Performance Recognition Awards go to employees

Fermilab recently recognized a group of dedicated employees for their outstanding contributions with Exceptional Performance Recognition Awards. The employees were nominated by their divisions and sections for the awards. Fermilab Director Nigel Lockyer and laboratory leadership handed out the awards at a virtual reception on Sept. 21.

Accelerator Division

Paul Allcorn

For leadership in the External Beams Department service building cleanup in support of Fermilab’s Safety Initiative.

Stanley Johnson

For his extraordinary effort in cleanup of operations areas in support of Fermilab’s Safety Initiative.

Valery Kapin

For his work in making the Booster IPM a useful diagnostic tool for both machine studies and daily operations.

Mary Kohler

For her extraordinary effort in cleanup of operations areas in support of Fermilab’s Safety Initiative.

Robyn Madrak Plant

For her work in leading the upgrade of the Muon g-2 in-ring kickers

Elliott McCrory

For the development, design and implementation of a software tool to enable electronic review and signing of radiological-work permits.

Michele McCusker-Whiting

For her work on the Project Cabling Database and the interface work for the IMPACT tool being implemented by ESH.

Maxwell Monningh

For his extraordinary effort in cleanup of operations areas in support of Fermilab’s Safety Initiative.

David Peterson

For critical contributions to beam operations for Muon g-2 and Mu2e.

Giulio Stancari

For leadership in the development of hollow electron lenses for dynamic halo control resulting in the wide adoption of the technology and its inclusion in the HL-LHC Project baseline.

Douglas Tapp

For his work on the PLC control system for the Linac high-energy debuncher LCW skid.

Linda Valerio

For exceptional service as project engineer of the MAGIS-100 atomic interferometry experiment. Valerio has spearheaded all areas of Fermilab’s technical responsibilities on this project and has been key to managing the project as it received PAC approval and DOE QuantISED funding.

Applied Physics and Superconducting Technology Division

Maria Baldini

For her outstanding contributions to the analysis of quench heaters performance in MQXF coils. Baldini’s careful analysis of a large range of tests performed on MQXF quench heaters by several laboratories in different conditions demonstrated adequate margin for successful operation of the MQXF coils, therefore contributing to the enablement of the High-Luminosity LHC.

Marco Battistoni

For his outstanding efforts acting as the crew chief for LCLS-II string assembly over the last several years. Battistoni’s attention to detail has also led to a high rate of success in completing assemblies, while the last string assembly for LCLS-II is now under way.

Jeffrey Brandt

For providing exceptional oversight of the Mu2e test solenoid cold mass fabrication. Following all lab safety policies, Brandt successfully developed and implemented procedures for lifting the oddly shaped transport solenoid coil modules. He also did an exceptional job in preparation of the transport solenoid module fabrication content.

David Burk

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity as an exceptionally skilled technician that prepares SRF cavities for vertical testing in IB1. Burk handles all cavities coming through the Vertical Test Stand facility, from LCLS-II / LCLS-II HE, to PIP-II, HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project, and to a wide range of different cavities for SRF program. Burk’s outstanding work is critical to success of all SRF-based projects and research activities.

Abraham Diaz

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity as an exceptionally skilled technician that prepares SRF cavities for vertical testing in IB1. Diaz handles all cavities coming through the Vertical Test Stand facility, from LCLS-II / LCLS-II HE, to PIP-II, HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project, and to a wide range of different cavities for SRF program. Diaz’s outstanding work is critical to success of all SRF-based projects and research activities.

Darrell Frye

For his outstanding efforts in leading a team to move the component storage and project staging facility from IB4 to IB2 in order to clear space for the IB4 Upgrade Project. The work was accomplished very efficiently and in a short time.

Artur Galt

For his outstanding efforts on developing instrumentation and interfaces for cryogenic sensors, quench detection and characterization signals, to satisfy the requirements for 14 unique transport solenoid unit tests for Mu2e.

Melonie Hays

For her outstanding efforts in handling and coordinating all financial business activities for APS-TD. Hays has done an exceptional job guiding both the finance and business matters through COVID-19 in very competent and professional manner.

William Hughes

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in overseeing the installation of the PIP2IT cryogenic distribution system. The successful completion of this system is an important milestone for the project. The system consists of a five-circuit cryogenic transfer line with control valves and warm vacuum pumping system for controlling the 35-K shield, 5-K intercept and 2-K cavity flows supplying two SRF cryomodules.

