ASD Peer Awards 2009
David Friedlander has posted photos of the awardees.
Roger Foltz
For invaluable contributions to the testing of state-of-the-art flight detectors in Goddard's Detector Characterization Laboratory.
Roger has served with great skill and dedication in Goddard's Detector Characterization Laboratory (DCL). He has made major contributions to the characterization of the CCD and IR detectors for Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3, including playing a key role in the investigation of quantum efficiency hysteresis and rate-dependent response behavior in those devices, which will be of great value in obtaining optimally-calibrated data from that instrument. In his years in the DCL, Roger has grown substantially as an experimenter and as a real-time data analyst who is capable of assessing the effectiveness of a test while it is still ongoing. Accordingly, his services are much in demand. Roger has been called on to work long hours and juggle the demands of numerous tests for several critical flight programs, which he has done with great dedication.
Stephen Smith
For significant contributions to the development of Superconducting X-Ray Calorimeters.
Stephen has made significant contributions to the ongoing research and development of transition-edge sensor (TES) x-ray calorimeters. He has led the efforts to model, design, test, and develop the signal-processing algorithms for new imaging TES calorimeters that are under development for IXO. He has also advanced our understanding of the physics at the superconducting transition in the complex patterns of metal layers that form a TES calorimeter. Stephen works in a conscientious, unassuming, and friendly manner. He is always ready to offer help to others, but is the last to take credit for all his accomplishments.
Don Horner
For leading the Fermi Science Support Center (FSSC) efforts to prepare the data ingest system for the Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor, allowing immediate data availability.
Don has led efforts within the Fermi Science Support Center (FSSC) to develop, test and maintain the data ingest system for the Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst monitor (GBM). Unlike the Large Area Telescope (LAT) data set, which has a one-year proprietary phase, the GBM data was required to be posted almost immediately. Don identified a number of early, unanticipated problems and dealt with them in a timely and efficient manner. He has provided software to the GBM team which improved their pipeline processing and testing significantly. Don also serves in a broader role as the FSSC's task leader for software development and testing, conducting weekly meetings and tracking delivery schedules. He has participated in various Fermi EPO and GI support activities.
Dave Davis
For the successful development, testing and timely release of the Fermi Science Analysis tools, coordinating efforts at multiple institutions.
As a member of the Fermi Science Support Center staff, Dave played a leading role in the successful development, testing and timely release of the Fermi Science Analysis tools. This complex task involved the coordination of scientists and software developers at multiple institutions. Dave also played a key role in development and testing of the data ingest and archiving system, which was fully operational and in compliance with project requirements at the time of the Fermi launch in June 2008. Dave is knowledgeable on a broad range of Fermi technical and scientific issues, and is always available to other members of the FSSC.
David Friedlander
For outstanding computer systems support to the Astrophysics Science Division, and especially its Mac users.
David exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and competence when it comes to keeping the Astrophysics Science Division computing. He is always responding in a cheerful and efficient manner, and will not cease until the problem is solved, no matter how mundane. He is a "go to" guy when it comes to maintaining the respect and diligence of users, whether they be crusty old Mac experts or fledgling neophytes. With his positive attitude and commitment, David makes everyone else's job that much easier. He is a great asset to the Division.
Meredith Gibb
For heroic support to the Astrophysics Science Division's EPO efforts and Web presence.
Meredith has been a major contributor to the Division's EPO efforts, and has provided outstanding web development support for both the LISA Project and the ASD Colloquium. She has served in many roles, as webmaster, designer, and CD creation guru, and always delivers outstanding results. She goes above and beyond on her projects, often acquiring new skills to complete demanding projects. She works whatever hours are necessary and is often "on call" to meet a deadline. Meredith always has a smile on her face and her easy-going style makes it a pleasure to work with her on new projects.
Dale Fixsen
For outstanding work on Hadamard transform spectroscopy for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Dale has been and continues to be a valuable member of the Observational Cosmology Laboratory. He volunteered to study the use of Hadamard transform spectroscopy for the NIRSpec instrument on JWST, and has pursued this effort largely unassisted. This work included the planning and execution of observing runs with the Infrared Multi-Object Spectrometer, developing software for data acquisition and reduction, and dissemination of results through publications and talks. His independent effort has demonstrated the efficacy of Hadamard transform spectroscopy for JWST. This exemplifies Dale's can-do attitude and talent that make him a valued member of the Observational Cosmology Team.
Dr. Chris Shrader
For meeting the difficult role of leading the FSSC during its start-up and meeting the demands of the science community.
As lead scientist and project manager for the Fermi Science Support Center (FSSC), Chris has fulfilled its broad requirements of establishing the public data archive at GSFC. He has provided delivery of observatory schedules to the FSSC and real-time support for time critical activities, developing the Fermi scientific analysis software. Chris continues his outstanding support with the Fermi Users Group, Project Status Reviews, and Science Operations Oversight Group Meetings. He also has provided constant and efficient help with all matters pertaining to INTEGRAL, Fermi and unconditionally volunteers his time and efforts on many other aspects of Goddard life.
