laboratory's honorees are
- Joanne Knoll of the Intelligence, Test, and Evaluation Group – Creating Connections Award
- Andrea E. Lamberti of the Intelligence, Test, and Evaluation Group – Serving the Client Award.
- Dr. Carl H. Fischer of the Sensor Technology and System Applications Group – Innovative Solutions Award
- Antonio S. Ruscitti of the Sensor Technology and System Applications Group – Unsung Hero Award
The MIT Excellence Awards acknowledge the efforts made by members of the MIT community toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Institute. Professionalism, commitment to best practices, and high standards of excellence are at the heart of these awards. More information about the MIT Excellence Awards, a component of the Rewards and Recognition Program, can be found at http://web.mit.edu/hr/rewards/excellence/index.html.
Posted February 2009
Michael S. Brandstein and Darryl P. Greenwood named IEEE Fellows
Dr. Michael S. Brandstein, technical staff member in Lincoln Laboratory's Information Systems Technology Group, and Dr. Darryl P. Greenwood, principal Laboratory researcher in the Homeland Protection and Tactical Systems Division, were named Fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), effective 1 January 2009.
The IEEE is the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology. Fellow status in the IEEE recognizes exceptional distinction in one's profession and is conferred based on accomplishments that "contributed importantly to the advancement or application of engineering, science, and technology, bringing the realization of significant value to society."
Michael S. BrandsteinBrandstein was recognized for "contributions to microphone array signal processing for speech and multimedia applications." Prior to joining Lincoln Laboratory, he was an assistant and associate professor of electrical engineering at Harvard University. His work at the Laboratory has focused on speech and audio signal enhancement. He has served as a chairman of the IEEE Signal Processing Society's Audio and Electroacoustics Technical Committee and as an associate editor for the IEEE Transactions on Speech and Audio Processing. He holds an ScB degree from Brown University, an SM degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a PhD from Brown, all in electrical engineering.
Darryl. P. GreenwoodGreenwood was honored for "contributions to the design and performance of adaptive optical systems." During his career at Lincoln Laboratory, he has served as a group leader responsible for various beam control and adaptive optics programs; as associate head, then head, of the Optics Division; and as associate head in both the Aerospace and the Homeland Protection and Tactical Systems divisions. He has led the Laboratory mission in chemical and biological defense and currently is responsible for coordinating the Laboratory's energy initiatives. Greenwood is a Fellow of the Optical Society of America and a past member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
Posted January 2009
NASA honors Lincoln Laboratory researchers
NASA Group Achievement Award
Nineteen Lincoln Laboratory employees are among the recipients of the 2008 NASA Group Achievement Award for their participation in the Joint Flight Demonstration Test conducted in 2006 at NASA Ames Research Center in California. The award, presented to the team by Dr. S. Pete Worden (Brig Gen, USAF, ret.) at a ceremony held 11 June at the Ames Center, recognizes "exemplary performance in completing a series of flight tests comparing and validating air-to-air measurements between two separate airborne infrared sensor systems."
The Lincoln Laboratory recipients of this award are Dr. Kevin Cohen, Victor Cyrkler, Mehul Dhorajia, Allyn Dullighan, James Dunn, Kenneth Gregson, Kevin Johnson, Danial Lane, Charles Magnarelli, Robert Maynard, Bonnie McKowen, Lance Michael, Walter Moquin, James Morrissey, Robert Murray, Dr. Eliahu Niewood, Albert Theriault, Dr. James Truitt, and David Ventura.
2007 Paul F. Holloway Non-Aerospace Technology Transfer Award
Dr. Marilyn M. Wolfson, Dr. Haig Iskenderian, and Earle R. Williams of Lincoln Laboratory's Weather Sensing Group are among the recipients of the 2007 Paul F. Holloway Non-Aerospace Technology Transfer Award for their participation on the NASA Advanced Satellite Aviation-Weather Products Project Team. The award, which was presented at the Langley Research Center Honor Awards ceremony held on 17 July at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of new technology and significant participation in technology transfer activities.
Posted November 2008
R. Louis Bellaire receives Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service
Dr. R. Louis Bellaire, Assistant Leader in the Advanced Concepts and Technology Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, has been presented with an Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service for his distinguished service as Sensors Directorate Chief Engineer and Acting Technical Director, Deputy for Test Integration and Fielding, Missile Defense Agency, from September 2006 to February 2008.
During his service with the Missile Defense Agency, Dr. Bellaire assembled and led a cohesive team of scientists and engineers who delivered a synchronized sensors architecture that ensured a successful satellite engagement. He was commended for producing a viable, executable plan for each phase of this mission.
Dr. Bellaire joined Lincoln Laboratory in 1996. His work has focused on radar discrimination, tracking, and data fusion for ballistic missile defense applications. He has extensive experience in ground-based and sea-based missile defense systems, and from 2003 to 2006 he led the Laboratory's Forward Based Radar testbed program. Dr. Bellaire holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Washington University and MSEE and PhD degrees in control systems and signal processing from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Posted November 2008
Grant H. Stokes receives Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award
Dr. Grant H. Stokes, Head of the Aerospace Division at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, was honored with the Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his four years of service to the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board (AFSAB). The award was presented to him during the board's meeting on 7 and 8 October.
