White House Honors AFRL Scientist for Work with Laser-Cooled Atoms Published Feb. 8, 2013 By Jeanne Dailey Directed Energy KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico -- Dr. Matthew Squires, a scientist with the Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate, received a Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Each year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President presents the PECASE awards to young scientists and engineers who are at the forefront of research and exploration. Dr. Squires, one of 96 PECASE recipients for 2011, was recognized for his work with controlling laser-cooled atoms. His work is used to trap cold atoms so that more accurate readings can be made when measuring motion and time. Dr. Squires' work also involves making cold atom technology cheaper, faster and higher-performing. In addition to his scientific work, the award recognizes Dr. Squires' efforts as a mentor to college students in the Phillips Scholars Program and AFRL Space Scholars Program. Dr. Squires, who has been with AFRL since 2008, said, "It is one thing to talk about ideas, but it's another thing entirely to actually work on ideas in a lab. AFRL does a lot of hands-on research. What I love about coming to work at AFRL every day is it has great science and real-world applicability making a real difference to the Air Force."