Los Alamos scientists elected to National Academy of Sciences

In recognition of their contributions to science, the National Academy of Sciences has elected two Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists as members. The honor bestowed upon Laboratory scientists Brenda Dingus and Thomas Terwilliger is a testament to their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.

“Election to the National Academy of Sciences is a prestigious honor that reflects exceptional scientific achievement, leadership, and collaboration,” Laboratory Director Thom Mason said. “It is especially meaningful to see not one, but two Los Alamos-affiliated scientists recognized this year. Brenda Dingus has made outstanding contributions to astrophysics, and Tom Terwilliger has similarly advanced the field of structural biology. We are proud of their accomplishments and the high standard they set for scientific excellence at the Laboratory.”

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Brenda Dingus

Astrophysicist Brenda Dingus has carried out several seminal analyses and led several pioneering gamma-ray experiments. Dingus’ pioneering work includes analysis showing the first high-energy emission from a gamma-ray burst and the discovery of a previously unknown spectral component found in several bursts. Her work as a leader in satellite and ground-based instruments has included a major role in the Milagro experiment’s discovery of additional gamma-ray sources and the first observation of small-scale anisotropy of cosmic rays. She then led the development, funding and construction of the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov gamma-ray observatory.

Dingus was selected for fellowship in the American Physical Society in 2006 and named a Laboratory Fellow in 2010. She received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2000 while a professor at the University of Wisconsin. She has continued as a member of multiple important advisory committees to the American Physical Society, NASA, National Science Foundation and DOE, has held numerous positions within the American Physical Society, and throughout her career has mentored the next generation of astrophysicists.

Dingus joined Los Alamos National Laboratory as a staff scientist in 2002. Prior to coming to Los Alamos in 2002, she was a tenured professor first at the University of Utah and then at the University of Wisconsin. Dingus received her doctoral degree in experimental cosmic-ray physics from the University of Maryland – College Park.

Tom Terwilliger

Longtime Los Alamos and current New Mexico Consortium senior scientist Tom Terwilliger also was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Terwilliger has long been at the forefront of computational structural biology. His work has fundamentally advanced the way researchers solve macromolecular structures, which are vital to understanding the function of biological systems at the molecular level.

Terwilliger created the SOLVE/RESOLVE software package, which along with many algorithms, is included in the Phenix software for automated analysis of X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy protein structures. Terwilliger’s innovations have played a vital role in biomedical research, with his tools applied in numerous studies ranging from viral protein structure determination to drug target discovery, ultimately supporting efforts in vaccine design and therapeutic intervention. In recent years, his methods have been instrumental in solving structures related to SARS-CoV-2, providing critical insights during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A former president of the American Crystallographic Association, Terwilliger has contributed to the field for decades with Laboratory, government, professional societies, and journals, including service on panels, committees, working groups and more. He was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2000, and a Laboratory Fellow in 2001. Terwilliger, who joined the Laboratory in 1992, earned a doctorate in molecular biology from the University of California at Los Angeles.

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