Los Alamos National Laboratory announces winners of its most prestigious medals
Three winners exemplify the Lab’s excellence in global security, operations and community relations
November 6, 2024
Each year, Los Alamos National Laboratory celebrates the dedication and achievements of a select few individuals who have made significant contributions to the Lab’s global security mission, operational excellence and community relations. This year’s winners are Scott Richard Greenfield, James “Jay” Johnson, and Bill Wadt.
Global Security
The 2024 Los Alamos Global Security Medal was awarded to Scott Richard Greenfield for his dedicated research, exceptional and sustained level of scientific excellence, and programmatic accomplishments in the optical remote sensing field. His research uses optical imaging and processing techniques to detect and classify small changes over time. Greenfield is a national leader in this area, and his contributions have established the Lab’s reputation as a center of excellence for advanced remote sensing R&D.
Operations Excellence
James “Jay” Johnson is the winner of this year’s Operations Excellence Medal for his extensive contributions across business and Laboratory operations.
Johnson’s contributions to the Laboratory and the people who make it succeed are vast and varied. He has built programs, teams, business practices, procedures, and lasting relationships that define excellence.
Community Relations
Laboratory retiree Bill Wadt is the winner of the Community Relations Medal for his service to Northern New Mexico communities for more than 30 years, both during his career at Los Alamos and since his retirement in 2010. His efforts embody the medal’s intent to honor community leadership and partnership building within Northern New Mexico in STEM education, economic/workforce development, and philanthropic investment of time or resources.
“Bill sees possibilities where most would see none,” said Tony Fox, vice president of institutional advancement and scholarship at the LANL Foundation and who nominated Wadt for the award. “He sees potential in people who do not see it in themselves, and he champions those who have yet to find their voice.”
LA-UR-24-31775
Contact
Steven Horak(505) 551-4514horak@lanl.gov