EXCEL Scholars Visit Los Alamos Nat'l Lab

West Point Excel Scholars visited the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in New Mexico. The mission of LANL is to solve national security challenges through scientific excellence as they work "to deliver science and technology to protect our nation and promote world stability." Cadets Echeveste, Hamilton, Perinon, Scolavino, Rosa, Schauer, and Nash (representing different academic departments) and COL Rich Morales from the Department of Systems and Engineering (DSE) gained insights through fascinating discussions with leaders from the laboratory's Intelligence & Systems Analysis, Weapons Engineering & Experiments, Modeling and Simulation, Nuclear and High-Hazard Operations, Space Research, and Chemistry and Earth Science divisions. Cadets saw cutting-edge demos and learned about innovative approaches to security problems through hands-on experience with a Mars rover, bioengineered organs, super computer, and one-of-a-kind particle accelerators. Dr Terry Wallace, the lab director, shared his unique strategic perspectives. The scholars also met with visiting DOE leadership from DC and USMA graduates from a variety of backgrounds to discuss their roles in science and security at LANL. Cadets enjoyed a walking tour and detailed description of the history and science underpinning the Manhattan Project. Several cadets will return to the lab on an Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) or engage in individual thesis-level research based on their positive engagements with experts in the field who offered to serve as mentors.