Four Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers have been awarded Laboratory Fellows’ Prizes: Virginia Manner and Dru Renner received the Fellows’ Prize for Research while Dan Hooks and Earl Lawrence received the Fellows’ Prize for Leadership.
"Virginia, Dru, Dan, and Earl's impact reaches far beyond their extraordinary individual achievements," said Laboratory Director Thom Mason. "Their leadership and pioneering research have shaped the future of both science and national security, leaving an enduring legacy for our nation. The Fellows’ Prize stands as a testament to their profound contributions and lasting influence."
Research Prize
Virginia Manner, of the High Explosives Science and Technology group, was awarded the Fellows’ Prize for Research for groundbreaking research that has resulted in a fundamentally new approach to understanding sub-shock initiation and safety of energetic materials. Her work has not only delivered major technical advances but has also had a profound impact on the overall discipline of explosive safety science and ultimately on weapons programs at the Laboratory and within the Department of War.
Dru Renner, of the Primary Physics group, was awarded the Fellows’ Prize for Research for his transformative contributions to Los Alamos’ assessment science. He significantly advanced the common modeling needed for validated primary simulations, and he developed the statistical methodology that turns those simulations into scientifically defensible annual assessments with quantified uncertainties. His research provides a foundation for future-system work, including W93 and Design for Manufacture efforts supporting the National Nuclear Security Administration’s pit production mission.
Leadership Prize
Dan Hooks, of the Finishing Manufacturing Science group, was awarded the Fellows’ Prize for Leadership for his exemplary leadership across two major technical areas: explosive science and electrochemistry. Over the past decade, he has established national capabilities in these areas and built successful research teams across the Laboratory. Hooks’ leadership delivers three key outcomes: high-impact science, mission-critical capabilities, and development of the next generation of scientists, all of which significantly enhance the Laboratory’s impact and reputation.
Earl Lawrence, of the National Security AI Office, received the Fellows’ Prize for Leadership. The prize recognizes his leadership in creating an AI ecosystem for national security science, both within the Laboratory on the Artificial Intelligence for Mission (ArtIMis) project and for the broader Department of Energy as the NNSA Models Pillar Lead for the Genesis Mission. His leadership has transformed the Lab’s capabilities in statistical science, machine learning and artificial intelligence, making Los Alamos a leader in these areas.
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