Tri-Cities Tech Business Update
PNNL researcher wins Homeland Security Award
Jim Thomas
Jim Thomas, a chief scientist and Laboratory Fellow at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, was recognized with the prestigious Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation 2009 Homeland Security Award for his work creating computerized visual analytics technology that can be used to predict and prevent acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events. The award, which is sponsored by AgustaWestland North America, Inc., includes a $25,000 prize. Thomas was specifically recognized for his leadership of the Department of Homeland Security's National Visualization and Analytics Center, which is located at PNNL. NVAC was established in 2004 to provide scientific guidance and coordination for the research and development of new tools and methods that DHS has identified as required for managing, visually representing, and analyzing enormous amounts of diverse data and information. Development of these visualization tools enables analysts to more effectively identify signs of terrorist intent or attacks in their earliest stages and ultimately to prevent terrorist plots before they occur. Read the complete news release. Contact Kathi Hanson at 509-375-2199.