LaDrena Johnson

For her outstanding efforts in supporting and developing the Fermilab NQI proposal. Johnson performed exceptionally well while helping to coordinate and organize meetings, collect and prepare information, assemble appendix documents and assist with budget information.

Wayne Johnson

For his outstanding efforts in the fabrication of the HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project adapter box for Stand 4. This cryogenic device interfaces the existing Test Stand 4 feed box to the new superconducting quadrupole magnets in order to cold-test them at full current prior to shipment to CERN.

Darryl Orris

For his outstanding leadership in developing instrumentation hardware and software for Fermilab superconducting magnet test facilities and projects such as Mu2e and HL-LHC Accelerator Upgrade Project.

Sam Posen

For his outstanding efforts in developing niobium-tin SRF cavities that recently produced outstanding results on several fronts, bringing such cavities closer and closer to becoming practical for various accelerator applications. In addition, his recent experiments demonstrated record gradients in nine-cell TESLA cavities, a very important step toward potential ILC upgrades. Posen also made significant contributions to the writings and assembly of the Fermilab NQI proposal, where his organizational skills were exceptional.

Vincent Roger

For his outstanding and pivotal work leading to SSR1 cryomodule completion and HB6850 prototype cryomodule design that has recently undergone a successful final design review.

Laura Siarkiewicz

For her outstanding efforts in supporting and developing the Fermilab NQI proposal. Siarkiewicz performed exceptionally well while helping to coordinate and organize meetings, collect and prepare information, assemble appendix documents, and assist with budget information.

Renzhuo Wang

For his outstanding efforts in successfully completing an important step for PIP2IT and its cryogenic distribution system. Wang has been involved from the very beginning, and the success of the project would not be possible without his excellent engineering and managerial skills.

Adam Wixson

For his outstanding efforts toward the LCLS-II transportation effort, including the diagnosis and mitigation of the transportation failures and strong success of the restart and successful completion of many LCLS-II cryomodule transports.

Core Computing Division

John Brandt

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping provide dedicated operational excellence on the transition of the 1980s phone system to a modern deployment and the relocation of network and phone cables running under the IERC building site.

Kevin Conway

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping provide technical solutions that provided a workable robust solution that provides MFA for email while not on the Fermilab network.

Saul Gonzalez

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping provide technical solutions that provided a workable robust solution that provides MFA for email while not on the Fermilab network.

Eric Kabbe Jr.

Joseph Klemencic

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping provide technical solutions that provided a workable robust solution that provides MFA for email while not on the Fermilab network.

Ramon Pasetes

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping provide outstanding leadership, technical oversight and operational excellence on the transition of the 1980s phone system to a modern deployment and the relocation of network and phone cables running under the IERC building site.

Environment, Safety and Health Section

Angela Aparicio

For outstanding and effective response to COVID. Her work helped the lab prepare for and safely curtail operations; develop and implement policies for protective behavior and protective measures; monitor and keep up to date on COVID-related information; and continue to support and aid the lab to safely return to on-site work. She went above and beyond.

Robert Bushek

For outstanding and effective response to COVID. His work helped the lab prepare for and safely curtail operations; develop and implement policies for protective behavior and protective measures; monitor and keep up to date on COVID-related information; and continue to support and aid the lab to safely return to on-site work. He went above and beyond.

Kelly Dombrowski

David Esterquest

Raymond Lewis

Lori Limberg

James Niehoff

Joseph Rogers

Katie Swanson

Jonathan Ylinen

Facilities Engineering and Services Section

Josh Juneau

For his outstanding work on GIS and FIMS, which has been instrumental in mission success. In addition, his work has been recognized complexwide, with other laboratories asking for his hlpe and expertise in developing systems similar to Fermilab’s

Joshua Kenney

For his extraordinary job during the COVID-19 crisis overseeing essential construction work during shelter-in-place and later phases. He worked to ensure progress continued on our most critical work while protecting the workers and the lab from additional risk.

John Kent

For his extraordinary leadership during the transition from normal operations to safe standby. His leadership during COVID-19 helped to ensure the safety and security of the Fermilab facility and personnel

Larry Sliwa

For his outstanding efforts supporting labwide construction activities during staff turnover. The reduction in staff in FESS due to retirements required Sliwa to go above and beyond to ensure construction projects were completed.

Finance Section

Sarah Grimsley

For her contribution to developing the FQI proposal. Her outstanding efforts and tenacity in preparing the budgets and coordinating with various contributors helped to create a successful and funded quantum center proposal.

