Fusion experiments at Z machine detect record neutron numbers

A relatively new method to control nuclear fusion that combines a massive jolt of electricity with strong magnetic fields and a powerful laser beam has achieved its own record output of neutrons at Sandia’s Z Pulsed Power facility.

First companies picked for Sandia’s new Mentor-Protégé Program

Sandia has selected three companies as its first protégés in a new partnership program designed to help small businesses develop and build solid foundations when competing for federal and industry opportunities.

Material found in house paint may spur technology revolution

The development of a new method to make non-volatile computer memory may have unlocked a problem that has been holding back machine learning and has the potential to revolutionize technologies like voice recognition, image processing and autonomous driving.

Safeguarding biological data

A partnership between Sandia and the Boston firm BioBright LLC to improve the security of synthetic biology equipment has become more relevant after the U.S. and others issued warnings that hackers were using the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their activities.

‘Iconic’ researcher wins Indigenous Excellence Award

Sandia engineer Sandra Begay has earned the AISES 2020 Indigenous Excellence Award in recognition of her substantial work to advance opportunities for Indigenous students and professionals in science, technology, engineering and math education and careers.

‘Magical’ mathematics unlocks engineering honor for Sandia scientist

Sandia mathematician Tamara Kolda has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering this year — one of a handful of mathematicians ever granted membership. She was selected for her groundbreaking work in tensor decomposition — calculations that improve automotive engine turbulence modeling and chemical composition sample extractions.

Nuclear Deterrence delivers on the mission

The annual Nuclear Deterrence all-hands meeting went virtual this year, with a pre-recorded video highlighting the numerous ND accomplishments Sandians were able to achieve despite the ongoing pandemic. The video also includes answers to questions submitted by employees in advance.

A distinguished journey

Sandia electrical engineer Harry Cincotta earned a special appointment to Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff this year. His Sandia career began 34 years ago, when he was hired as a custodian. He worked his way up from there to his current role, where he has been serving NNSA’s accident response team for the past decade.

Operation Backpack supports CA military families

Volunteers from Sandia’s California site donated 206 backpacks filled with needed supplies this year to children of local military families. This year’s virtual donation event offered participants options to donate electronically or make direct purchases from an Amazon wish list. The next donation event, One Warm Coat, is happening now through Oct. 31.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Sandia’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month went mostly virtual this year, with video presentations and other digital events, including youth art contests, honoring HENAAC winners, sharing a booklet of recipes, sayings and wisdom and more. The car show was the only live event, but not the only celebration.

Benefits Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment is happening now. This is the annual opportunity for employees and retirees to review and update benefit elections, including medical, dental and vision coverage, flexible spending accounts, changes to covered dependents, vacation buy and more.