AFRL researcher awarded esteemed engineers' and scientists' award

  • Published
  • By Donna Lindner
  • AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Mr. Walter Johnson of the AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate was honored as a recipient of the esteemed Affiliate Societies Council (ASC) Outstanding Engineers' and Scientists' Award at the 57th Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the University of Dayton campus on April 21, 2016.

Mr. Thomas Lockhart, director of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, served as guest speaker for the event, which honors engineers and scientists from throughout the Miami Valley for contributions to their fields.

Johnson is currently a senior materials engineer in the Photonic Materials Branch.  He was recognized for the award based on his work as a key inventor in rugate coatings for the development of optical coating materials and filters for personnel, tactical, and space systems; specifically, countermeasure products. This pervasive technology was identified as one of the top one hundred optical coating milestones over the last four centuries by the International Society of Optical Engineering.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the Affiliate Societies Council and Dr. Ruth Pachter, my sponsor for this prestigious award, also to my management, co-workers and family," Johnson said of the award.  "I consider myself very blessed to have been empowered to address Air Force challenges with a breadth of opportunities in optical coatings that have spanned from R&D to application."

The Affiliate Societies Council of Dayton was founded in 1966 to provide opportunities for practicing engineers, scientists and technologists to pursue continuing professional educational opportunities.   Today, the ASC consists of over 15,000 members from approximately 55 professional societies and   provides career guidance for K-12 students, recognizes outstanding contributions in technology and management disciplines, and promotes a close working relationship among affiliated societies.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Materials and Manufacturing Directorate develops materials, processes, and advanced manufacturing technologies for aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, rockets, and ground-based systems and their structural, electronic and optical components. Air Force product centers, logistic centers, and operating commands rely on the directorate's expertise in materials, nondestructive inspection, systems support, and advanced manufacturing methods to solve system, expeditionary deployment, and operational challenges.