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Denise D. Prather
No full textDENISE D. PRATHER
NBS/NIST: 1970–2021
INDUCTED: 2022
Birth: 1953, Olney, Maryland
EDUCATION:
Gaithersburg High School
CITATION: For outstanding support of NIST personnel and stakeholders of NIST’s calibration services, resulting in increased efficiency and quality control throughout the public and private sectors of the U.S. economy
POSITIONS HELD AT NBS/NIST:
Administrative Aid, Analytical Chemistry Division, Institute for Materials Research, 1970-1973
Administrative Aid, Electrical Reference Standards Section, Electricity Division, Institute for Basic Standards/National Measurement Laboratory (NML), 1973-1981
Administrative Support - calibration services, Electricity Division, NML/National EngineeringLaboratory/ Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory, 1981-2010
Administrative Specialist - calibration services, Physical Measurement Laboratory, 2010-2021
SIGNIFICANCE OF WORK:
Denise Prather provided un-matched administrative and logistical support of NBS/NIST calibration services for five decades. Her personal attention to staff and customers, and her extensive knowledge of the calibration services, steered them through the many administrative changes that took place over her years at the agency. Prather defined the role of the calibration administrator as both the internal and external face of the calibration services. Her customer relations skills and abilities were unique and outstanding, and by personally assuming the responsibility of solving the customer’s problems or concerns, she increased the effectiveness of the services by letting scientists and engineers focus on the technical and not the operational. She guided the calibration services through re-organizational changes as Institutes became Centers and then Laboratories and, critically, as the administrative support of the services became centralized about 2012. She served as the “NIST go-to person” for calibration questions and built relationships with internal and external stakeholders to smoothly guide calibration services and efficiently achieve the complicated administrative and logistical tasks of calibrations.
HONORS:
Eugene Casson Crittenden Award (1992)
Measurement Services Award (1997)
NIST Bronze Medal (1998)
Diversity Award (2003)
Judson C. French Award (2013)
MEMBERSHIPS:
National Conference of Standards Laboratories International
Measurement Science Conferenc
The National Bureau of Standards and the Radium Dial Painters
No full textThe tragedy of the radium poisoning of young women dial painters in the 1920s has been the subject of best-selling books, plays, and motion pictures. With knowledge about radium and its accurate measurements in the hands of a very few scientists, what responsibilities did they have to sound the alarm and mitigate the hazards to workers and the general public? This two-part analysis looks at the role of the staff of the U.S. Bureau of Standards (the National Bureau of Standards [NBS] after 1934) in developing measurements and standards for accurate determinations of radium-226 and radon-222 that ultimately led to national standards for exposure to radioactive substances. Part I looks at the efforts of Elizabeth Hughes, with guidance from her senior colleague at the NBS, to assist dial painters with obtaining redress for their injuries. Part II examines the role of NBS in establishing the national radiation protection standards that were promulgated by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)
Gail J. Porter
No full textGAIL J. PORTER
NBS/NIST: 1978–1981 and 1991–2020
INDUCTED: 2022
Birth: 1956, West Covina, California
EDUCATION:
University of Delaware, BA (English), 1977
University of Maryland, MA (Journalism), 1982
CITATION: For vigorously safeguarding, enhancing, and promoting NIST’s technical excellence, accomplishments, and integrity to a wide variety of stakeholders by creatively and energetically using cutting-edge and conventional communication tools and techniques
POSITIONS HELD AT NBS/NIST:
Public Information Specialist and Writer/Editor, Public Information Division, Office of Administration and Information Systems, 1978-1981
Public Affairs Specialist and Coordinator, Special Projects, Public and Business Affairs Division, Office of the Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, 1991-2003
Chief and Acting Chief, Communications and Inquiries, Public and Business Affairs Division, Office of the Director of Administration and Chief Financial Officer, 2004-2006
Director, Public Affairs Office, Office of the Director, 2006-2020
SIGNIFICANCE OF WORK:
Over a 33-year career Ms. Porter led major communications initiatives that strengthened and protected NBS/NIST’s reputation for scientific and technical excellence. As a science writer, editor, video producer, and manager, she creatively used, and mentored others in using, the latest tools to better communicate the impact of NBS/NIST’s work with industry, academic and government researchers; the news media; government officials; and other key stakeholders. She was among the first at NIST to recognize the power and possibility of the World Wide Web (WWW) for broadly sharing technical research results. She advocated for and helped establish NIST’s first agency-wide website. She encouraged development of novel content to help NIST reach new WWW audiences from computer coders through GitHub to young students through animations featuring measurement superheroes. As NIST Public Affairs Director, Ms. Porter skillfully guided NIST’s outreach to conventional media outlets. She also oversaw creation of NIST’s first social media accounts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and later Instagram, GitHub, and Reddit), including drafting new policy guidance that helped employees effectively use the new channels while protecting NIST’s reputation. Ms. Porter supervised production of dozens of periodicals and special publications, including newsletters spotlighting the breadth of NIST accomplishments in easy-to-understand text and graphics. She wrote major portions of multiple reports that effectively documented to the Department of Commerce, Office of Management and Budget, and Congress the need for increased funding for NIST’s programs and facilities. Ms. Porter was the inspiring force and project lead for two generations of museum quality interactive exhibits in the NIST Administration Building Lobby that combined video, compelling images laboratory artifacts, and text into engaging displays to introduce NIST to thousands of visitors annually.
