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SED DOC & NIST Medal Winners (with Citations)
DOC Gold/Silver Medals Awarded to Statistics Division (1949 to 2021)
NBS/NIST Bronze/Astin/etc. Medals Awarded to Statistics Division (1973 to 2021) (66)
| Date | Recipient and Citation |
|---|---|
| 1957 | Churchill Eisenhart awarded DOC Gold Medal For leadership in integrating modern statistical developments with experimental research in the physical sciences, distinguished authorship, and outstanding contributions to the public service. |
| 1957 | John Mandel awarded DOC Silver Medal For meritorious authorship in the field of applied statistics, and for noteworthy achievement in the application of statistical methods in scientific research and testing. |
| 1960 | Lola Deming awarded DOC Silver Medal For extremely competent performance of official duties, an outstanding record of dependability and resourcefulness, and very valuable contributions to science, technology, and programs of cooperation with industry. |
| 1962 | Jack Youden awarded DOC Gold Medal For highly significant research in mathematical statistics and for creative leadership in establishing sound understanding and increased utilization of modern statistical techniques in science, commerce, and industry. |
| 1963 | Joe Cameron awarded DOC Gold Medal For exceptional achievements in the introduction and application of modern statistical and computational methods in measurement programs of national importance, and for outstanding success in winning acceptance of statistical engineering as a research tool in physical-sciences and engineering experimentation. |
| 1963 | Joe Hilsenrath awarded DOC Silver Medal For very valuable services in computation of thermodynamic data tables, scientific administration, and especially for his conception and development of OMNITAB, a versatile computer program for use by nonspecialists. |
| 1969 | Joan Rosenblatt awarded DOC Silver Medal Dr. Rosenblatt's sustained superior performance, outstandingly effective leadership, and application of advanced statistical methodology, have furthered the technical programs of the National Bureau of Standards and other Government agencies. Her distinguished service to the statistical profession as officer, organizer, editor, writer, and lecturer, contributed to the high scientific reputation of the National Bureau of Standards. |
| 1973 | John Mandel awarded DOC Gold Medal Dr. John Mandel is recognized for his contributions of major significance in developing unique statistical designs for experiments in chemistry, physics, and engineering and his pioneering work on the analysis of complex experimental data. Dr. Mandel has been the author or co-author of numerous scientific papers covering both theoretical and applied statistical methodology, and many of his publications are scientific landmarks. In addition, Dr. Mandel is the author of the widely acclaimed book, "The Statistical Analysis of Experimental Data", which has proved to be an extremely reliable text for scientists and engineers in assisting them in the proper design of experiments so that the maximum amount of information and data is obtained. His breadth of knowledge, originality, and competence have made him a leader of his field and, in turn, have established the National Bureau of Standards as a pre-eminent center of excellence for statistical design and analysis. |
| 1973 | 1973 was Year #1 for NBS Annual Awards Ceremony Medals |
| 1974 | Harry Ku awarded DOC Silver Medal Dr. Ku's authoritative application of statistical principles and methods to the evaluation of the uncertainties of scientific results has made distinguished contributions to the effectiveness of technical programs. His analyses help scientists to determine reliably when they can reach conclusions and move on to the next stage of an investigation, and his alertness to perceive anomalies in experimental data has often prevented misinterpretations or detours up blind alleys. His careful attention to the expression of uncertainty statements insures the correct communication of results to users. |
| 1976 | Joan Rosenblatt awarded DOC Gold Medal Dr. Rosenblatt has shown superb administrative leadership of a diversified group of professional statisticians who have provided outstanding research support and consulting service to physical measurements and standards development programs at the National Bureau of Standards. She has provided inspiring technical leadership for the development of data analysis methods and statistical computing techniques appropriate for the most sophisticated automated experiments in physical measurement research. By her own outstanding individual contributions and through skillful guidance of colleagues, she hs developed a solid program in technological sampling, including survey and compliance testing methods needed in the use of physical measurements for regulatory programs. She has consulted widely on the use of statistical methodology throughout the government, and has contributed also as an officer, organizer, editor, and committee member to the work of a large number of professional societies, technical committees, and government prospects. Her exceptional accomplishments have contributed significantly to the high scientific reputation of the National Bureau of Standards. |
| 1977 |
Dave Hogben and Sally Peavy awarded DOC Silver Medals |
| 1980 | Charlie Reeve awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mr. Reeve has exhibited exceptional creativity in developing and adapting statistical methodology to complicated calibration programs in dimensional metrology. These have included optical flats, reference plates, angle blocks, roundness standards and, most recently, the calibration of large spherical tanks for the transportation of liquified natural gas (LNG). As a member of the Center for Applied Mathematics, Mr. Reeves collaborated and participated in the work of the Dimensional Metrology Group, Center for Mechanical Engineering and Processing Technology. His clear understanding of the problems combined with his creative ability in developing, adapting, and using up-to-date statistical tools has earned him professional recognition from co-workers in the group, thus assuring success of such undertakings. |
