AFRL scientist recognized by White House

Published July 25, 2012
By Danny Monahan
377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The White House announced July 23, 2012, an Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate scientist has received a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers.

Each year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President presents the PECASE awards to young scientists and engineers who are at the forefront of research and exploration.

Dr. Matthew Squires was recognized for his work with controlling laser-cooled atoms.

"My work is used to trap cold atoms, so we can make more accurate readings when measuring motion and time," said Squires. "Part of my work is also making cold atom technology cheaper, faster and higher-performing."

Squires is one of 96 PECASE recipients for 2011.

"It is very humbling to be singled out for this award, because there are a lot of great scientists and engineers throughout the Air Force. I'm truly honored," he said.

In addition to his scientific work, the award recognizes his efforts as a mentor to college students in the Phillips Scholar Program and Space Scholar Program.

"I hope to grow our in-house research by getting more college students involved with the great work AFRL is doing," he said.

Squires said AFRL, where he has worked since 2008, is his dream job.

"It is one thing to talk about ideas, but it's another thing entirely to actually work on ideas in a lab," said Squires. "AFRL does a lot of hands-on research. What I love about coming to work at AFRL every day is it has great science and real-world applicability making a real difference to the Air Force."

To be nominated for the PECASE through the Air Force, an individual's contributions must improve current Air Force mission capabilities.

"We at AFRL are very proud of him," said Col. Bill Cooley, Materiel Wing director, Space Vehicles, commander, Phillips Research Site. "It doesn't get any bigger than this -- presidential recognition for hard work and dedication to the Air Force is a tremendous honor. I can't wait to see the future science and technology contributions he will make for our nation."

In 1996, President Bill Clinton charged the National Science and Technology Council with creating the PECASE awards.

"As a kid, I loved science and I always wanted to be a scientist," said Squires. "To be honored with this award is above and beyond what I ever expected."