HONORS:
NIST Bronze Medal (1993)
Blue Pencil Awards, National Association of Government Communicators, 1993 and 1996
President, D.C. Science Writers Association (2006-2007)
Shorty Social Good Award (2020)
MEMBERSHIPS:
D.C. Science Writers Association
National Association of Science Writer
Thomas R. O'Brian
No full textTHOMAS R. O’BRIAN
NBS/NIST: 1991–2019
INDUCTED: 2022
Birth: 1955, Plainfield, New Jersey
Death: 2019, Superior, Colorado
EDUCATION:
Washburn University, BS (Chemistry), 1978
University of Wisconsin, Madison, PhD (Experimental Atomic Physics), 1991
CITATION: For his broad range of technical and programmatic leadership, spanning all NIST programs and operating units, that resulted in exceptional global metrology impacts
POSITIONS HELD AT NBS/NIST:
NAS/NRC Postdoctoral Research Associate, Electron and Optical Physics Division, Physics Laboratory (PL), 1991-1993
Physicist, Optical Technology Division, PL, 1994-1997
Scientific Advisor, PL, 1997-1998
Program Analyst, Program Office, Office of the NIST Director (OD), 1998-2000
Senior Program Analyst, Program Office, OD, 2000-2003
Chief, Time and Frequency Division, PL, 2003-2008
Director, NIST Boulder Laboratories, 2006-2008
Director, Program Office, OD, 2008-2009
Chief, Time and Frequency Division, Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML), 2009-2015
Chief, Quantum Physics Division, PML, 2009-2019
HONORS:
NIST Bronze Medal (2002)
NIST Building Tomorrow’s Workplace Award (2004)
U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal (2010)
U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal (2012)
MEMBERSHIPS:
American Physical Society
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Optical Society of America
PUBLICATIONS:
More than 40 publications including:
O’Brian, T.R., Kim, J.-B., Lan, G., McIlrath, T.J., and Lucatorto, T.B., “Verification of the Ponderomotive Approximation for the ac Stark Shift in Xe Rydberg Levels”, Phys. Rev. A 49, 649-652 (1994)
Thompson, A., Early, E.A., and O’Brian, T.R., “Ultraviolet Spectral Irradiance Scale Comparison: 210 nm to 300 nm”, J. of Res. of NIST, 103, 1-13 (1998)
Early, E.A. and O’Brian, T.R., “NIST Transmission Density Instrument”, Analytica Chimica Acta 380, 143-153 (1999
Susan M. Ballou
No full textSUSAN M. BALLOU
NBS/NIST: 2000–2020
INDUCTED: 2022
Birth: 1955, Alexandria, Minnesota
EDUCATION:
University of New Haven, BS (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science), 1977
Johns Hopkins University, MS (Biotechnology), 2000
CITATION: For exemplary leadership advancing research and applied solutions for forensic science within NIST, other government agencies, academia, the legal community, and standards development organizations
POSITIONS HELD AT NBS/NIST:
Program Manager for Forensic Sciences, Office of Law Enforcement Standards (OLES), Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory (EEEL), 2000-2005
Program Manager, Forensic Science and Liaison to Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for Forensic Attribution, OLES, EEEL/Special Programs Office (SPO), Associate Director for Laboratory Programs (ADLP), 2005-2014
Forensic Science Center of Excellence Federal Program Officer, SPO, ADLP, 2014-2019
Forensic Science Research Program Manager, SPO, ADLP, 2015-2019
Acting Director, SPO, ADLP, 2020
HONORS:
National Institute of Justice, Outstanding Service Award (2000)
U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medal (2003)
NIST Equal Employment Opportunity/Diversity Award (2005)
ASTM Forensic Science Award (2009)
American Academy of Forensic Sciences Board of Directors (2009-2012)
Mary E. Cowan Outstanding Service Award, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (2012)
ASTM Award of Merit - Honorary title of Fellow (2015)
Introduced to her Majesty, the Queen of England and His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, University of Dundee, Scotland (2016)
American Academy of Forensic Sciences - President (2018-2019)
MEMBERSHIPS:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
Mid-Atlantic Association of Forensic Scientists
ASTM International
International Association for Identification
PUBLICATIONS:
More than 20 publications including:
Abraham, A., Ackerman, K., …, Ballou, S., et al., Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, U.S. DOJ NIJ NCJ 187736 (2001)
Song, J., Whitenton, E., Kelley, D., Clary, R., Ma, L., Ballou, S., and Ols, M., “SRM 2460/2461 Standard Bullets and Casings Project”, J. of Res. of NIST 109 (6) (2004)