| 1981 | Harry Ku awarded DOC Gold Medal Dr. Ku is recognized for his outstanding contributions in developing and applying statistical methods for maintaining international comparability of precision measurement experiments. He has guided application of the principles of statistical quality control of measurement processes to calibration and measurement assurance programs in support of the nuclear power industry. To enhance NBS services to industry, especially to environmental surveillance and to materials processing, he has introduced improved statistical methods for evaluating and reporting the uncertainty limits for certified values provided with standard reference materials. Dr. Ku's work on methods for expressing the uncertainty of measurement results--ensuring the full communication of the numerical data obtained from experiments and tests--has contributed to international standards and agreements. |
| 1981 | Pete Tryon awarded DOC Silver Medal Dr. Tryon is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the scientific excellence of National Bureau of Standards' programs through his own technical expertise and his effective leadership of the statistics group in Boulder. His work, skillful leadership, and outstanding planning in developing and implementing statistical computing support have brought prompt and successful applications of statistical methods to analysis and solution of problems of national and international significance. One recent example is provided by Dr. Tryon's work with the Time and Frequency Division, which uncovered weak annual variation of Loran-C propagation (used to compare clocks of the International Atomic Time Scale)--a major contribution to the scientific basis for ensuring uniform time measurements. |
| 1981 | Jim Filliben awarded NBS Bronze Medal Dr. Filliben is recognized for his outstandingly unique and insightful applications of statistical methods in physical science and engineering. He conceived, designed, developed, and fostered widespread use of the easy-to-use statistical computing system DATAPLOT that facilitates interactive graphical data representation and analysis. DATAPLOT enhances the productivity of scientists and engineers in the search for, and statistical validation of, nonlinear mathematical models for complex physical phenomena. Dr. Filliben's methodology contributed to major advances in standardization in such areas as electronic medical thermometers and structural design for wind resistance. He is also a distinguished author and sought-after speaker because of his significant contributions to the fields of statistics and computing. |
| 1982 | Mary Natrella awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mrs. Natrella is cited for her distinguished authorship in statistics and quality control and for her outstanding contributions in developing statistical sampling plans. NBS Handbook 91, Experimental Statistics, authored by Mrs. Natrella, has sold more thn 32,000 copies in two editions and is one of the best known texts in applied statistics, particularly for applications in physical sciences and engineering. The sampling plans developed by Mrs. Natrella, as incorporated in NBS Handbook 133, Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods, will have lasting influence on the inspection of commodities both for testing compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and for acceptance in international trade and conformance to World Health Organization standards. |
| 1982 | Carroll Croarkin awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mrs. Croarkin has shown outstanding initiative and superior accomplishments in the application of statistical methods to the development and monitoring of calibration and measurement assurance programs. Her recent collaboration with scientists from the Center for Electronics and Electrical Engineering contributed significantly to the development and issuance of a state-of-the-art standard that conformed to the traditionally high quality output of the Bureau. NBS Monograph 163, Measurement Assurance for Gage Blocks, authored by Mrs. Croarkin, is the only publication of its kind that gives a detailed description of measurement assurance procedures advocated by the Bureau. |
| 1982 | Ruth Varner awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mrs. Varner is cited for her superior accomplishments in support of the statistical software and programs for nearly all Measurement Assurance Programs at the Bureau, including mass, length, pressure, and temperature. She contributed significantly to procedures, computer programs, and documentation for the analysis of inter-laboratory tests of the line-width standard for the integrated circuit industry. Her publication, NBS Mass Calibration Computer Software, presents sophisticated statistical procedures and tests of the measurement process in a clear and easy-to-use manner, and as such, sets a standard of excellence in keeping with the traditionally high quality of Bureau products. |
| 1983 | Keith Eberhardt awarded NBS Bronze Medal Dr. Eberhardt has made outstanding contributions to the NBS Standard Reference Materials Program by providing comprehensive statistical support at various stages of SRM development. His statistical expertise and his keen understanding of the development and use of SRM's prompted him to adapt and introduce new and powerful statistical methods especially tailored to the certification of 15 different SRM's last year. The end results are: improved characterization of material properties and reduced costs of experimentation and production. In addition Dr. Eberhardt has presented and published the new research results in statistics based on his experience in SRM work, such as conditional and marginal tolerance intervals, for the interest of broad segments of the scientific and engineering community. |
