AFRL honoree specifies T2 as future focus

After being named the Department of Defense Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter, Air Force Research Laboratory researcher Khanh Pham is looking ahead to new goals that involve expanding the laboratory’s technology transfer efforts.

Pham, a senior aerospace engineer with AFRL, earned the award for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2019. Pham is revered for his contributions to the Air Force and Department of Defense missions, and has accumulated numerous awards throughout his illustrious career.

Khanh’s past honors include being among the 2018 Champions of Small Business Technology Commercialization Winners, chosen by the Small Business Technology Council. With his latest accomplishment, Pham has new goals to expand the DoD laboratory’s ties to commercial advancement.

“I look forward to stimulating small business innovation, as well as meeting the Air Force and DoD research and development needs,” Pham said in an AFRL press release. "I hope to broaden participation in innovation and entrepreneurship, and boosting commercialization derived from Air Force and DoD research and development.”

The Laboratory Scientist of the Quarter award recognizes Pham’s recent accomplishments in the field of Cognitive Radio Technology for Protected Tactical Satellite Communications.

“The Air Force Research Laboratory Space Vehicles Directorate has given me a rare opportunity to focus on the development of new and far-reaching innovations,” Pham said. “I take pride in the fact that my achievements have made a difference for the warfighter.”

Recently, Pham was also recognized by the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers as the 2019 Professional Achievement Award recipient. There, he was praised for his work in the development of young scientists and engineers.

“Through my work in mentoring, I have the opportunity to show others who may be considering the field to expand their horizons,” Pham said. “I’m in a unique position to spread the word and potentially inspire others like me to enter a similar career path.”

Pham’s journey to reach success was not without adversity. His parents served in the US-backed South Vietnam government during the Vietnam War. They were war prisoners from 1975 to 1984. Under the humanitarian operation Special Release Reeducation Center Detainee Resettlement Program, he and his family entered the United States in 1990.