Nancy Jo Nicholas
Introduction
Nancy Jo Nicholas is the Associate Laboratory Director for Global Security (ALDGS), directing Los Alamos programs in nonproliferation, counterterrorism, and strategic partnerships worldwide. She leads multidisciplinary science and engineering efforts to detect, deter, and respond to complex national and international security threats.
Background
Nicholas has been with Los Alamos since 1990 and brings deep expertise in nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear materials management, arms control, and threat reduction. In her current role, she leads programs in defense nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear counterproliferation and counterterrorism, and strategic partnership programs including the Field Intelligence Element. She has served on national advisory boards including the National Academy of Sciences’ Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board and is a Fellow of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management. Her work spans policy, technology development, sensing and analytics, and international collaboration—ensuring that the Laboratory’s capabilities help address emergent threats, evolving global security environments, and the intersecting challenges of science, engineering, and intelligence.
Education
- MA, Nuclear Physics — George Washington University
- BS, Mathematics & Physics — Albright College
Area Managed
As ALDGS, Nicholas leads the Global Security directorate which delivers mission-driven research and development and operational capabilities in nonproliferation, arms control, counter-weapons-of-mass-destruction, and global threat reduction. Her team applies multidisciplinary science and engineering to safeguard the nation and its allies.