| 1983 | Janet Donaldson awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mrs. Donaldson is recognized for her superior accomplishments in providing statistical computing systems support to DOC Boulder Laboratories, and for her leadership in the development, coding, and documentation of STARPAC--Standards Time Series and Regression Package. Mrs. Donaldson's foresight in anticipating the needs of Boulder's scientists and engineers and her superb skill in selecting and incorporating the best available algorithms in the various codes have made the STARPAC the most popular statistical software in Boulder, by far. Her work in this area provides first-rate, accurate, and easy-to-use subroutines to the technical staff in Boulder, thereby saving days of their valuable time in the solution of complicated time series and non-linear problems. |
| 1984 | Jim Filliben awarded DOC Gold Medal Dr. Filliben, distinguished author and speaker, is recognized for his unique applications of statistical methods to physical science and engineering. Using his broad experience in statistical consulting, he conceived, designed, and developed an easy-to-use statistical computing system entitled DATAPLOT. DATAPLOT is a high-level interactive language system for displaying on the computer, graphics, model-fitting, data analysis, and mathematics. His significant contribution to computing systems has increased the productivity of scientists and engineers searching for statistical validation of complex physical phenomenon. Tapes of his DATAPLOT, distributed through the National Technical Information Service, are being used in more than 120 institutions in the United States and in over 30 countries abroad. These institutions include G.E., RCA, DuPont, Boeing, Eastman Kodak, U.S. Air Force, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, University of Athabasca (Canada), and the National Academy of Sciences who is using DATAPLOT, jointly with Japan, to analyze survival data from Hiroshima. |
| 1985 | Mike Souders (physicist) and Jim Lechner awarded DOC Silver Medals Messrs. Souders and Lechner are recognized for their outstanding success in solving a heretofore intractable problem, that of developing a theoretical basis for describing complex electrical components, circuits and subassemblies; for modeling their behavior; and for analyzing their aggregate sensitivities. They demonstrated that certain orthogonal functions could be used to optimize the selection of input signals and other test conditions which cause the worst errors for testing and calibration purposes. Their new optimal calibration strategy for linear time invariant (LTI) and switched resistance networks has been used to calibrate the frequency response of a precision wide-band analyzer. As a result, only 15 percent as many frequency test points were required as would have been used with conventional methods. These findings will save thousands of hours of expensive testing and troubleshooting over the lifetime of a large LTI system. |
| 1986 | Dom Vecchia awarded NBS Bronze Medal Mr. Vecchia is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the efficient achievement and documentation of measurement precision and for his leadership of the Statistical Engineering Division group at the NBS laboratories in Boulder. He has made innovative contributions to statistical planning and analysis for important new measurement systems, such as the certification of an SRM for critical current, calibration of the VOR phase meter, the certification of two SRM's using differential scanning calorimetry, and the calibration of phase angle meters. As group leader in Boulder, he has shown exceptional ability in supervising statistical plans and programs, in recognizing the statistical needs of other technical divisions, and in recruiting high-quality staff to meet those needs. |
| 1987 | Carroll Croarkin awarded DOC Silver Medal Mrs. Croarkin is recognized for developing statistical foundations for NBS calibration services and providing the methods for establishing measurement standards used by industrial laboratories throughout the world. Her analysis of NBS calibration data for orifice meters assures that petroleum products transferred from suppliers to U.S. industry are measured accurately. Her analysis of international data of oxygen concentration in silicon enhances quality control in the semiconductor industry. |
| 1988 | NBS => NIST |
| 1989 | Carroll Croarkin awarded Allen Astin Measurement Science Award Mrs. Croarkin is honored for her technical contribution and leadership in statistical analyses for calibration and measurement assurance programs. The broad range of her technical contributions includes published research or guidelines on calibration, measurement system quality control and error analysis, inter-laboratory studies, acceptance sampling, and general methodology. In addition, she has actively participated in transferring this statistical technology to industry by leading workshops on the Electrical Measurement Assurance Program, semiconductor line-width measurements, and gauge block measurement assurance, and by organizing a well-received series of sessions for the Measurement Science Conference. |
| 1991 | Susannah Schiller awarded NIST Bronze Medal Ms. Schiller is recognized for her imaginative approach to uncertainty analysis for a wide range of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs), which are key to the NIST mission. Her technical work has been of the highest quality. In addition, she has supported the NIST Power Quality Committee, providing the data encoding, analysis, and graphical display of the power quality data; this study laid the basis for the NIST approach to assuring power quality. She has also organized a series of tutorial lectures on statistical methods, which promote a high standard of statistical practice by NIST scientists and engineers. |
