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DoD Announces Third Quarter Laboratory Scientist, STEM Advocate, and Technology Transfer Advocate Awards

The Acting Director of Defense Research and Engineering for Research and Technology (DDRE(R&T)) in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) is pleased to announce the third quarter Fiscal Year 2021 winners of the following awards:

  • Marshall_Schroeder_LSQ

    Department of Defense (DoD) Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter

    Dr. Marshall Schroeder, U.S. Army Research Laboratory

    Dr. Schroeder, is recognized for his innovative work on multivalent batteries. His pioneering research has resulted in the development of novel battery chemistries and initiatives to transition these fundamental breakthroughs to U.S. Army platforms. Dr. Schroeder’s research has pushed the frontiers in energy storage technology, finding a revolutionary direction for rechargeable multivalent-ion batteries, which present more cost-effective, sustainable, volumetrically energy-dense, and intrinsically safe energy storage platforms compared to existing Li-ion technology. Based on some of the most naturally abundant elements in the Earth’s crust, multivalent-ion batteries also offer a pathway toward sustainable domestic battery production. His leadership and expertise in this field have greatly advanced the Department’s mission.

  • Borgers_Klonkowski_SAQ

    DoD Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Advocate of the Quarter

    Ms. Erica Borgers-Klonkowski, U.S. Navy, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD)

    Ms. Borgers-Klonkowski is recognized for her leadership in inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders through her determined advocacy for STEM education and community outreach programs connected to DoD technology priorities. Her contributions to the NSWCDD STEM program affected thousands of students and educators in the local surrounding communities and beyond. Her continuous dedication to mentor, encourage, and inform students about STEM education and workforce opportunities in the DoD, most especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrate her commitment to inspire and cultivate the next generation of STEM talent. In a time when normality has been elusive for students and educators, she has exemplified the core values of NSWCDD with her integrity, imagination, courage, urgency, and esprit de corps.

  • portrait

    DoD Technology Transfer (T2) Advocate of the Quarter

    Mr. Lynn Zanow, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)

    Mr. Zanow is recognized for his pioneering leadership in the T2 community, which led to the establishment of ERDCWERX, the partnership intermediary agreement between DEFENSEWERX and ERDC that fosters connections between ERDC and over 10,000 companies, academic institutions, and Government agencies. Mr. Zanow’s efforts have already resulted in a 33 percent increase in established license agreements, and with ERDCWERX the number of ERDC license agreements is projected to double within the next five years, opening economic opportunities for local communities surrounding DoD facilities. Mr. Zanow’s efforts will continue to strengthen the Department’s T2 programs and policies for years to come.

“I am impressed with the caliber of award nominations that OUSD(R&E) received, and I am especially proud of our outstanding awardees Dr. Schroeder, Ms. Erica Borgers-Klonkowski, and Mr. Zanow,” said Dr. Valerie Browning, the Acting DDRE(R&T). “We are thrilled to recognize their excellent 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 webinars are open to the public. Visit DoD Innovators’ Spotlight Series to learn more and to register.

Office of the Under Secretary of Defense,
Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E))
3030 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3030