PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is highlighting scientific and technical experts in the national security domain who were recently promoted to scientist and engineer Level 5 (S&E 5), one of PNNL’s most senior research roles. These individuals have contributed significantly to groundbreaking scientific advancements, cutting-edge technology, and innovative solutions developing at PNNL.

Lynn Wood is a physicist and expert in data acquisition, firmware, and systems integration who has developed and deployed world-leading data collection capabilities for national security and fundamental particle physics. 

Early in his career, after receiving a PhD in nuclear physics, Wood worked in the electronics industry for over ten years. “Some of the skills I had learned previously building detectors applied to that field. But then after those years in industry, I came to PNNL where I had both the nuclear physics background as well as the electronics experience,” said Wood.

Utilizing his industry experience, he seamlessly integrated into PNNL's large data solutions projects, revolutionizing the methods of detecting nuclear material and enhancing safeguards and security measures for national security. “Nuclear proliferation is a constant concern to the entire world. The ability to detect others when they're trying to evade the detection is important,” said Wood. “So, by improving the ability to analyze data more quickly, that's a great help to national security.”

Along with being promoted to S&E 5, Wood has been called upon as a reviewer for the Department of Energy Office of Science High Energy Physics program, was selected by the National Nuclear Security Administration to serve on a panel on priorities for a trusted microsystems capability, and has helped organize summer school programs in particle physics.

“The community of scientist and engineers here at PNNL who work together on national security issues are very close. We work together on many different projects and communicate regularly because we know we are coming together for a common cause,” said Wood.

 Click here for more of the Science for Security video series.