| 1992 | Keith Eberhart awarded DOC Silver Medal Dr. Eberhardt is commended for his international leadership in the application of statistical methods to the certification of Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) and to the use of SRMs to ensure the quality and consistency of industrial and clinical laboratory measurements. His creative work in modeling and data analysis has added significantly to the quality of NIST technical studies in public health and safety, and in evaluation of new technologies. |
| 1994 | Burns, Kaeser, Strouse, Carroll Croarkin & Will Guthrie awarded Astin Measurement Science Award These researchers are recognized for contributions to the field of industrial and international thermometry. This has resulted from their determination of new reference functions for the standard thermocouples based on the recently adopted International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90), and the publication of NIST Monograph 175, Temperature-Electromotive Force Reference Functions and Tables for the Letter-designated Thermocouple Types based on the ITS-90, which is the defining document for thermocouple thermometry both nationally and internationally. |
| 1994 | Eric Lagergren and Raghu Kacker awarded NIST Bronze Medals These researchers are honored for leadership in the application of efficient experimental procedures in scientific research, quality engineering, and process development. Their work in illustrating the power and economy of optimal designs in NIST experiments on ceramic cutting tools, ceramic superconductors, and milling of ceramic powders has resulted in tutorials and invited talks at meetings of the American Ceramic Society. Furthermore, Drs. Kacker and Lagergren are leading contributors to NIST programs to support industrial needs. They are co-developers of the Workshop on Improving Product and Process Quality Using Experiment Design which has been presented to participants from a variety of U.S. industries over the past four years. |
| 1995 | Stefan Leigh awarded NIST Bronze Medal Mr. Leigh has enhanced the effectiveness of statistical collaborations at NIST by bringing statisticians with special expertise together with NIST scientists. His familiarity with NIST research and state-of-the-art statistical research has enabled him to foster these interactions and to coordinate the recruitment of National Research Council Associates whose research interests intersect with NIST interests. On many occasions, he has initiated visits to NIST by both young and renowned statisticians. In 1993 in conjunction with Temple University, he organized an Extreme Value Conference that brought leading international researchers to NIST. |
| 1996 | Sam Low, David Pitchure, Jun Feng Song, Ted Vorburger, Walter Liggett awarded NIST Rosa Award These researchers are recognized for the development and international acceptance of a method for the more accurate determination of Rockwell C Hardness, a measured material property of great importance in manufacturing and commerce. By applying sound principles of measurement; devising new, higher-accuracy measuring machines; and establishing a new dimensional-metrology-based approach to the property measurement, they have provided a basis for unifying disparate Rockwell-C scales, made NIST the world's leader in the field, and contributed substantially to reducing technical barriers to trade for U.S. suppliers of metal products. |
| 1997 | Will Guthrie awarded NIST Bronze Medal Mr. Guthrie is honored for contributions to the electronics industry in improving the manufacturing and packaging of semiconductor materials through experimental designs. His broad knowledge of experimental designs and model validation principles were the basis for two separate studies of test structures: (1) for assuring the accuracy of electrical calibration of optical overlay measuring instruments and (2) for studying the effect of Kelvin voltage taps on electrical measurements of line-widths. In a third study, he applied design of experiments and optimization techniques to the problem of improving the process of measuring the thermal expansion of polymer films used in semiconductor packaging. |
| 1998 | Paul Hale, Kent Rochford, Rose, Williams, Chih-Ming (Jack) Wang awarded NIST Bronze Medals These researchers are recognized for developing measurement techniques and standards to provide industry with means to determine optical polarization parameters. They have raised the state of the art in optical polarization measurement to meet industry needs by developing theoretically grounded, practical, measurement methods and standards to determine the polarization characteristics of optical components. One important application is the measurement of optical fiber polarization characteristics, information needed to assure reliable communications. Additionally, they developed an artifact standard to calibrate instruments used to measure the polarization characteristics of light; the standard's stability, and thus its suitability as a standard, represents an order-of-magnitude improvement over previous approaches. |
| 1999 | Nien Fan Zhang (Stat) & Mike Postek (physicist) awarded DOC Silver Medals These researchers are cited for the identification of the cause of poor performance of automated measuring instruments used in commercial semiconductor wafer fabrication and the invention and development of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image sharpness monitor as an effective solution to that costly industrial metrology problem. In collaboration with Hewlett-Packard and the Spectel Company, the NIST team developed the image-sharpness monitor and incorporated it into software packages and a workstation system that solved this problem when implemented on the production line. |
