Argonne researchers honored by Energy Secretary’s Awards Program

A number of Argonne researchers were recently honored for their contributions to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the nation. DOE believes that it is important to recognize employees and contractors who have provided exceptional service to the American people and citizens of the world. Since 2007, the Secretary of Energy has acknowledged significant individual and group accomplishments through the Secretary’s Awards Program.

Secretary of Energy’s Excellence Award: Lawrence Paul Lewis

Technology Implementation Program Lead Lawrence Paul Lewis (DIS) was awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Excellence Award for providing support to the Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection to support long-term recovery planning for critical infrastructure systems in Puerto Rico following the 2017 hurricanes. Lewis led the effort to identify critical facilities around Manati, Puerto Rico, including analyzing their dependencies on lifeline infrastructure systems (e.g., energy, water and wastewater, communications and IT and transportation) and identifying opportunities for recovery planners to consider long-term reinvestment strategies for Puerto Rico. This effort was done as a short-term pilot project while recovery operations were ongoing and resulted in the development of a web-based GIS application that identified key infrastructures and their first and second order dependencies, framing the key findings for stakeholder consideration during recover planning.

The Secretary of Energy Excellence Award is designated for individuals who have a singular accomplishment that demonstrates a high level of performance and outstanding leadership in public service. In addition to the recognized accomplishment, the individual’s overall  contributions and achievements must be substantial; outside the normal course of duty; and must significantly benefit DOE’s mission and the nation.

Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award: Linda Hansen

Principal Nonproliferation Policy Analyst Linda Hansen (SSS) was awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award for exceptional service and leadership in support of U.S. initiatives to advance international adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency Additional Protocol, a critical component of the international nuclear nonproliferation regime.

Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award:  The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research Operations Team

The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research Operations (JCESR) team was awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award. The JCESR project has literally and figuratively changed the formula for developing next-generation batteries. Experiments with new battery materials at the bench have resulted in the discovery of revolutionary new materials for beyond-lithium-ion prototypes. The JCESR Operations Model, meanwhile, has integrated and amplified the effectiveness of 20 otherwise independent interdisciplinary scientific organizations as a single coordinated unit. The Operations Model established a structure around meetings, research sprints, reporting, communications, outreach, safety, finance and intellectual property. In so doing, it has enabled more than 200 researchers to magnify their efforts and achievements in discovery science, materials design, battery design, research prototyping and manufacturing collaboration.

The Secretary of Energy Achievement Award is bestowed upon DOE employees or contractors who accomplished significant achievements on behalf of the Department. They should demonstrate cooperation and teamwork in attaining their goals.