Staff Accomplishments
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Most Recent News
December 2025
She Wanted To Write Fantasy. Now, She Is Rewriting Recycling
In the latest Manufacturing Masterminds Q&A, Taylor Uekert shares what she really wanted to be when she grew up, why some people think recycling is broken (but she does not), and why she could not say no when NLR offered her a position.
November 2025
9 From NREL Named to Highly Cited Researchers List
Nine scientists from NREL, a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, have been recognized as being among the most highly cited researchers on the planet.
August 2025
International Institute Turns Spotlight on NREL's Marc Day
The Combustion Institute, which dates to 1954, designates fellows based on peer recognition for outstanding contributions to the field of combustion, whether in research or in applications.
July 2025
NREL Transportation Researchers Recognized for Leadership, Innovativeness, and Collaboration at Vehicle Technologies Office Annual Merit Reviews
Transportation researchers from NREL received awards at the 2025 Annual Merit Review meeting for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office.
News Release: Jud Virden, Ph.D., Appointed Laboratory Director at NREL
The Alliance for Sustainable Energy announced the appointment of Jud Virden, Ph.D., as director of NREL and president of the Alliance, which manages the laboratory for the Department of Energy. Virden will officially join NREL in this role on Oct. 1, 2025.
Researcher Spotlight: Violeta Sanchez i Nogue’s Journey to Bioprocess Development at NREL
In the summer of 2015, Violeta Sanchez i Nogue joined NREL as a postdoctoral researcher working on a project to produce carbon fibers.
May 2025
Early-Career Spotlight: Michelle Herrera
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Michelle Herrera has long known what she wanted to do when she grew up.
NREL Researcher Craig Turchi Brings Small Business Experience to Big Concentrating Solar Projects
Turchi returned to NREL with a savvy outlook on concentrating solar power (CSP) systems analysis and innovation after serving as the principal investigator for a technology startup.
April 2025
Manufacturing Masterminds Q&A With Matt Ringer
In the latest Manufacturing Masterminds Q&A, Matt Ringer shares how he ended up in a people-centered role despite his shy childhood and why he joined NREL despite knowing nothing about the laboratory and its mission.
March 2025
NREL Researcher Steven R. Spurgeon Wins Burton Medal From Microscopy Society of America
NREL materials data scientist Steven R. Spurgeon has been honored with the Microscopy Society of America's Burton Medal award.
Researcher Spotlight: Susan Habas' Journey to Catalytic Innovation at NREL
Susan Habas, now a senior scientist and distinguished member of research staff in the Catalytic Carbon Transformation and Scale-Up Center at NREL, had an unconventional start to her career in chemistry.
How NREL Researcher Garry Rumbles Has Advanced Science Through Mentorship
Rumbles is known globally for his photochemistry research. At NREL, he has a reputation for creating a culture that has led to innovative ideas in basic energy research.
Early-Career Spotlight: Ashley Gaulding
Sometimes Ashley Gaulding feels a bit like an investigator on a television crime procedural.
February 2025
NREL Plant Biologist Maureen McCann Named Senior Research Fellow
NREL has selected Maureen McCann, an internationally renowned plant biologist, to its highest technical position for a scientist: Senior Research Fellow.
Andrea Watson Named Associate Director for Innovation, Partnering, and Outreach at NREL
Andrea Watson has been selected to serve as the next associate laboratory director for the Innovation, Partnering, and Outreach directorate at NREL.
January 2025
NREL's Greg Martin Helps Engineer Energy Integration Onto the Grid
The group manager was singled out as a Distinguished Member of Operations Staff "for exemplary leadership, technical acumen, strategic vision, and unwavering passion for mission-oriented collaboration."
How Jerry Hur Balances Award-Winning Work With High-Octane Car Drifting
The NREL Flatirons Campus research technician is celebrated for his meticulous work, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols--qualities that earned him a 2024 Distinguished Member of Operations Staff award.
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Last Updated Dec. 4, 2025