| 2002 | Sam Low, Junfeng Song, and Walter Liggett awarded the Judd French Award By applying fundamental principles of measurements, devising new, higher-accuracy measuring machines, establishing a new dimensional-metrology-based approach to the property measurement, and developing the national and international infrastructure necessary to assure proper traceability, Dr. Liggett, Mr. Low and Mr. Song provided a basis for unifying disparate Rockwell-C scales, made NIST the world's leader in the field, and contributed substantially to reducing technical barriers to trade for US suppliers of metal products. |
| 2003 | <Carroll Croarkin>, Jim Filliben, Will Guthrie, Alan Heckert, Nien Fan Zhang awarded DOC Silver Medals The group is cited for authoring the eHandbook of Statistical Methods. The e-Handbook creates a new electronic resource of modern statistical methods for engineering and science so that engineers, scientists, teachers and students everywhere can directly access and utilize correct statistical practices to accelerate and improve their work. Together, NIST and SEMATECH, a consortium of major U.S. semiconductor manufacturers, defined a new scope and a new vision for this electronic resource. The electronic publication of the e-Handbook provides precise, correct critical tools for scientists and engineers and gives industry, large and small, a stellar resource for increasing competitiveness. |
| 2004 | Will Guthrie, Nien Fan Zhang, Brown, Johnson, Doiran, Silver awarded DOC Silver Medals The team is honored for the development of innovative laser-based calibration methods for improving the accuracy of satellite ocean-color sensors. Their research has directly led to a six percent decrease in the median global ocean chlorophyll ‘a’ level as determined from satellite measurement, which corresponds to a similar reduction in measured values for the biological intake of carbon by the oceans. These results are important for climate-change researchers tracking global sources and sinks of the carbon dioxide greenhouse gas and will ensure efficient ocean and forest management. Their research has directly led to a six percent decrease in the median global ocean chlorophyll ‘a’ level as determined from satellite measurement, which corresponds to a similar reduction in measured values for the biological intake of carbon by the oceans. These results are important for climate-change researchers tracking global sources and sinks of the carbon dioxide greenhouse gas and will ensure efficient ocean and forest management. |
| 2004 | Stefan Leigh awarded NIST Bronze Medal Mr. Leigh is recognized for his broad impact on the quality of the NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) through his deep contributions to uncertainty certification. Working closely with more than 160 scientists and engineers from 21 divisions in all seven NIST Laboratories, he has provided statistical design, modeling, and data analysis critical to the success of the program. In addition, his leading role in statistical training, provided to hundreds of NIST scientists and postdocs over the years, has provided a foundation for the excellence of the entire NIST measurement program. |
| 2005 | Shyam Sunder + Team of 37 NIST Engineers and Scientists + Jim Filliben awarded DOC Gold Medals The group is honored for conducting the four-year $16 million federal building and fire safety investigation of the World Trade Center disaster, recognized to be the most complex and sophisticated building failure investigation in United States history. Not only were the technical challenges enormous, but significant challenges also existed in the administrative, legal, public affairs, and policy arenas. With implementation of the recommendations, significant advances will be made in the safety and protection of America's buildings, their occupants, and first responders for future disasters. |
| 2009 | Paul Hale, Williams, Dienstfrey, Jack Wang awarded Allen Astin Measurement Science Award The Team is recognized for developing fundamentally new waveform metrology, providing a world-first method for simultaneously calibrating high-speed electrical test equipment in both the time- and frequency-domains with point-by-point uncertainty analysis, and for the first time making waveform calibrations traceable to fundamental physics. The new method improves accuracy in calibrations of oscilloscopes, common test instruments that measure voltage in communications and electronic devices, and potentially could boost performance and save money in other fields ranging from medical testing to structural analysis and remote sensing. |
| 2010 | Kirk Rice, Mike Riley, Joannie Chin + 5 + Jim Filliben, Dennis Leber awarded DOC Gold Medals The group is recognized for the development of innovative methods to test ballistic resistance and long-term durability of body armor, resulting in a new National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard for body armor and potentially saving thousands of lives. Their work was precipitated by an incident in Forest Hills, PA, where an officer was seriously wounded in 2003 when his PBO body armor was penetrated by a bullet it was rated to stop. NIJ turned to NIST to unravel the mystery that jeopardized hundreds of thousands of officers nationwide. |
| 2010 | Antonio Possolo awarded DOC Gold Medal Dr. Antonio Possolo is honored for his extraordinary dedication and technical achievements in the application of statistical methods to measurement science to characterize and improve the estimates of areas dedicated to illicit coca cultivation. His realistic assessment of uncertainty of these estimates, and his proposals for how the data may best be exploited, are outstanding contributions that will enable the CIA's Crime and Narcotics Center to enhance its estimates of coca production, a key element in shaping the Nation's counter-drug policy. |
