Pierce is recognized for his innovative, novel and internationally recognized mechanical engineering contributions to the designs of almost every neutron scattering instrument built at NIST over the past 30 years. He is also recognized for his pivotal role in the successful design, procurement and installation of a new neutron guide network for the NCNR Expansion Initiative. His engineering talents and insights have greatly benefited many thousands of researchers across NIST, the nation and the world who depend on the reliable operation and continued development of state-of-the-art measurement techniques at the NCNR.