The highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding early career scientists and engineers has been awarded to Dr. Amber Guckes, lead researcher and technical manager at the Nevada National Security Sites (NNSS).
The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) provides recipients with a $250,000 federal research grant. “The award recognizes innovative and far-reaching developments in science and technology, expands awareness of careers in science and engineering, recognizes the scientific missions of participating agencies, enhances connections between research and impacts on society, and highlights the importance of science and technology for our nation’s future,” the White House announcement states.
Dr. Guckes’ research focuses on developing next-generation current mode radiation detectors for Stockpile Stewardship applications, including the Multi-Layered Avalanche Diamond (MAD) detector. First developed in 2019 as a Site-Directed Research and Development project with Dr. Guckes as the principal investigator, MAD examines charge multiplication in thin, single-crystal chemical vapor deposition diamond to yield a fast neutron detector. The technology directly supports the NNSS’ Stockpile Stewardship mission and advances the Neutron Diagnosed Subcritical Experiment (NDSE) program by serving as an in-beam detector to improve performance of the NNSS’ dense plasma focus. The PECASE grant will enable the maturation of MAD design and research.
“This is an honor of a lifetime,” said Dr. Guckes. “I’m very growth-minded in my personal and professional life, thinking ‘what’s next?’ This one might be hard to top. I couldn’t have dreamed of this. To receive this award is an incredibly humbling experience, but also serves as a testament to my passion for advancing nuclear technologies, especially through our mission, and getting to help other technical staff develop that same passion and make breakthroughs in nuclear technologies.”
From Pahrump, Nevada, Dr. Guckes began her NNSS career as an intern, serving in the Nuclear Assurance and Stockpile and Experimental Operations directorates before her current role as manager of the Dynamic Instruments organization.
“The PECASE award is a prestigious recognition that highlights exceptional technical contributions, leadership, innovative research, and commitment to STEM outreach,” said NNSS Electronic Engineering Technical Manager Robert Koss. “Receiving this award elevates the NNSS within the Nuclear Security Enterprise and showcases the organization’s commitment to excellence in advancing critical scientific and engineering fields. It also emphasizes Amber’s outstanding expertise, dedication, and leadership in addressing key challenges within the nuclear security mission, as well as her efforts to inspire and engage the next generation of scientists and engineers through STEM outreach initiatives.”
“This type of recognition is extremely impressive,” said Stuart Baker, NNSS Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff. “I’ve worked with Amber on detector projects for NDSE, and I found she is a great researcher, very thorough, and presents our work in a great way for communicating with our laboratory partners. She also has high endorsements from our laboratory partners. This recognition leads to high-level collaborations with our laboratory partners and enhances our proposals for inter-laboratory collaborations.”
Dr. Guckes is the author of numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings advancing detection modeling in the nuclear engineering industry. Extending beyond her passion for pioneering research at the NNSS, Dr. Guckes is a fixture in STEM outreach, connecting with students through the Nevada Afterschool Network’s NV Flight Crew initiative, NNSS Student Programs, Brigham Young University Engineering capstone student teams, NNSA Stewardship Science Academic Programs, Nevada Science Bowl, and Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada to inspire a future in STEM.
“I would encourage any young student to explore what it would look like to have a career in STEM and see if there’s an interest there,” said Dr. Guckes. “If there is, start connecting with people who are in STEM, whether its teachers, an after-school club or a mentorship program to get connected and see all the possibilities that exist in a STEM career.”
Dr. Guckes holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in nuclear engineering; a Master of Science in materials and nuclear engineering; graduate certificates in nuclear criticality safety engineering and nuclear safeguards and security; and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, all from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
PECASE was established in 1996 to recognize scientists demonstrating exceptional leadership potential early in their careers. Nearly 400 professionals across 14 agencies were recognized in 2025, with Dr. Guckes representing the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration and claiming just the second award for the NNSS. Technical Manager Dr. Marylesa Howard received the award in 2019.
“Amber being the second recipient of the PECASE award following Marylesa’s 2019 recognition speaks volumes about the exceptional talent and expertise cultivated within the NNSS,” added Koss. “This achievement underscores the depth of skill, leadership and innovation present in the team and highlights the NNSS as a hub for world-class researchers who consistently excel in advancing the nuclear security mission. It also demonstrates the NNSS’ strong commitment to fostering an environment that supports groundbreaking technical contributions and professional growth.”
“It is a privilege to represent the NNSS,” Dr. Guckes added. “I am grateful for the opportunities that being part of this organization has afforded me and the people here who have supported me along the way.”