| 2011 | Pedro Espina, Johnson, Moldover, Wright, Antonio Possolo, Blaza Toman awarded DOC Silver Medal The group is recognized for their exceptional efforts, dedication, and technical achievements in support of the Federal Government’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These experts in flow metrology and statistics supported efforts by NOAA and the National Incident Command’s Flow Rate Technical Group to develop a comprehensive estimate of the amount of oil leaking from the damaged well head. The group provided critical uncertainty estimates that were an integral piece of data utilized by senior government officials and the National Incident Commander in leading the Federal Government’s response efforts. |
| 2011 | Amanda Forster, Rice, Riley, Blackburn, Borchardt + 3 others + Jim Filliben awarded NIST Bronze Medals A Congressionally ordered GAO investigation called for immediate independent assessments of military body armor testing after learning that the Army introduced changes in the test protocol. The most significant change involved the introduction of a laser scanner system with sophisticated software to obtain measurements, leaving questions about accuracy and possibly erroneous test conclusions. Resolution was urgently needed due to Congressional pressure, stalled body armor contracts worth billions of dollars, and most importantly, to support the protection of lives. This Team provided the measurement services and issued a definitive report describing the measurement uncertainty and addressing the remaining measurement issues raised by GAO. |
| 2011 | John Elliot, Halter, Plant, Brady, Dima, Peskin, & Jim Filliben awarded NIST Bronze Medals The team is recognized for developing tools that quantitatively compare how well segmentation algorithms perform and new segmentation algorithms that for the first time allow livings cells to be monitored over long periods of time. In determining the contours of living cells as they change and interact with one another, the team developed innovative imaging approaches to accurately separate cells from one another. Both methods were made publicly available and are now used by research groups to evaluate their imaging algorithms. These methods allow scientists to extract more meaningful information from their imaging data and are to be used in applications ranging from fundamental studies of cell biology to manufacturing of cell therapy products. |
| 2014 | Chris McCowan, Ray Santoyo, Jolene Splett, Jack Wang awarded DOC Silver Medals The group is recognized for responding to rapid and dramatic increases in global demand for steel products, particularly in developing countries, by providing essential Standard Reference Materials and certification services to an increasingly diverse and large international community of users. The group increased their services, reduced their operating costs, and provided novel options for independent user qualification, allowing more than 1500 customers worldwide to cost-effectively ensure the traceability and reliability of over 130 million tons of steel annually. |
| 2016 | Lynden Shalm, Bierhorst, Wayne, Stevens + 15 others + Kevin Coakley awarded DOC Gold Medal This PML & ITL group is recognized for exceptional scientific achievement culminating in a loophole-free test of Bell’s theorem using entangled photon pairs. The test proves quantum theory complete (with a maximum chance of an alternate theory accounting for the results at about 1 in 170 million), thereby yielding clear evidence against the 1935 paper of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. NIST’s achievement is the first experiment to close three major “loopholes” that plagued earlier tests. The loopholes were closed through the use of NIST-developed single-photon detectors, single-photon sources, and random-number generators. |
| 2016 | Kevin McGrattan, Forney, Hamins + 3 + Blaza Toman awarded DOC Silver Medals The group is recognized for developing the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) fire modeling software, an outstanding technical achievement in the practical application of fire science, to create an innovative engineering tool for cost-effective fire-safe design of structures. FDS bridges the gap between basic research and practical application, while maintaining the highest standards of scientific rigor. FDS has had a significant impact on improving fire safety and reducing annual fire losses. The Fire Dynamics Simulator has revolutionized how performance-based fire safety design is implemented in the U.S. |
| 2016 | Hua-jun He, Jamie Almeida, Kenneth Cole, Steven Choquette, Steven Lund awarded Judd French Award The team of Dr. He, Ms. Almeida, Dr. Choquette, Dr. Lund and Dr. Cole has produced the first of a new generation of diagnostic standards based on DNA from cancerous cells. The amplification or over-expression of the gene for the HER2 protein occurs in some breast and gastrointestinal cancers, and accurate measurement is important to ensure proper and effective treatment. The National Cancer Institute’s clinical laboratories are now using diagnostic tests based on measurements of DNA, and NIST SRM 2373 has enabled test manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies to produce the secondary reference materials required to ensure accurate and reliable clinical measurements of HER2. |
| 2016 | Steve Lund awarded Colleagues' Choice Award Dr. Lund is recognized for outstanding contributions to challenging measurement problems throughout critical biological and physical science programs at NIST. He and his colleagues have made significant measurement-science advancements in genome-scale measurements, bio-imaging, cancer biomarker detection, assays for evaluating cell therapies, and predictive modeling. His remarkable ability to comprehend complex technical details and communicate sophisticated statistical approaches have allowed him to have a profound influence on the science of NIST and beyond. |
