Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

WELCOME TO SPOTLIGHT

The latest edition of SpotLight, a look at the people who make up Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, is available here. This issue’s cover story highlights Ann Parker. Parker was not one of those people who had a yen to be a published author from early on. She was busy with a job, kids and family, but on a whim with encouragement from a colleague she asked herself, “Why not try it as an experiment?” The experiment blossomed into a knack for writing historical murder mystery books.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Spotlight. We’d also like to hear from you. Send us your thoughts and suggestions, whether it’s what you like — or even if you don’t — about this magazine, or if there is something you would like to see in coming editions. You can reach us at pao [at] llnl.gov.

Drew Willard smokes the competition, with a little help from grandma

There are two major sources of heat in Drew Willard’s life. He’s a senior laser technician in Laser Systems Engineering and Operations, working on high- power, short-pulsed lasers that help scientists study the interiors of stars. But when he’s not on site, he prefers a lower, slower heat: the kind that helps barbecue develop its signature smoke ring and appealing flavor.