LBNF/DUNE

Thomas Hamernik

For serving as design manager for the LBNF/DUNE-US NSCF project team that successfully managed and executed the 100% preliminary design for LBNF NSCF completion in a very compressed time frame, meeting a Fermilab 2020 PEMP goal.

Kennedy Hartsfield

For work as project engineer for the LBNF/DUNE-US NSCF project team that successfully managed and executed the 100% preliminary design for LBNF-NSCF completion in a very compressed time frame, meeting a Fermilab 2020 PEMP goal.

Anne Heavey

For her significant and timely design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Mary-Ellyn McCollum

For having performed tirelessly, keeping the LBNF/DUNE-US project moving forward with efficient and exceptionally quick and timely management of all purchase requisitions as well as through followup to ensure prompt processing.

Kate Sienkiewicz

For leading the LBNF/DUNE-US NSCF project team that successfully managed and executed the 100% preliminary design for LBNF NSCF completion in a very compressed time frame, meeting a Fermilab 2020 PEMP goal.

Joshua Willhite

For his leadership and dedicated efforts, which were essential to the LBNF/DUNE-US project team’s efforts to manage the stop and restart of the construction work at the Sanford Underground Research Facility during the frequently changing site access restrictions period as a result of the COVID-19 response. Willhite effectively coordinated with the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, the city of Lead and KAJV as well as the project leadership in an unprecedented situation with a cool head and sensitive approach.

Neutrino Division

Flor Blaszczyk

For running the Liquid Noble Detector Facility, or PAB, and has had an enormous impact on getting the facility better organized and better able to serve its user community. PAB is a vibrant hub for liquid-argon R&D, and her efforts are ensuring we can grow these capabilities.

Elena Grammelini

For her significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano

Kelly Hardin

For doing a fantastic job with the installation and outfitting of the ICARUS detector. The effort was usually understaffed, always under time and financially pressured, but he managed to bring it to a successful conclusion.

Kathrine Laureto

For her driving force behind the lab’s strong engagement with the Society of Women Engineers conference. She organized a group to go in 2018, and this year the large group that attended resulted in at least five hires at the lab. She worked with others at the lab to achieve this, but she is undeniably the force behind the success.

Trevor Nichols

For doing a fantastic and often single-handed job with the ICARUS cryocontrols. At the same time, he is the leader of the DUNE cryocontrols and has a great job charting that course with a switch to the new ignition system.

Stephen Pordes

For his significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Jennifer Raaf

For her significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Marco Del Tutto

For his significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Marco Verzocchi

For providing extremely effective technical leadership for the DUNE TPC Electronics consortium as well as outstanding performance at project and technical reviews, helping to advance the project toward baselining.

Tingjun Yang

For his driving force behind the ProtoDUNE-SP analysis and the major author of the first ProtoDUNE paper. He takes a large share of the credit for the success of the ProtoDUNE algorithms, and his work has put DUNE in an excellent position.

Office of Communication

Lauren Biron

For her contributions in leading the Faces of DUNE project, which highlights the diverse people, projects and partners bringing the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment to life. Through 170 collaborator profiles, Faces of DUNE tells the stories of some of the more than 1,000 individuals working together to unravel the mysteries of neutrinos. The goal of humanizing science was accomplished by highlighting how the collaborators were inspired to pursue their careers and what led them to work on the DUNE project.

Office of General Counsel

Paul Ellison

For his extraordinary work on export control and the S&T matrix, helping to advance security at the laboratory. His work has directly contributed to the success of the mission.

Elizabeth Mendyk

For her outstanding efforts revising and updating the Contract Deliverables Database. This tool is widely used by DOE to assume the lab’s compliance with the contract. It is part of the Contractor Assurance Program and serves as the tool the management system owners use to track their deliverables.

Office of Partnerships and Technology Transfer

Aaron Sauers

For driving development of Fermilab’s entrepreneurial and innovation culture, managing the FRA patent portfolio of intellectual property, and developing the IP management plans supporting the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center. His insightful and professional approach through conversations, lectures and workshops has earned the respect of scientists, engineers and technologists across the laboratory.

Particle Physics Division

Davide Braga

For his extraordinary dedication to solving difficult technical issues, resulting in a successful, on-time submission of the COLADC_P2 ASIC.

Eric Dahl

For his significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Zoltan Gecse

For his many technical innovations that have reduced the complexity and cost of the CMS HGCAL, as well as for his leadership, which helped the US CMS Upgrade Project achieve CD-1.