| 2016 | Rich Pecacock, Reneke, Selepak + 3 others + Charles Hagwood awarded NIST Bronze Medal This team is recognized for the collection and dissemination of the largest raw and analyzed evacuation dataset to characterize evacuee movement on stairs during building evacuation. From this 10-year effort, a full-building evacuation database was collected from 14 buildings (11 office buildings and 3 residential buildings, ranging from 6 to 62 stories in height). This dataset, with a total of more than 22,000 measurements of the movements of evacuees on stairwells, and analysis of this data, is the first of its kind made available for download and use by engineers, designers/architects, researchers, building owners, and others involved in safer and cost-effective building and emergency-procedures designs. |
| 2017 | David Catoe, Harris, McDaniel, Salit, Zook & Daniel Samarov awarded Judd French Award For development of a suite of whole-genome human reference materials designed to advance clinical applications of genome sequencing. The group is recognized for development of a groundbreaking suite of whole-genome human reference materials, and the metrological methods to express the confidence in the results. Reference Material 8398 Human DNA for Whole-Genome Variant Assessment was the first-ever of its kind. Other materials in this suite are useful for comparing and contrasting genes from distinctly different ancestries, and for analysis of genetic links among family members. These materials provide medical and research laboratories the wide-ranging capability to accurately test DNA mapping for genetic testing, medical diagnoses, and new personalized drug therapies, and provide the FDA with the ability to conduct science-based regulatory oversight of the technology. |
| 2017 | Sheng Lin-Gibson, Sumona Sarkar, Steven Lund awarded NIST Bronze Medals The team is recognized for developing a paradigm-shifting approach to addressing an immediate measurement-assurance need for an emerging industry that develops and manufactures cellular therapies. A primary measurement for this industry is the accurate count of numbers of cells, particularly before administering a therapeutic dose to a patient. The team developed a unique approach based on an adaptive experimental design and statistical analysis framework to evaluate and compare the quality of cell-counting measurements for a wide range of applications. This framework, developed within six months, has been implemented by industry and academic centers to improve confidence in cell-counting measurements. |
| 2018 | Emil Simiu, Marc Levitan, and Adam Pintar awarded DOC Gold Medals The group is recognized for technical innovations to develop new maps of U.S. extreme wind speeds, used for the design of structures. The underpinning analysis was the first to realistically account for risk consistency, multiple storm types, and regional variation of wind climate. The team also worked to ensure that the new maps were incorporated in the American Society of Civil Engineers' national standard for the design of buildings and other structures for wind loads. This greatly improved the science basis of the standard, enabling safe and more economical designs for buildings and infrastructure. |
| 2018 | Katrice Lippa, Michael Nelson, Blaza Toman awarded NIST Bronze Medals Lippa, Nelson, and Toman are recognized for the development of rigorous analytical methods and data-evaluation processes for the determination of chemical purity, and for transfer of this technology to the private sector for the development of a new class of primary Standard Reference Materials. Knowledge of chemical purity is essential for accurate amount-of-substance measurements and for establishing the metrological traceability of these results to the International System of Units (SI). The team’s processes are applicable to a range of NIST’s measurement services, with applications that extend from healthcare delivery to forensic purity assessment of seized drugs. |
| 2018 | Roger Bostelman, Messina, Schmitt, Virts, Dennis Leber, Jim Filliben awarded NIST Bronze Medals The team is recognized for exceptional leadership in founding the ASTM Committee F45 on driverless automatic guided industrial vehicles, and for providing the technical basis of the committee’s first four performance standards for automatic/automated/autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (A-UGVs). A-UGVs are used to automate delivery of parts, tools, supplies, and other materials in applications such as manufacturing, warehousing, and medical delivery. A-UGV capabilities have been evolving rapidly, but there were no standard methods for describing or assessing A-UGV performance and capabilities. The team's outstanding efforts have enabled significant progress in addressing these gaps in just two years. |
| 2019 | John Elliot, Elijah Peterson, and Blaza Toman awarded NIST Bronze Medals The group is recognized for developing a strategy to improve bioassay reproducibility and demonstrating the strategy to assess nanomaterial toxicity. The toxicity assay design includes a novel test plate layout with in-process controls to monitor assay performance. The assay design was evaluated in an inter-laboratory study with Europe, Switzerland, Thailand and South Korea and used to reveal and substantially reduce assay variability. The approach was adopted as an international standard in 2018 and has laid the foundation for the NIST measurement assurance program for cell-based assays. |
| 2020 | Nancy Lin, Sandra DaSilva, Jenny Verkouteran + 3 + Jim Filliben, Steve Lund awarded DOC Gold Medals The group is recognized for developing standards to improve the decision-making process and response to biological threat agents by first responders. The suite of standards includes standard methods for powder collection, operational guidelines for first responders, and the first NIST live cell reference material. The suite of standards has been refined in field and inter-laboratory studies with professional rescue personnel. These efforts have strengthened the national bio-threat response and increased quality of results used to support high-stakes public safety decision-making. |
