Los Alamos National Laboratory awarded its highest honor, the Los Alamos Medal, to Gary Wall of the Weapons Physics group. A Laboratory Fellow with more than 50 years’ experience in primary design, analysis and certification, Wall is considered one of the nation’s premier designers. As such, he has had, and continues to have, a profound influence on America’s nuclear deterrent.
The Los Alamos Medal recognizes those who have made a contribution that changed the course of science, made a major enhancement to the Lab’s ability to achieve its mission, made a significant impact on Lab sustainability or established a major direction for the Laboratory and the nation.
“Gary has instilled in me the dedication to never give up, even when the problem seems insurmountable,” said Don Sandoval, a colleague in Weapons Physics. “He has taught me to work as a team player, wherein the goals of the project outweigh individual goals.”
Wall received a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics from the University of Colorado in 1970 and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of New Mexico in 1976.
His previous awards include 16 Defense Programs Awards of Excellence, five Team Distinguished Performance Awards, an Individual Distinguished Performance Award and a Secretary of Energy Achievement Award. He was named a Laboratory Fellow in 2005.
“Gary’s commitment to mentoring the next generation of nuclear weapons scientists is just as — if not more — impressive than his long list of accomplishments,” said Bob Webster, deputy Laboratory director for Weapons.
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