Tyler Anderson’s fascination with space has been his guiding star, from his early research as a master’s student, to his current postdoc experience at LLNL. He initially focused on astronomy during his master’s program and shifted to nuclear astrophysics for his Ph.D., using particle accelerators and detectors to study space. Next, he took a position with NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he developed new methods for analyzing meteorites — adding planetary science to his research portfolio.
In 2023, he joined LLNL as a postdoc, and he’s still involved in planetary science. He uses accelerators at the Lab’s Center for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (CAMS) to analyze isotopes found in rocks from Earth and from other parts of our solar system in an effort to better understand how the planets formed. For example, he developed a research technique that combines geochemistry and mass spectrometry to measure chlorine in lunar meteorites and other astromaterials and he’s applying the novel technique to make the first-ever measurements of chlorine in solar wind — aiming to better understand the evolution of our solar system.
Tyler’s research experience in astronomy, nuclear astrophysics and planetary science enables him to bring a unique skillset to his work at CAMS, where he collaborates with experts in geology and Earth science. This multidisciplinary research environment was one of the reasons Tyler decided to work at LLNL. He’s also excited that LLNL has a strong emphasis on space science research and his current research involves collaborations with NASA scientists.
In addition, he values the design of the Lab’s postdoc program, including opportunities to develop project management, presentation and mentoring skills. He’s already using his new mentoring skills, as he recently hosted and mentored a summer intern — a master’s student from a nearby public university who helped Tyler with his research analyzing meteorites.
Beyond mentoring graduate students, Tyler volunteers in an outreach program to middle school students. He exchanges letters with students, where he shares examples of what he does as a researcher, helping students envision what a research career involves — hoping to spark interest in this career pathway.
Peter Caldwell spends a lot of time studying weather and atmospheric processes. His deep concern for the future of the planet is a key reason he chose to pursue research in this field. His work is a blend of geophysics, computer science, numerical analysis, statistics and communications skills, which is a great fit for Peter’s jack-of-all trades background.
As a member of the Atmospheric, Earth and Energy Division, Peter combines skills in computer modeling with expertise in Earth system processes to solve challenging problems. He is especially proud to have led a project to create a new numerical model of the atmosphere, which provides a much finer spatial resolution than previous models and, potentially, the first global Earth system model written using C++.
Peter loves being able to work with so many creative people at LLNL, who team up to solve difficult problems. He also values the diverse roles, resources and opportunities that the Lab offers.
Outside the Lab, Peter enjoys “exploring the natural world under human power.” He has skied across the Sierras and off the summit of many California and Washington mountain peaks, and he has biked from Seattle to San Francisco and back. He also enjoys kayaking and exploring California's coast and rivers.
Peter received his Ph.D. in atmospheric sciences from the University of Washington and his M.S. and B.S. in mathematics from Western Washington University.
Talented at math and science as a student and interested in extreme weather as a result of growing up in the Midwest, Jessica Cruz chose to major in atmospheric sciences in college.
Jessica hoped her graduate work would translate to a career at a national laboratory. Now, she is the group leader of the Atmospheric Science Research and Applications group and an operations scientist for the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center. Jessica is excited about the combination of science, mission and teamwork at Lawrence Livermore. “The greatest aspect of working here is the opportunity to work in a multitude of mission spaces and applications without switching employers,” she says. “I’m given the support and space to expand and deepen my expertise. Rather than competing with me, my colleagues are invested in my success and trust me to invest in their success.”
Jessica received a Ph.D. in environmental science, policy and management from University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in atmospheric science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of work, Jessica shares her story and promotes STEM education to local communities.
Kayla Kroll’s pursuit of a career in science began with an interest in stars and the solar system, never expecting she would one day be focused on what happens beneath Earth’s surface. Describing her shift from the solar system to the subsurface, Kayla says, “I liked how seismology and geophysics combined physics with data generated from earthquakes to understand what’s going on beneath our feet and provide images of Earth’s interior — the way a CT or MRI scan provides images from inside the human body.”
