About
Global Security
Who We Are
Global Security consists of more than 3,000 Laboratory employees working on more than 1,400 projects. Multidisciplinary teams collaborate across GS programs, to support the Lab’s mission and engage with 123 federal sponsors. Our team includes scientific and technical (S&T) staff and administrative, operational, IT and facilities personnel.. Our team includes scientific and technical (S&T) staff and administrative, operational, IT and facilities personnel.
The Autonomous Sensors Team trains Unmanned Aerial Systems and other vehicles using advanced AI to network, cooperate and complete tasks too hazardous for humans, such as searching for and identifying underground hazards.
Mission First, People Always
Global Security operates with the philosophy, “Mission first, people always.” We recognize that LLNL’s mission guides all we do, and our staff are fundamental to accomplishing that mission.
Jeremy Feaster is an electrochemical engineer in LLNL’s Materials Science Division. He created the first 3D-printed vapor-fed reactors for electrochemical carbon dioxide conversion, now a full-scope effort that has opened new arenas in electrochemistry and chemical engineering. He also leads a Disruptive Research project, funded by LLNL’s Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program. The multi-year project focuses on converting air and water into sustainable fertilizers using 3D-printed reactors.
Jeremy received his Ph.D. and M.S. in chemical engineering from Stanford University and a B.S. in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In 2023, he received the American Institute of Chemical Engineers 35 Under 35 Award.
Crystal Jaing is working to predict and detect future pathogen outbreaks using advanced genomic technologies such as the Lawrence Livermore Microbial Detection Array (LLMDA). Crystal and her team developed the LLMDA technology, which provides the most comprehensive microbial detection for more than 12,000 species of microbes. It won an R&D 100 award in 2017 and the Federal Laboratory Consortium Excellence in Technology Transfer award in 2019. Further applications of the LLMDA include drug safety, food safety, biodefense, public health and the analysis of microbes from the International Space Station — a NASA-funded project in which Crystal served as principal investigator to evaluate the potential for pathogenic microbes that could cause health problems for astronauts.
Crystal holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology and biochemistry from the Indiana University School of Medicine and a B.S. in chemistry from Nankai University.
Katie Lundquist leads the atmospheric modeling team at LLNL’s National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC). This team is tasked with developing physics-based models and tools for predicting the consequences of atmospheric releases of hazardous materials.
Katie’s research interests include mesoscale-to-microscale atmospheric simulation, urban modeling and transport and dispersion within the atmosphere. Katie is a member of the American Physical Society (APS) and of the American Meteorological Society (AMS). She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and her B.S. in mechanical engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
Ruth Kips travels around the world working with allied nations to advance their nuclear forensic science and capabilities and counter risks of nuclear smuggling. As the Lab’s associate program lead for nuclear smuggling detection and deterrence, Ruth delivers workshops on the importance of nuclear forensics and collaborates with partner countries on sample analysis. The workshops are part of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration’s Global Material Security (GMS) program, aimed at preventing terrorists from acquiring nuclear or radiological material.
She previously served at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as an inspector verifying that countries adhere to nuclear nonproliferation treaty commitments. Ruth has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, a master’s degree in nuclear engineering and several years of experience conducting research in uranium-particle analysis.
Frank oversees a team that supports all operations, maintenance, and construction activities for Global Security’s facilities. He partners with senior managers to execute current facility needs, plan future upgrades, and schedule maintenance and upgrades to minimize downtime. Previously, he served as a facility manager for multiple LLNL facilities, including the Lab’s two cafeterias, where he oversaw the implementation of two major contracts and managed maintenance requirements across organizations. Frank first joined LLNL as a contractor in 1991 as a journeyman-level cabinet maker/carpenter.
Frank holds several certificates and designations, including one in Facilities Management Administrator (FMA®) from Building Owners and Managers Institute. He is also a Facility Management Professional (FMP®) with the International Facility Management Association.
Ashley is responsible for current process analysis and recommending and implementing business process improvements for the Cyber and Infrastructure Resilience (CIR) program within LLNL’s Global Security Directorate. She also works as a project manager for two projects within the CIR program. Prior to this role, she served as an alternate special security officer in the Field Intelligence Element (FIE). Before her role in the FIE, she was an administrative specialist for the CIR program, where she supported two program leaders and four associate program leaders, as well as a travel coordinator within the Lab’s Strategic Deterrence Directorate.
While working at LLNL, Ashley spent eight years serving in the United States Army Reserve as a military intelligence officer. She worked as the intelligence shop officer in charge of a Psychological Operations Battalion. She also served as the intelligence support to an Information Operations Detachment in support of the Army Service Component Commands. Ashley holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of San Francisco.
Carlos serves on a specialized team with the Forensic Science Center (FSC) to identify unknown chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threat substances in real-world samples from around the globe. Carlos synthesizes enough of the sample material so his colleagues can use it for analysis and identification tests. Additionally, Carlos leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists who discovered the first nerve-agent antidote that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Before joining LLNL, Carlos’ scientific career included experience at Florida International University, the National Cancer Institute, the University of California Berkeley, the Scripps Research Institute and Rigel Pharmaceuticals.
Carlos holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in chemistry from Florida International University. He has been recognized at the Lab with many awards, including a 2019 LLNL Mid-Career Research Award.
Join Our Team
The Global Security Directorate at LLNL offers a diverse, collaborative environment where multidisciplinary teams work together to support the Lab’s mission and address a range of global and national security needs. Find impactful careers, talented teams and a great company culture.