OUR RESEARCH

Brian Bauman is an optical engineer in the Computational Engineering Division, and his focus is on novel optical systems and computationally efficient optical-design optimization techniques.

As an optical engineer, Brian has designed and engineered optical subsystems for space-based applications (including novel monolithic telescopes), astronomical instruments (including the Legacy Survey of Space and Time Camera at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, Gemini Planet Imager, the Lick Observatory adaptive optics system), adaptive optics programs, vision research applications, additive manufacturing (particularly in large-area micro-stereolithography) and spectroscopic applications. He is the author or co-author on over 100 publications and holds seven patents.

Brian joined LLNL in 1998 after earning his B.S. in engineering physics from the University of California, San Diego and his M.S. in optical sciences at the University of Arizona. He earned his Ph.D. in optical sciences from the University of Arizona in 2003 while working at LLNL.

Hilary Johnson is a space hardware engineer and leads the Mechanical Computing Initiative for robust computation in extreme environments. She engages as a subject matter expert on the Pandora NASA payload mission and with several early Lab Directed Research and Development projects. Throughout her work, Hilary integrates deterministic machine design practices with computational and machine learning informed analysis. Her research interests span a broad range of applications in space, sensing and energy, unified by a common approach to melding early TRL scientific investigation with maturing innovation using precision machine design and computation.

In addition to her work at LLNL, Hilary strives to pay-it-forward to the next generation of engineers by teaching as a lecturer at Dartmouth College, giving talks to high school and college student groups and mentoring at LLNL.

Hilary completed her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a focus on precision machine design and turbomachinery and a minor in machine learning. She graduated with an A.B. and B.E. from Dartmouth College.

Imagine doubling a fiber-optic network’s capacity and reducing its upgrade cost by 90 percent — with almost no disruption to existing infrastructure. That’s exactly what Leily Kiani’s E-band fiber optic amplifier project is working to achieve. Leily is a member of the National Ignition Facility and Photon Science Fiber Technologies Group, which is developing upgrades to decades-old fiber-optic amplifier technology at the foundation of global telecommunications networks. She is also working on Tm:YLF laser development, the High-Repetition-Rate Advanced Petawatt Laser System and a study on laser technology development for Inertial Fusion Energy.

Leily joined Lawrence Livermore as a postdoctoral researcher in 2016 and transitioned to staff scientist in 2019. Explaining why she enjoys her work, Leily says, “The Lab is very connected to both academia and industry and offers a diverse portfolio of research and projects.”

Leily’s innovative efforts have been noticed by the community and Laboratory stakeholders. Along with being named to Diablo Magazine’s 2018 “40 Under 40” list, she was awarded a $150,000 grant sponsored by the Department of Energy’s Technology Commercialization Fund and $150,000 in matching funds from the Laboratory’s Innovation Development Fund.

Leily holds a Ph.D. and B.S. in physics from the University of California, Merced.

Vanessa Peters first heard of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory while pursuing graduate studies. After earning her Ph.D. in materials science and engineering, she joined the Laboratory as a postdoc and then moved into a full-time position as a staff scientist in the Laser Materials Interaction group, studying the effect of high-power lasers on a range of materials.   

“Lawrence Livermore is an environment conducive to learning and allows staff to develop professionally while navigating their career path,” says Vanessa. “The Lab has some of the brightest people on the planet working here, access to unique and specialized instrumentation and equipment not found elsewhere and is globally recognized.”  

Vanessa’s technical work is only part of the story. “The mission of LLNL management to continue making the Laboratory an inclusive environment also resonates with me,” she says. She mentors African American students at Livermore High School, and she shares the Lab’s culture and encourages students from historically Black colleges and universities to seek out opportunities at Livermore during events such as LLNL Day. Vanessa has received a Director’s Award for helping to sustain the consortium relationship with her alma mater and two other universities, where she’s come full circle, inspiring the next generation of Laboratory researchers.   

Vanessa earned a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering and a B.S. in chemistry from Norfolk State University.

When Raj Raman saw the opportunity to contribute to optics materials research at a world-class facility like the National Ignition Facility (NIF), he seized it. “Rare is the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research toward moon-shot science that also supports the national interest,” he says.  

Raj applies his expertise conducting experiments designed to extend the lifetime and capability of optics used on energic lasers. What’s more, his work with the Optics and Materials Science and Technology group uncovered the timeline of events leading to damage of optical components in high-energy laser systems. Using this information, Raj and his team help keep NIF running with healthy optics that maintain the quality of user experiments.   

Raj embraces the challenge of pursuing never-before achieved scientific milestones, especially alongside talented and motivated colleagues. He says, “Within walking distance at Lawrence Livermore, you have access to unique resources with scientific-grade instrumentation and the knowledge of world experts in a variety of disciplines!”   

Raj has a Ph.D. and M.S. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, and B.A. in physics from the University of California, Berkeley. 

Michael Stadermann loves a challenge, and he finds plenty of challenges at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He joined the Laboratory as a postdoctoral fellow in 2004 to work on a nanotube-based gas analyzer. Since then, his research has largely focused on materials and methods for target fabrication, although he’s also been heavily involved with electrochemistry and energy storage, building an internationally renowned capacitive desalination group.   

Michael serves as the program manager for target fabrication at the National Ignition Facility. “The technical challenges and excellence of LLNL keep me here,” he says. “Few places in the world rally people around an interesting challenge so easily. I am excited about coming to work every day because I will learn something new or help solve a problem that will make the world just a little bit better.”  

Michael has a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Vordiplom in chemistry from the University of Düsseldorf.