Now a research scientist at LLNL and deputy leader for the Seismology Group within the Atmospheric, Earth and Energy Division, Kayla integrates the principles of geomechanics (the science of how geological material deforms) and seismology to model induced seismicity — earthquakes caused by external stress imposed on the subsurface from anthropogenic activities such as hydrocarbon extraction, carbon storage and geothermal energy production. For example, she's exploring how machine learning capabilities can transform real-time seismic monitoring and forecasting.
Kayla is enthusiastic about the opportunities for career growth at LLNL and the support she has received from her colleagues and leaders. “Both my mentors and division leadership trusted me to take on new levels of responsibility that helped me grow into a scientist who can lead research teams, as well as one who can effectively communicate about her work.”
Kayla earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in geophysics and seismology at University of California, Riverside, and her B.S. in geological science at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.
Katie Lundquist is a researcher in the Atmospheric, Earth and Energy Division and leads the atmospheric modeling team at the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) at LLNL.
Katie’s research interests are broad within the fields of atmospheric modeling and scientific computing. Her specific interests include mesoscale-to-microscale atmospheric simulation, urban modeling and transport and dispersion within the atmosphere. In her role at NARAC, she leads a team of atmospheric modelers tasked with developing physics-based models and tools for predicting the consequences of atmospheric releases of hazardous materials.
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.
Christina Morency's career path was not linear, and she encourages early career scientists to explore a wide range of disciplines and research areas. She began as a chemical engineer, then earned a doctoral degree in geophysics exploring geodynamical modeling involving Earth’s mantle convection. Her subsequent postdoctoral and research associate positions motivated her to change focus. Initially, she worked on modeling tectonic deformation at the crustal scale, then she dove into exploring Earth’s subsurface.
Today, Christina uses seismic and electromagnetic techniques to conduct geophysical imaging and monitoring of the subsurface — with a focus on exploring energy and environmental issues. One of her most exciting achievements is leading a multidisciplinary research team that is evaluating the possibility of monitoring and assessing geothermal resources using a new technique based on seismoelectric effects — subsurface, pore-scale phenomena related to seismic-to-electric conversion.
Chris completed her education in France, including a Ph.D. in geophysics.
Seismic Clues to Underground Explosions
Our geoscientists analyze seismic signals to differentiate between natural phenomena such as earthquakes, man-made activities like mining and illicit nuclear explosions. This work supports our nation’s efforts to detect and deter the spread of nuclear weapons and verify international agreements. Our research teams develop new methods to analyze data provided by seismometer networks, enabling them to determine the type of event that generated the seismic signals as well as the energy release of the event.
Optimizing Power Grid Resilience and Energy Storage
Our scientists use some of the world’s most powerful modeling tools to study highly complex Earth and energy systems. For example, they use the Energy Exascale Earth System Model (E3SM), a Department of Energy tool, to identify ways to make regional power grids more resilient based on an analysis of local weather patterns. They also use GEOS, an LLNL simulation tool, to explore how existing underground structures can be used to reliably store surplus energy, as well as options for safe, long-term geologic carbon storage.
In-Air Drop Encapsulation Apparatus — Revolutionizing Microcapsule Production
LLNL won a 2025 R&D 100 Award for a technology called the In-air Drop Encapsulation Apparatus, or IDEA. IDEA solves a production problem for micro-encapsulated carbon dioxide sorbents (MECS) that absorb CO2 through a permeable shell surrounding a solvent-based interior. These carbon sieves are in high demand, but take too long to produce via traditional manufacturing. The solution: in-air curing wherein the MECS droplets are formed and solidified almost instantly in air using ultraviolet (UV) light.
CAMS
Center for Mass Spectrometry
CAMS researchers use diverse analytical techniques and state-of-the-art instrumentation to develop and apply ultra-sensitive isotope ratio measurements and ion beam analytical techniques.
NARAC
National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center
The National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) helps emergency managers plan and respond to incidents involving the accidental or intentional release of hazardous radiological, chemical, biological or nuclear materials into the atmosphere.