| 2020 | Megan Cleveland, Lindsay Harris, Nate Olson + 3 + Hari Iyer, Dan Samarov awarded DOC Gold Medals The group is recognized for developing five human genome reference materials (RMs), associated reference data, and best practices to assess DNA sequencing accuracy, along with establishing the Genome in a Bottle Consortium for stakeholder input. The RMs are the world’s most highly characterized DNA materials, with over 2.5 billion measured DNA bases. These metrology tools have greatly accelerated biosciences and biotechnology R&D to translation, such as clinical diagnostics via state-of-the-art DNA sequencing and personalized treatment of intractable medical conditions such as cancer. |
| 2020 | Nicos Martys, William George, Steven Satterfield, Blaza Toman awarded Judd French Award The group is recognized for developing a NIST Standard Reference Material (SRM) for calibrating concrete rheometers, the first NIST SRM certified computationally. Prior to the development of the SRM, no measurements of concrete viscosity were possible. The team conducted over 18M hours of simulation, developed novel immersive visualization tools, and disseminated statistical support tools. As a result, concrete companies can accurately measure the viscosity of the world’s most widely-used building product, thereby increasing the efficiency of US construction. |
| 2020 | Melissa Midzor, Wunderlich, McGillivray + 5 others + Michael Frey & Jolene Splett awarded Astin Award The team is recognized for pioneering advances in trusted spectrum testing, modeling, and analysis through the development of new metrology, scientifically rigorous test plans and methodologies, enabling access to key test facilities as well as commercial and federal equipment and expertise to benefit the U.S. communications industry and federal operators. Since 2015, the NASCTN [National Advanced Spectrum and Communications Test Network] team has undertaken spectrum sharing projects that are contentious and so challenging that no one federal agency had either the expertise or resources do it alone. The team established a transparent, inclusive process which also gathered public comments on proposed test campaigns, ensuring NASCTN tests and data are trusted by both federal and commercial entities. |
| 2020 | Jason Coder, Wunderlich, Kuester + 4 others + Michael Frey & Jolene Splett awarded Bronze Medal The team is recognized for the development and execution of a complex experimental design and factor screening, one of the largest conducted by NIST, that measured emitted power from LTE cellular devices. The team developed the measurement methodology and new advanced statistical analysis capable of investigating the cumulative and complex interactions of cell phones and the network. Clear identification of key factors, and detailed power measurements resulted in data never before available to the community, used to improve models and testing for the DSO Early Entry program. |
| 2021 | Peter Vallone, Cleveland, Valiant, Romso, Steffen, Olson, Servetas, Hari Iyer awarded DOC Gold Medal The group is recognized for the rapid development of a SARS-CoV-2 Research Grade Test Material, RGTM 10169, to assess RNA-based diagnostic tests and benchmark SARS-CoV-2 test control materials. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the RGTM was designed, produced and shipped to stakeholders within 90 days from project inception. The material is highly characterized RNA fragments that contain sequences from the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Over 200 units were provided to domestic (84) and international (52) stakeholders, including diagnostic laboratories, developers of tests, and metrology institutes. |
| 2021 | Carolyn Steffen, Erica Romsos + 4 others + Hari Iyer awarded Judd French Award The team is recognized for development and extensive characterization of Standard Reference Material (SRM) 2391d, the PCR-Based DNA Profiling Standard. This standard is widely used by international, federal, state, local and commercial DNA forensic testing laboratories, providing reference values for the most comprehensive set of forensic identification genetic markers (>200 to date). Characterization of the SRM was performed with revolutionary technologies such as next-generation sequencing and digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), enabling the development, calibration, and implementation of methods for human identification, determination of genetic ancestry, and prediction of eye and hair color from genetic markers for forensic use. |
| 2021 | Srivalli Telikepalli, Ripple, Carrier, Steffens, Montgomery, Ritchie, John Lu awarded NIST Bronze Medals The group is recognized for developing a first-of-its-kind reference material for particle size and shape that mimics particle degradation products found in biotherapeutic drugs. To create this reference material, the group developed novel ways of forming irregular and highly transparent microscopic particles and a suite of novel particle characterization techniques. A private company has commercialized the material, following the NIST method. This reference material will aid industry in accurately quantifying particle counts in biotherapeutics, enhancing drug quality and patient safety. |
| 2021 | Vytautas Reipa, Vincent Hackley, Blaza Toman awarded NIST Bronze Medals This team is recognized for the design and development of a robust, SI-traceable, photocatalytic activity measurement system, which includes a new international documentary standard and a new value assignment to NIST Standard Reference Material 1898, Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial. These measurements and standards enable quantitative assessments of the risk associated with consumer and biological applications of nanomaterials that have photocatalytic activity. This important measurement scale can be deployed globally to facilitate measurement agreement between international bodies. |
Created June 7, 2022, Updated June 24, 2022