Two Fermilab employees receive DOE Secretary’s Honor Awards

The Department of Energy has recognized Fermilab Deputy Director of Research Joe Lykken and Fermilab Neutrino Division Head Steve Brice each with a 2021 Secretary’s Honor Award. The awards recognize DOE employees and contractors for their service and contributions to DOE’s mission and for the benefit of the nation. They are among the highest honors an employee or contractor can receive.

“I want to thank all the recipients for their vital contributions to the department and our country,” said former Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette. “I am truly honored to work alongside such brilliant, talented individuals who show unwavering commitment to public service. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”

Joe Lykken

Joe Lykken

Joe Lykken is a member of the Science and Technology Risk Matrix team, which made significant contributions to reducing the risk that foreign influence and malign foreign actors pose to DOE’s national laboratory complex. This effort resulted in further protecting the national security of the United States while maintaining and enhancing its world-leading science enterprise through the application of increased protections against malign access to the national labs, as well as the development and implementation of the Science and Technology Risk Matrix. For their contributions to DOE and the nation, the Science and Technology Risk Matrix Team is awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award.

Steve Brice

Steve Brice

Steve Brice is a member of the National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory Team, which harnessed and mobilized the formidable scientific facility and research capabilities of the DOE national laboratories to meet the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the leadership of this team, DOE’s 17 national laboratories achieved an unprecedented level of coordination, operating as a unified entity, with a single “front door” for facility access and research. For their contributions to DOE and the nation, the National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory Team is awarded the Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award.

Other award recipients include:

  • DOE Office of Science Associate Director for High Energy Physics Michael Procario, a member of the Sanford Underground Research Facility Cooperative Agreement Team, which is recognized for their significant contributions and unparalleled commitment to assure the successful award of the unique cooperative agreement to operate SURF for the Department of Energy.
  • DOE Office of High Energy Physicist Abid Patwa, who is recognized for his efforts to make the United States high-energy physics program a world leader through international cooperation.

Fermilab is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.