Dr. Higgins pioneered a groundbreaking technology that allows scientists and engineers to detect and remedy microscopic flaws that threaten the safety and reliability of 3D-printed products ranging from structural components to medical devices. Concurrently, she reshaped how federal agencies approach mentorship and inspiration of early-career employees by founding the Front Range Industry and Postdoc Summit and by leading the NIST Postdoctoral and Early-Career Association of Researchers.