PNNL

Jennifer Elster is the interim group leader for the Advanced Engineered Systems group in the National Security Directorate’s Physical Detection Systems and Deployment Division at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). Over the past four years, she has served as PNNL’s domestic and international project lead for alternative technology under the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security (ORS). In this role, Elster is responsible for strategic research and development and project management for a portfolio that supports ORS’s mission. She also serves as a subject matter expert for ORS partner outreach, working with sites interested in transitioning from isotopic-based devices to non-isotopic alternative replacements.

Prior to holding this position, Elster served as the training execution lead for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence program, in which she managed recruitment, qualifications, and policies related to training execution. Previously, she led multiple research efforts focused on developing and evaluating alternative sensing technologies for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, including the detection of radiological signatures in maritime and littoral environments.

• PhD in biomedical engineering, University of Arizona
• MS in materials science and engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• BS in mechanical engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

2010

• Matzner S., A.R. Maxwell, J.R. Myers, K.A. Caviggia, J.L. Elster, M.G. Foley, and M.E. Jones, et al. 2010. "Small Vessel Contribution to Underwater Noise." In Oceans 2010 MTS/IEEE Seattle. Piscataway, Nj:Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). PNNL-SA-74289. doi:10.1109/OCEANS.2010.5663818