News>AFRL Scientist Becomes First U.S. Citizen Honored with British Award
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Lt. Col. Laura Barnes, 711th Human Performance Wing, received the Special Commendation Coin from the United Kingdom’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory on Sept. 14. The award is one of the highest honors bestowed upon Ministry of Defence researchers and this was the first time it was awarded to a U.S. citizen. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The Special Commendation Coin from the United Kingdom's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is one of the highest honors bestowed upon Ministry of Defence researchers. (U.S. Air Force photo Chandra Lloyd)
This plaque was presented to Lt. Col. Laura Barnes for her work promoting and supporting the strategic relationship between the United Kingdom and United States in science and technology. (U.S. Air Force photo Chandra Lloyd)
by Chandra Lloyd
88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
11/30/2011 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Lt. Col. Laura Barnes of the Air Force Research Laboratory's 711th Human Performance Wing became the first U.S. citizen to receive the Special Commendation Coin from the United Kingdom's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). The award, which Lt Col Barnes received Sept. 14, 2011, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon Ministry of Defence researchers.
The coin was presented by Jonathon Lyle, on behalf of the MOD's Chief Science Advisor, Sir Mark Welland, in recognition of Colonel Barnes' work promoting and supporting the strategic relationship between the United Kingdom and United States in science and technology.
DSTL focuses on the research and development of science and technology for the defense and security of the United Kingdom, with collaboration from government agencies and universities around the world.
Colonel Barnes filled two roles during her three-year assignment in Wiltshire, United Kingdom. She served as research scientist specializing in laser bioeffects, and she was a liaison between DSTL Headquarters and the Air Force Research Laboratory. During her assignment, she worked with British researchers to define safe operating parameters for current and future laser systems used operationally by both nations.
She also provided liaison support across both scientific and medical research communities. Colonel Barnes, a Biomedical Science Corps officer, holds two doctoral degrees--an OD in optometry and a Ph.D. in optics. Her familiarity with both medical and physical sciences was one of the reasons she was selected for the DSTL assignment.
Colonel Barnes is currently the deputy chief of the Warfighter Interface Division.