Abraham, A., Andrist, C., …, Ballou, S., et al., Forensic Examination of Digital Evidence: A Guide for Law Enforcement, U.S. DOJ NIJ NCJ 199408 (2004)
Ballou, S., President’s Editorial “The NAS Report: Ten Years of Response”, Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol 64 No 1 (2019
Hai S. Lew
No full textHAI S. LEW
NBS/NIST: 1968–2020
INDUCTED: 2022
Birth: 1936, Seoul, Korea
EDUCATION:
Washington University, BS (Architectural Engineering), 1960
Lehigh University, MS (Civil Engineering), 1963
University of Texas at Austin, PhD (Civil Engineering), 1968
CITATION: For a lifetime of outstanding organizational and technical leadership in driving national standards resulting in improved design and construction practices for resilient, safe, and cost-effective structures
POSITIONS HELD AT NBS/NIST:
Research Structural Engineer, Center for Building Technology, Institute for Applied Technology/National Engineering Laboratory (NEL), 1968-1989
Chief, Structures Division, NEL/Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL), 1989-1998
Senior Research Structural Engineer, BFRL/Engineering Laboratory, 1998-2020
HONORS:
NIST Bronze Medals (1980 and 2017)
American Concrete Institute Wason Medals (1980 and 1988); Henry L. Kennedy Award (1990); Henry C. Turner Medal (1999); Honorary Membership (2010); and Chester Paul Siess Award (2016)
U.S. Department of Commerce Silver Medals (1982 and 2001)
National Safety Council’s Cameron Award (1982)
U.S. Department of Commerce Federal Engineer of the Year (1995)
U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal (2005)
ASCE Walter P. Moore, Jr. Award (2005)
Japan Society of Civil Engineers International Lifetime Contribution Award (2009)
PCI George D. Nasser Award (2018)
Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers
NIST Dean of Staff (2017-2020)
MEMBERSHIPS:
American Concrete Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Society of Civil Engineers, National Academy of Construction, National Academy of Engineering of Korea, National Institute of Building Sciences, Precast Concrete Institute, Licensed Professional Engineer State of Maryland
PUBLICATIONS:
More than 150 publications including:
Lew, H.S., Carino, N.J., Fattal, S.G., and Batts, M.E., Investigation of Construction Failure of Harbour Cay Condominium in Cocoa Beach, Florida, NBSIR 81-2374, National Bureau of Standards (1981)
Lew, H.S., Editor, Performance of Structures During the Loma Prieta Earthquake of October 17, 1989, NIST Special Publication 778, National Institute of Standards and Technology (1990)
Lew, H.S., Bukowski, R.W., and Carino, N.J., Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Structural and Life Safety Systems, Federal Building and Fire Safety Investigation of the World Trade Center Disaster (NIST NCSTAR 1-1), National Institute of Standards and Technology (2005
Inactivation of Pathogens in Air Using Ultraviolet Direct Irradiation Below Exposure Limits
No full textASME B89.4.23 Performance Evaluation Tests and Geometry Errors in X-Ray Computed Tomography Systems
No full textMulti-Source Common-View Disciplined Clock: A Fail-Safe Clock for Critical Infrastructure Systems
No full textToward a New Primary Standardization of Radionuclide Massic Activity Using Microcalorimetry and Quantitative Milligram-Scale Samples
No full textWe present a new paradigm for the primary standardization of radionuclide activity per mass of solution (Bq/g). Two key enabling capabilities are 4π decay-energy spectrometry using chip-scale sub-Kelvin microcalorimeters and direct realization of mass by gravimetric inkjet dispensing using an electrostatic force balance. In contrast to traditional traceability, which typically relies on chemical separation of single-radionuclide samples, 4π integral counting, and additional spectrometry methods to verify purity, the system described here has both 4π counting efficiency and spectroscopic resolution sufficient to identify multiple radionuclides in the same sample at once. This enables primary standardization of activity concentrations of mixed-radionuclide samples. A major benefit of this capability, beyond metrology, is in assay of environmental and forensics samples, for which the quantification of multiple-nuclide samples can be achieved where presently inhibited by interferences. This can be achieved without the need for chemical separations or efficiency tracers, thereby vastly reducing time, radioactive waste, and resulting measurement uncertainty