Chris Stark
For outstanding contributions through collaboration to the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory.
While still a young researcher, Chris has begun to distinguish himself as a member of the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory. Chris's commitment to collaboration has been demonstrated through his efforts on white papers for the Exoplanet Task Force and for the Decadal Survey, as well as through his contributions to studies of potential Exoplanet missions. Within the laboratory, Chris has led efforts to make use of the Discover Cluster supercomputer at GSFC, and consistently shows the willingness to make the time to assist colleagues. Chris is the ideal of how students can be valuable contributors to GSFC and NASA.
Natasha Saunders
For her outstanding service and dedication in support of the Observational Cosmology Laboratory and her "Absent-Minded Scientists".
In her short two years, Natasha has become an essential member of the Observational Cosmology Laboratory. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others, combined with her outstanding support, make her a valuable asset to the Astrophysics Science Division. Her willingness to do whatever is necessary and her conscientious approach to her duties keep the team running. She pays attention to our budgets and all things financial. She provides accurate data and lets us know when tasks need funding, and handles many details of our funding allocations, all without prompting. Natasha has made herself an invaluable part of our research group. Natasha is friendly, efficient, and responsive, all of which makes her a pleasure to work with.
Michael Herman
For providing excellent support in managing finances for the Exoplanets and Stellar Astrophysics Laboratory.
Michael provided monthly financial summaries to keep scientists on track and informed. He spearheaded large procurement purchases cutting the delivery time of crucial parts in half. Most significantly, he provided detailed tracking for these procurements and other costs in real time to cope with Goddard's constant action items. He also skillfully dealt with threatened funding losses from NASA HQ at critical times. When 2-year funds suddenly turned into 1-year funds, with only 45 days to spend it, between arrival and commitment, Michael facilitated each charge or purchase ensuring that no funds were lost. This level of working with a broken system and achieving the desired results is very much appreciated. Michael should be recognized for his skill and dedication.
Keith Gendreau
For boundless creativity and inventiveness that spur technology development, enable breakthrough capabilities, and bring new research opportunities to ASD and GSFC.
Keith is a "go-to guy" whenever a fresh perspective on a technological question is needed. An expert in X-ray detectors and optics, Keith innovates by combining tried and true components in novel ways with a keen eye for savings in cost, mass, volume, and risk -- the qualities that make new technologies flight-worthy as well as spectacularly new ideas that break new ground. Keith's list of achievements is lengthy and broad ranging from a 600 meter long x-ray beamline to lunar science to x-ray calibration sources.
Jeff Livas
For truly going above and beyond his everyday duties in the Gravitational Astrophysics Laboratory.
Jeff volunteers for dozens of activities in addition to his full-time work on the LISA project, especially in the areas of education and outreach. Whether it's answering questions on the "Ask an Astrophysicist" website or volunteering at a Goddard student fair on the weekends, Jeff is always eager and willing to share his passion for physics. He is equally helpful to his colleagues, offering to review a paper, give a lab tour, or even help move furniture. Jeff is very responsive to the community. He answers every voice mail and e-mail even when on travel. The word "no" is not something one often hears from Jeff. Because of his work ethic, he puts in long hours, but is always cheerful and pleasant. Jeff is one of those people who makes Goddard a better place to work.
George Voellmer
For outstanding contributions to instrument development within the Observational Cosmology Laboratory.
George exemplifies the power of collaboration between scientists and engineers, working hand-in-hand with scientists in the Observational Cosmology Laboratory on challenging new instrumentation. As the leader of the development of Variable-delay Polarization Modulators (VPMs), he displayed originality, creativity, and vision. Further, he has followed on this work by extending the concept to larger mechanisms, playing a key role in winning a NASA grant to build the PIPER balloon-based Cosmic Microwave Background polarimeter. In his unique role within the laboratory, George consistently demonstrates the ability to connect engineering and science, helping to make Goddard a leader in astrophysical research.
Julie McEnery
For innumerable contributions to the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and for being a supporter of young scientists and a promoter of intellectual exchange.
Julie contributes to the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope in ways so numerous that she has clearly become the "go to" person for operations as well as a major contributor to and monitor of, the entire range of decisions that have ensured that the mission runs smoothly. Julie has worn numerous hats on the Fermi mission, including Deputy Project Scientist, Analysis Coordinator for the Fermi Large Area Telescope team, and Project Scientist, and in all of these roles she has performed with great skill, energy and dedication. Julie's efforts go well beyond defined titles, however, and her colleagues greatly value her support of young scientists, her high quality feedback on a wide variety of astrophysical problems, and the interest she shows in the well-being of others.
