Sandia National Laboratories

Using AI to protect the electric grid 🔒 As highlighted by Forbes, Sandia’s griDNA technology uses brain-inspired AI algorithms to simultaneously protect the electric grid from physical problems and cyberattacks. “As more disturbances occur, whether from extreme weather or from cyberattacks, the most important thing is that operators maintain the function and reliability of the grid. Our technology will allow the operators to detect any issues faster so that they can mitigate them faster with AI,” explained Shamina Hossain-McKenzie, a cybersecurity expert and project leader at Sandia Labs. Read the Forbes article: https://bit.ly/4oQEtZW

A new teaching strategy for Albuquerque students ⚛️ Sandia is among hundreds of businesses that Albuquerque Public Schools and the United Way of North Central New Mexico are engaging in a new learning model called the Academies of Albuquerque. It’s designed to put students on a more direct learning path based on potential careers. “Where we really have an opportunity to shine is showing educators how their curriculum translates to the real world,” said Sandia’s Bianca Hill. “If they are using outdated engineering terms or applications, that is an opportunity for us to help bring them up to speed, so they understand what they need to teach in the classroom to prepare those students for tomorrow’s necessary skills.” Read more about Sandia’s involvement in the program: https://bit.ly/49qTrkw

Lifesaving breath test ⚕️ Sandia researchers are creating a rapid, noninvasive breath test that could detect a range of diseases and infections from influenza to lung cancer. In collaboration with the Homeland Security Startup Studio and sponsored by DHS Science and Technology Directorate, Sandia researchers are developing a test that captures biomarker molecules present in people’s breath. “There’s a ton of information in your breath about the state of your body,” said chemical engineer Scotty Bobbitt, lead researcher on the project. “Someday, you’ll go to the doctor and do a breath test just like they take your blood pressure. That’s the future I’m envisioning.” Read more about how the technology could transition from lab to market: http://bit.ly/3KlKAWy

Closing the gap between quantum computing’s promise and reality, as explained with a musical relic ⚛️ Sandia researchers developed a method to make quantum computing more fruitful using complex models to predict physical errors and corrupt calculations, which they liken to improving a jukebox without having to open it. “We’re building models that allow scientists to really understand a quantum computer so they can either make it better or understand what problems it can solve,” Sandia computer scientist Daniel Hothem said. Learn more about the team’s quantum research: https://bit.ly/3WZeHX8

A career spent preserving Sandia’s history 🕰️ After 28 years of service, Sandia’s historian Rebecca Ullrich has turned in her badge and retired. Rebecca observed and documented how Sandia adapted during key moments like the end of the Cold War and response to 9/11. “In times of uncertainty, when things are scary and out of our control, I believe the best we can do is fall back on what we do well, and at the Labs, that is to solve problems and produce. So, let’s keep doing what we’re good at,” said Rebecca. Read more of Rebecca’s story: https://bit.ly/4ihW4Yp

30th class completes Weapon Intern Program 🎓 After a year of rigorous coursework and numerous visits to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and United States Department of War sites, 23 participants have graduated from WIP, a yearlong program designed to accelerate knowledge transfer to the next generation of the weapons workforce. Sandia graduate Preston Johnson received a gift from his family after the graduation ceremony, which concluded with words of encouragement from Labs Director Laura McGill. “You get to serve the nation in ways many will never know, but we will,” Laura said. “Go off and do the critical work that will help to secure our nation.” Read more: https://bit.ly/4qWTjj1

Reliability ✔️ Performance ✔️ Sandia engineers, along with National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), conducted a series of stockpile tests in which inert units of the B61-12 nuclear gravity bomb were successfully carried and dropped by an F-35 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in evaluating the weapon’s performance. “These B61-12 F-35A stockpile flight tests and captive carry flight test were the capstone accomplishment of a tremendous amount of planning and effort by those who were involved across not only Sandia, but many other agencies,” said Sandia’s Jeffrey Boyd, surveillance lead for the B61-12 and B61-13. Read more about the tests: https://bit.ly/43uqznB

A space-based nuclear deterrent 🛰️ For 60 years, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratory have continued to develop new, complex technologies to support the Global Burst Detection system, which is carried on GPS satellites and designed to detect above-ground nuclear detonations. The final system from the current series launched this year and now the team is preparing for the next series, set to launch in 2027. “The launch of the final IIIA series Global Burst Detector marks an important milestone in our efforts to enhance nuclear detection capabilities,” Sandia’s Andrew Stuart said. “The collaboration between Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory has been key to developing this advanced system, which will significantly contribute to our national security by improving our ability to detect nuclear detonations from space.”

Pursue independent, groundbreaking research as a postdoctoral fellow at Sandia. The Hruby Distinguished Fellowship offers self-directed, three-year appointments supported by competitive salaries, ample research budget and mentoring. Applications due Nov. 3. Learn more or apply 👉 https://direc.to/njN5

Sandia Labs is a top place to intern 🏆 For the second year in a row, Sandia’s Student Internship Program was named one of 2025’s Top 100 Internship Programs by Yello.co and WayUp “This achievement highlights the hard work and dedication of my team in creating a robust program that not only attracts top talent, but also fosters an enriching environment for our interns,” said Sandia’s Wade Bodlovic, manager of talent acquisition. “I am incredibly proud of their commitment to building and nurturing a future talent pipeline, which is crucial to Sandia's ongoing success.” Read more about Sandia internships: http://bit.ly/4nmQp4Y