EMERALD HONORS WINNERS Research Leadership
Kenneth E. Washington, Ph.D. Vice President Advanced Technology Center Space Systems Company Lockheed Martin Corporation
I
t’s not surprising that Kenneth Washington heads a center at a leading aerospace company. He pos- sesses sky’s-the-limit drive, deter- mination and vision. Washington is the vice president of the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at Lock- heed Martin Space Systems Com- pany in Palo Alto, Calif., where he is responsible for establishing research and development strategies and ensuring they are implemented. He engages in a wide range of research
the refrigeration industry. Stout knew at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The oldest of seven siblings, he struggled in college and at one point a dean of engineering suggested that his talents might lie in another field. He admits it was a fair assessment. Still he placed his trust in his drive and determination and earned in doctorate in mechanical engineering. Stout is now director of research and development for Mueller Industries in Memphis, where he leads the company’s pipe, tube and fitting product devel- opment efforts. While Stout is praised for his research and techni- cal contributions, he is also hailed as an exceptional leader whose education of design engineers, building code officials, contractors and others has proved invaluable. “Charles has led efforts to educate member of top engineer- ing societies where long-standing beliefs and formulas have been proven wrong,” states Christopher A. Mueller, director of market- ing at Mueller Industries. “In doing so, his ability to communicate highly technical issues in a palatable way has been critical to his success in building momentum and meaningful dialog.” Another colleague describes him as “creative and resourceful” and that he “acts as the bridge of pure science to practical applica- tion.” Stout is also committed to helping youth and works as a volunteer with the YMCA Black Achievers, United Negro College Fund, the Urban League and other organizations. In addition to tu- toring, checking homework, identifying college funding and giving advice, Stout seeks to reach out to young people who are struggling as he once did. “When I think of how close I was to giving up on my dream, I know that I have to do everything I can to help young people reach their dreams,” he said.
70 USBE&IT I WINTER 2013
activities: solar dynamics and astrophysics, optics and electro- optics, radiofrequency and photonic devices, control systems and information science, advanced materials and nanosystems, thermal sciences and more. Washington oversees a team of 600 scientists and engineers operating with an annual research and development budget of more than $300 million. Since taking over the reins of the center in 2010, it has been awarded 19 patents. He is said to have “a unique ability to look across disparate technical disciplines to identify the most promising areas of research, foster cross-disci- plinary collaboration, and drive the development of commercial applications of ATC discoveries.” Washington identified distrib- uted aperture interferometers as an area ripe for investment and expansion. It has since become a major new business venture for Lockheed Martin, yielding five patents in the past two years and a new business pipeline approaching $500 million. One colleague said he was impressed how Washington is “able to temper his passion for new technology with the expected business value—he simply knew the investments worth making.” By many accounts, Washington has “broken new ground and driven innovations that are revolutionizing multiple industries” and he “possesses the intellect and passion to propel scientific discovery forward and bring those discoveries to bear to solve real-world problems.” Washington followed in his father’s footsteps in attaining his doctorate. The younger Washington’s advance degree is in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University, after earning bachelor and master degrees in the same field of study from the same uni- versity. Fresh out of college he went to work at Sandia National Laboratories where he developed nuclear safeguards. He rose through the ranks, holding positions in information technology, computer sciences and eventually he was promoted to chief information officer.
At Lockheed Martin, he previously served as vice president and chief technology officer as well as vice president and chief privacy leader. Despite his many accomplishments, Washington has remained connected to community and to helping youth. He is a frequent speaker at local underserved high schools and organization and has volunteered at a local halfway house. He is
www.blackengineer.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120