Terry Grozis

For her outstanding contributions to the management of the CMS experiment, US CMS Operations Program and the CMS Upgrade projects.

Cary Kendziora

For the significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Paula Lippert

For her outstanding work in rapid prototyping printed circuit boards that allows fast feedback to design teams. Paula’s work reduces the development time considerably, therefore enabling significant cost and schedule savings.

Tiehui Liu

For the outstanding contributions to the design of the CMS MIP timing detector and to shaping the future of Fermilab in cutting-edge ASICS.

Kaori Maeshima

For the outstanding contributions to the operations of the CMS experiment and leadership in data quality and certification.

Petra Merkel

For her leadership in the development and completion of the Detector R&D Strategic Plan.

Hogan Nguyen

For his outstanding pivotal role in upgrading the in-ring kicker system for the Muon g-2 experiment, allowing the kicker to be operated at its design strength and center the stored muon beam at the magic momentum.

Antonella Palmese

For her innovative use of the Dark Energy Survey data in combination with gravitational wave data on “dark sirens” to provide a new measurement of the expansion rate of the universe.

Alpana Shenai

For contributions to the ECON ASIC through work done in the areas of block level synthesis and place and route.

Tammy Walton

For her leadership in Muon g-2 computing, particularly her work to complete the reprocessing of data required for the first Muon g-2 publication of the world’s most precise measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon.

Jin-Yuan Wu

For his leadership in the development of time-to-digital converter designs for FPGAs and ASICs, as well as a recent application for a record of invention in the design of a constant-power ring oscillator.

PIP-II

Christian Boffo

For his exceptional management of the PIP-II SRF and cryogenic system and technical leadership of superconducting solenoid design in PIP-II cryomodules.

Marianne Bosssert

For her outstanding dedication and professionalism in preparing a CD-2 quality resource-loaded schedule and EVMS. The entire project team is grateful for her contribution to PIP-II, which is destined to be the heart of Fermilab’s accelerator complex.

Dan Lambert

For his outstanding leadership in the construction and installation of the PIP2IT facility at CMTF.

David Leeb

For his outstanding dedication and professionalism in preparing a CD-2 quality resource-loaded schedule and EVMS. The entire project team is grateful for his contribution to PIP-II, which is destined to be the heart of Fermilab’s accelerator complex.

Joseph Randall

Craig Rogers

For his outstanding leadership in the construction and installation of the PIP2IT facility at CMTF.

Quality Section

Dave Baird Jr.

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping to develop, test and fully implement the Fermilab Quality Tool Suite that provides the lab with a more robust and integrated approach to issues management, assessment planning, as well as capturing the dissemination of lessons learned.

Mary Curtis

For her outstanding efforts and tenacity in helping to develop, test and fully implement the Fermilab Quality Tool Suite that provides the lab with a more robust and integrated approach to issues management, assessment planning, as well as capturing the dissemination of lessons learned.

Scientific Computing Division

David Fagan

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in successfully keeping the scientific computing infrastructure available and performing well during COVID-19 while being scrupulous to ensure that he, co-workers and vendors observe recommended safety precautions

Steven Gardiner

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in his outstanding work on the GENIE neutrino generator, including a reweighing package for systematic uncertainties and the implementation of new physics models.

Robert Hatcher

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity with his outstanding work on the GENIE neutrino generator, including a reweighing package for systematic uncertainties and an interface to Geant4 physics.

Brian Nord

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in organizing “Particles for Justice,” which raised awareness of systematic racism not only at the lab, but also across the entire field of physics. His work has motivated a wave of self-examination in many of us. It was a crucial first step toward implementing real change at the lab.

Patrick Riehecky

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in providing expert, patient advice and deep knowledge in the transition from Scientific Linux to CentOS as the scientific computing platform.

Erica Snider

For her outstanding efforts and tenacity in leading the LArSoft project through the pioneering moments of ProtoDUNE startup.

Chris Stoughton

For his outstanding efforts and tenacity in leading a strong team of lab engineers and scientists and university collaborators to realize the construction, assembly and integration of the Muon g-2 experiment kicker.

Michael Wang

For his significant design and development contributions to the Mechanical Ventilator Milano.

Workforce Development and Resources Section

Jacqueline Zolna

For her outstanding efforts and contribution to a project. Her development and execution of processes within WorkDay have enabled supervisors to more effectively manage their groups.