Principal Research Scientist
Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies, Vice President for Research
Outstanding Contributor
Award presented by
Dr. Eric D. Evans, Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Our next Outstanding Contributor honoree is Steven Kooi, a Principal Research Scientist at MIT’s Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies. Steve conducts research, guides post-docs and graduate students in their projects, and helps maintain the vast array of scientific equipment at the lab.

However, his colleagues wanted him to be recognized today for seizing on a singular opportunity to secure five million dollars of crucial equipment through the U.S. Army Research Office.

The requirements were difficult and time-sensitive—some might say overwhelming—but Steve took it on. And through his efforts, ISN was granted the equipment, which will absolutely transform the capabilities of the lab. His colleagues readily agreed that without Steve’s knowledge, leadership, and remarkable efforts, the proposal would have been unlikely to succeed.

According to one coworker: “Steve was the undeniable hands-on, take-charge leader of all technical aspects that brought us millions of dollars in cutting-edge equipment that will benefit both research staff and students. He deserves recognition for his outstanding contributions.”