CRANE, Ind. – Dr. Alison Smith, Chief Engineer of Materials Analysis for Microelectronic Component Technologies at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), was announced as a finalist for the prestigious Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals (also known as “the Sammies”) on Monday.
The Sammies, known as the “Oscars” of government service, are a highly respected honor with a vigorous selection process. Named for the Partnership for Public Service’s late founder who was inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s call to serve in 1963, these awards align with his vision of a dynamic and innovative federal workforce that meets the needs of the American people.
Since the Sammies were first awarded in 2002, there have been a total of 457 finalists – only 12 of whom came from the Department of the Navy. Dr. Smith becomes the second-ever finalist from the entire Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
“Our number one goal is to support the warfighter by creating technologies that enhance [Department of Defense (DoD)] capabilities,” Dr. Smith said. “That takes a lot of effort, patience, and persistence. You have to find the right collaborators and advocates as well as advocate for the technology yourself.
“It’s so important to empower the next generation of scientists and engineers. I feel that is a natural extension of being a scientist.”
Dr. Smith is a finalist in the “Promising Innovations” category for her innovative research in the field of nanomaterials for anti-tamper and anti-counterfeit applications, which has the potential to change the trusted components supply chain within the DoD. Dr. Smith is using plasmonic nanoparticles as physically unclonable functions for responsive anti-counterfeit nanofingerprints.
With the help of researchers from Indiana University, Dr. Smith used nanotechnology – the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale – to create the equivalent of fingerprints, or unique identifying markers, that can be imbedded into military equipment and parts.
“The threat to national security of counterfeit products is all too real,” said Dr. Jonathan Dilger, NSWC Crane’s Director of Research. “Alison is specifically focused on researching the potential benefits of using nanotechnology to identify legitimate components and prevent counterfeit, faulty parts from entering the supply chain.”
The Sammies’ honorees represent the many exceptional federal workers who are doing just that – breaking down barriers, overcoming huge challenges and getting results. Whether they’re defending the homeland, protecting the environment, ensuring public safety, making scientific and medical discoveries, or responding to natural and man-made disasters, these men and women put service before self and make a lasting difference.
Medal recipients will be announced October 2 during a gala at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C.
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of NAVSEA with focus areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. NSWC Crane is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today’s warfighter.