Los Alamos National Laboratory

Did you know that the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center’s (LANSCE) particle accelerator is one of the few that's fast enough to make a variety of isotopes? ?? See how we're meeting the country's critical isotope needs in the latest issue of Physical Science Vistas ?? https://ow.ly/oq8s50TllQG Plus: ? Making fast movies for national security science ??Harnessing the power of the nanoscale to propel emerging technologies ?? A new metal-forming technology that's improving manufacturing

Food for thought, then and now ???? Lunch in Los Alamos looks a little different these days, but sharing food and ideas at a pine-shaded picnic spot never goes out of style.

1 million laser zaps for Curiosity! ? ChemCam, the "eye" of NASA's Curiosity rover, recently fired its laser for the 1 millionth time on Mars. Developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory, ChemCam zaps rocks to create a plasma, then collects the light from that plasma to understand what elements are present, helping us understand if Mars was once suitable for life. ?? https://ow.ly/XjSQ50Tlf8Z

Today, we remember those who lost their lives and honor those who risked their lives to save others on Sept. 11, 2001. Outside our National Security Sciences Building, a memorial — made with a fragment pulled from the wreckage at the Pentagon — bears the names of victims of the 9/11 attacks.

We are deeply saddened to learn of former Lab Director Dr. Charles "Charlie" McMillan’s unexpected death in a traffic accident in Los Alamos today (Friday, Sept. 6). McMillan served as the Laboratory's director from 2011 to 2017, leading a growing workforce through a period that showcased the Lab's multidisciplinary capabilities and included advancing our analytical capabilities with the Trinity supercomputer, helping to ensure the long-term viability of the nuclear weapons stockpile, supporting Mars exploration, aiding global efforts to develop an HIV vaccine and producing lifesaving medical isotopes. His dedicated leadership enabled the Lab to meet these challenges and achieve tremendous success. After retiring from LANL, McMillan remained active in national security work in America's nuclear security enterprise and around the globe. Most recently, he was deeply involved in pursuits related to artificial intelligence, spearheading important talks with federal officials about the importance of AI oversight and its potential geopolitical implications. McMillan, who was twice awarded the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Award of Excellence, was an ardent supporter of STEM and was engaged in a range of community-focused education-related activities. He often expressed personal feelings of fulfillment from taking part in developing future leaders through LANL's Executive Leadership Development Program. He held a doctorate in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s in mathematics from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University). McMillan was also an avid photographer, an astronomer, and an accomplished musician, who performed regularly in a baroque chamber music ensemble. He and his wife, Janet, have three children. "On behalf of the entire Laboratory, I would like to express deepest sympathies to the McMillan family and to the many current and former employees who worked closely with Charlie and knew him well," said Lab Director Thom Mason. "His work had an important impact on our mission and that of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and helped set the stage for success in many critical areas of focus, like AI. We will certainly miss his enthusiasm and passion for our work, but the loss of Charlie as a mentor, colleague and friend is a greater tragedy."

This #ReadaBookDay, check out five favorites from members of our National Security Research Center — including what one archivist called “the funniest autobiography I have ever read.” ?? https://ow.ly/sL4T50TeYWk #NationalReadaBookDay

Driven by science ?? See some of our employees’ unique, nerdy license plates in our National Security Science magazine?? https://ow.ly/HjQ350TfTmC

Giving back (to school) ?? Lab employees donated $36,000 to New Mexico students in need, including 1,500 backpacks stuffed with back-to-school supplies?? https://ow.ly/b54350TePNV

Congratulations to Jennifer Hollingsworth, a new fellow of the American Chemical Society! ?? This impressive recognition stems from Hollingsworth's work with quantum dots and her leadership within the chemistry community. “Her research has been groundbreaking," says Adam Rondinone, co-director of our Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, "only matched by her dedication to uplifting others in the field and improving the chemistry community through service.” ??https://ow.ly/hBft50TeJER

Just popping up to say hello! ?? ?? Wesley Even, the leader of our Applied Mathematics and Plasma Physics Group, won second place in our Theoretical Division's Student and Mentor Photo Contest with this photo of two cuddly prairie dogs at Devil's Tower National Monument. "I have always enjoyed photography," says Even, "but became more serious about it after moving to New Mexico when I joined LANL and saw all of the beautiful scenery in the area."