Lincoln Laboratory members of the AFSAB—Dr. Hsiao-hua Burke, Associate Head of the Aerospace Division; Dr. Robert Shin, Head of the Homeland Protection and Tactical Systems Division; Dr. Eliahu Niewood, Assistant Head of the Engineering Division; and Dr. Jack Fleischman, Leader of the Space Systems Analysis Group—were in attendance at this meeting.
Posted October 2008
Lincoln Laboratory is among the recipients of the 2007 Collier Trophy
The National Aeronautic Association has awarded the 2007 Robert J. Collier Trophy to the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast team of public and private-sector groups, which included MIT Lincoln Laboratory. The Collier Trophy is awarded annually for "for the greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America, with respect to improving the performance, efficiency, and safety of air or space vehicles." Past winners have included the teams who developed the F-22 Raptor, the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, and the Space Shuttle.
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is a system in which each aircraft broadcasts its aircraft-determined position, intent, and status information on the order of once each second. This broadcast position information can be received by other aircraft and by ground stations, providing robust air-to-ground and air-to-air surveillance.
Lincoln Laboratory played a critical role in the conception, development, and testing of ADS-B, and continues to support the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) national implementation program. In 1992, Lincoln Laboratory proposed to the FAA the use of an expanded Mode-S squitter for the transmission of aircraft-derived position. This concept evolved into the current ADS-B that allows aircraft to broadcast and receive ADS-B information using existing transponder equipment. It has been adopted worldwide as the commercial fleet's standard for ADS-B implementation.
The Lincoln Laboratory ADS-B team included Peter G. Amos, Ed Bayliss (retired), D. Jonathan Bernays, Robert E. Boisvert, Walter L. Brown, Richard W. Bush, Steven R. Bussolari, Paul R. Drouilhet, Ann C. Drumm, James M. Flavin, Jeffrey L. Gertz, Robert D. Grappel, Ralph K. Halvorsen, William H. Harman, George Knittel (retired), James K. Kuchar, Raymond R. LaFrey (retired), John A. Maccini, Charles J. Magnarelli, Christopher P. McNeil, Walter A. Moquin, Vincent A. Orlando, W. Michael Radoslovich, Kenneth W. Saunders (former employee), Katherine A. Sinclair, Steven D. Thompson, and M. Loren Wood.
Posted August 2008
David R. Martinez receives Eminent Engineer Award
David R. Martinez, Head of the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Technology Division, received an Eminent Engineer Award from New Mexico State University College of Engineering. The award was presented by Dean Steven P. Castillo during a ceremony held on May 9, 2008. This award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves in their field of study.
Mr. Martinez joined MIT Lincoln Laboratory in 1988 and was responsible for the development of a large prototype space-time adaptive signal processor. As Division Head, he oversees programs in the development of advanced techniques and prototypes for surface surveillance, laser systems, active and passive adaptive array processing, integrated sensing and decision support, undersea warfare, and embedded hardware and software computing. Before joining the Laboratory, he was a principal research engineer at ARCO Oil and Gas Company, responsible for a multidisciplinary project to demonstrate the viability of real-time adaptive signal processing techniques.
The holder of three U.S. patents, Mr. Martinez served on the Army Science Board from 1999 to 2004. He is the founder and past chairman of a national workshop on high performance embedded computing. He has been an associate editor to the IEEE Signal Processing Magazine. In 2003, he was named an IEEE Fellow; in 2007, he served on the Defense Science Board ISR Task Force.
Mr. Martinez holds a BS degree from New Mexico State University, an MS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and an EE degree jointly from MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He completed an MBA from the Southern Methodist University and has attended the Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University.
Posted June 2008
Antonio F. Pensa named Penn State 2008 Outstanding Engineering Alumnus
Dr. Antonio F. Pensa, Assistant Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory, was selected a 2008 Outstanding Engineering Alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University. The award, presented at a ceremony on 21 April 2008, is given to alumni who have “reached exceptional levels of professional achievement.”
Dr. Pensa joined Lincoln Laboratory in 1969 and initially worked on reentry systems and air traffic control programs. Subsequently, he was responsible for the development and implementation of the coherent integration tracking that led to the realization of a U.S. operational deep-space radar capability. He was also instrumental in establishing the space surveillance program at Lincoln Laboratory.
Dr. Pensa has served on most of the Air Force Space Surveillance Architecture Studies since 1972 and is considered a national expert in the techniques and sensors associated with surveillance of space and from space. Currently, he is responsible for military space activities, including those in support of the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Laboratory’s space control programs.
A past member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Pensa also served on the Defense Science Board (DSB) Task Force on Space Superiority and the DSB/SAB (Science Advisory Board) Task Force on National Security Space. He is the recipient of the National Reconnaissance Office Director’s Award for Distinguished Service, the Air Force Award for Distinguished Service, and the NASA Group Achievement Award.
Posted June 2008
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