WASHINGTON –
A Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) employee was one of five recognized in the U.S. Navy for advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Lori Stiglitz received the Department of Defense (DOD) Outstanding Employee Annual Disability Award in Washington D.C. on October 26. The 43rd Annual DOD Disability Awards Ceremony took place at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.
The DOD Outstanding Employee Annual Disability Award honors DOD civilian employees and Service members who have made outstanding contributions in advancing equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Dr. Stiglitz is the Workforce Development Lead for the Joint Hypersonics Transition Office Systems Engineering Field Activity (JHTO-SEFA) at NSWC Crane.
Dr. Stiglitz said she is humbled to receive this award.
“This recognition is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts in advancing equal employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities,” said Dr. Stiglitz. “Our dedication to supporting the mission and warfighter reflects the commitment to inclusivity and innovation. This recognition underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion as together we seek to support the mission and our warfighters each day. I am grateful for the support through our leadership and on our team, and I pledge to continue advocating for diversity, accessibility, and technological advancements in service to our nation.”
According to her nomination package, in her role as the Workforce Development Lead for JHTO, Dr. Stiglitz demonstrated exceptional leadership in engaging influential partners to developing key skillsets in hypersonic technologies at all academic levels. This program included science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education from elementary and secondary to post-doctoral efforts. Her efforts were also influential in shaping the existing NSWC Crane workforce. The package continues, “Through her efforts, she has fostered collaborations between industry, academia, laboratory, and government agencies to ensure a clearance-eligible domestic workforce prepared to meet the challenges in research, development, manufacturing, fielding, and sustaining a national hypersonics capability. Her commitment to workforce development has led to the creation of innovative training programs and internships that have enabled students to gain vital experience in the hypersonics technology development. Dr. Stiglitz's tireless efforts have not only helped to attract and retain top talent in the field but have also helped to create a pipeline of skilled professionals who will drive the future of hypersonics technology.”
She said the pursuit of new solutions in hypersonics has been challenging, yet a rewarding journey.
“I share this honor with the incredible SEFA team at NSWC Crane that collaborates tirelessly as we collectively work to advance both technical and workforce solutions,” she said. “Together, we’ve contributed to the Department of Defense’s capabilities, pushing boundaries to enhance national security.”
Dr. Stiglitz said she has received tremendous support from Dr. Sarah Armstrong, the Director of the JHTO SEFA at NSWC Crane.
“She has provided continuous support of all of her team no matter what challenges they may overcome to be a vital and productive piece of the team,” says Dr. Stiglitz. “From the moment I was hired, Sarah saw my abilities, my experiences, my vision to support learning and opportunities for students and career-level employees as we develop the hypersonic workforce, and my unending passion to support the warfighter. She allowed for my reasonable accommodation, my medical service dog Grover, to be in and amongst all of my work on Crane and on our work travels, and most importantly, she continues to encourage my efforts for the good of Crane and the Navy at large. Her leadership goes well beyond the tasks and projects on the table; she focuses on supporting the people on the team. She is also a hero every day for our DOD mission.”
Her nomination letter notes that in her efforts with the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics, she created interactions between students and industry through coordinated events, allowing for discussion on specific research and identifying partnerships that led to internships and ultimately, employment in the hypersonics field. Her collaborative approach and dedication to excellence has “resulted in breakthroughs that have paved the way for the development of hypersonic systems with unmatched capabilities.”
Dr. Stiglitz said advancements for the Department are made as a team.
“I dedicate this honor to everyone who has supported and contributed to our mission as we continue working towards a more inclusive and diverse future, diversity of employees, diversity of thought, and powerful collaboration in facing challenges while contributing tirelessly to our nation’s defense,” said Stiglitz. “Let’s continue breaking barriers together.”
About NSWC Crane | NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electromagnetic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.
Join Our Team! NAVSEA employs a diverse, highly trained, educated, and skilled workforce - from students and entry level employees to experienced professionals and individuals with disabilities. We support today's sophisticated Navy and Marine Corps ships, aircraft, weapon systems and computer systems. We are continuously looking for engineers, scientists, IT and cyber specialists, as well as trade and other support professionals to ensure the U.S. Navy can protect and defend America. Please contact NSWC Crane Human Resources at crane_recruiting@navy.mil.