About

Crystal Jaing is working to predict and detect future pathogen outbreaks using advanced genomic technologies such as the Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA). Crystal and her team developed the LLMDA technology, which provides the most comprehensive microbial detection for more than 12,000 species of microbes. It won an R&D 100 award in 2017 and the Federal Laboratory Consortium Excellence in Technology Transfer award in 2019. Further applications of the LLMDA include drug safety, food safety, biodefense, public health and the analysis of microbes from the International Space Station — a NASA-funded project in which Crystal served as principal investigator to evaluate the potential for pathogenic microbes that could cause health problems for astronauts.

Crystal holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry from the Indiana University School of Medicine and a B.S. in chemistry from Nankai University.

Katie Lundquist leads the atmospheric modeling team at LLNL’s National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC). This team is tasked with developing physics-based models and tools for predicting the consequences of atmospheric releases of hazardous materials.

Katie’s research interests include mesoscale-to-microscale atmospheric simulation, urban modeling and transport and dispersion within the atmosphere. Katie is a member of the American Physical Society (APS) and of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and her B.S. in mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.

Ruth Kips travels around the world working with allied nations to advance their nuclear forensic science and capabilities and counter risks of nuclear smuggling. As the Lab’s associate program lead for nuclear smuggling detection and deterrence, Ruth delivers workshops on the importance of nuclear forensics and collaborates with partner countries on sample analysis. The workshops are part of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration’s Global Material Security (GMS) program, aimed at preventing terrorists from acquiring nuclear or radiological material.

She previously served at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as an inspector verifying that countries adhere to nuclear nonproliferation treaty commitments. Ruth has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, a master’s degree in nuclear engineering and several years of experience conducting research in uranium-particle analysis.

Ashley is responsible for current process analysis and recommending and implementing business process improvements for the Cyber and Infrastructure Resilience (CIR) program within LLNL’s STAR Directorate. She also works as a project manager for two projects within the CIR program. Prior to this role, she served as an alternate special security officer in the Field Intelligence Element (FIE). Before her role in the FIE, she was an administrative specialist for the CIR program, where she supported two program leaders and four associate program leaders, as well as a travel coordinator within the Lab’s Strategic Deterrence Directorate.

While working at LLNL, Ashley spent eight years serving in the United States Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer. She worked as the intelligence shop officer in charge of a Psychological Operations Battalion. She also served as the intelligence support to an Information Operations Detachment in support of the Army Service Component Commands. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco.

Carlos serves on a specialized team with the Forensic Science Center (FSC) to identify unknown chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threat substances in real-world samples from around the globe. Carlos synthesizes enough of the sample material so his colleagues can use it for analysis and identification tests. Additionally, Carlos leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists who discovered the first nerve-agent antidote that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Before joining LLNL, Carlos’ scientific career included experience at Florida International University, the National Cancer Institute, the University of California Berkeley, the Scripps Research Institute and Rigel Pharmaceuticals.

Carlos holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in chemistry from Florida International University.  He has been recognized at the Lab with many awards, including a 2019 LLNL Mid-Career Research Award.