Galen O’Neil is a research physicist in the Quantum Sensors at NIST. He develops high-resolution and high-efficiency single photon sensors using superconducting devices at or below 100 mK, and pioneers new applications with these sensors. He is currently leading the effort to create the most powerful soft x-ray spectrometer for carbon chemistry ever conceived, with the goal of improving our knowledge of carbon catalysis to combat global warming. He has received a Department of Commerce Gold Medal and a Silver Medal.