DoD Announces First Quarter
Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter and
STEM Advocate of the Quarter Awards
DoD Announces First Quarter
Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter and
STEM Advocate of the Quarter Awards
The Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Science and Technology in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) is pleased to announce the first quarter Fiscal Year 2022 winners of the following awards:
Department of Defense (DoD) Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter
Dr. Darin J. Sharar, U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, Army Research Laboratory
Dr. Sharar is recognized for pioneering research which has enhanced thermal technology programs critical to the U.S. Army and the Department. His research resulted in the discovery of the use of metallic solid-state phase-change materials to exploit multifunctional solid-solid thermal energy storage materials to enable transient high payloads. Dr. Sharar’s leadership and expertise in research and development, coupled with inspiring the next generation of scientists, have greatly advanced the Department’s mission.
DoD Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Advocate of the Quarter
Ms. Elizabeth Hite, Department of Navy, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
Ms. Hite is recognized for her exemplary support to the DoD’s mission to inspire young Americans in STEM through her determined advocacy for STEM education and community outreach programs connected to DoD technology priorities. Because of her involvement, the efforts of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard to develop the future STEM workforce—including her involvement in STEM-in-the-Box, SeaPerch, and the STEM Engagement trailer—are thriving, and her leadership has paved successful pathways for motivating and securing talent for the future DoD workforce. Her dedicated work with local partners throughout New England and nationwide has made a meaningful impact. Ms. Hite has gone above and beyond in her commitment to STEM outreach and advocacy on behalf of the Department.
“OUSD(R&E) received very high caliber of nominees during this nomination cycle, and I am especially impressed with this quarter’s outstanding awardees Dr. Sharar and Ms. Hite,” said Ms. Barbara McQuiston, the Deputy Chief Technology Officer for Science and Technology. “We are excited to recognize these exceptional individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Department and the Nation, which amplify the DoD science and technology innovation enterprise and help build the next generation of STEM leaders.”
Each of the winners will have an opportunity to present their work at an upcoming DoD Innovators Spotlight Series virtual webinar. These open-to-the-public webinars provide a web-based platform for attendees to meet these recognized awardees while learning about their cutting-edge work and best practices.
Office of the Under Secretary of Defense,
Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E))
3030 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3030
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Office of the Under Secretary of Defense,
Research and Engineering (USD(R&E))
The Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301