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Michal Chojnacky (Fed)
Michal Chojnacky is a physicist in the Fundamental Thermodynamics Group. Her research aims to replace legacy measurement techniques and address new technological challenges using integrated nanophotonic sensors and nonlinear optical devices. In her doctoral research, she investigated and developed platforms for frequency metrology and control, utilizing electro-optic frequency combs and integrated nonlinear devices such as chip-based Kerr soliton combs and optical parametric oscillators.
Michal also has extensive experience in temperature metrology, standards development, and cold chain maintenance of pharmaceuticals. She led the primary NIST temperature realization and dissemination of the SI (kelvin) through the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) for over a decade, helped develop the first ANSI standard for vaccine refrigerators and freezers, and spearheaded research aimed at eliminating cold chain failures and wasted pharmaceuticals in a $4 billion Centers for Disease Control program. Her past and present work supports critical national stakeholders, including military, aerospace and U.S. industrial laboratories.
Projects
Awards
- ANSI Next Generation Award (2018): For demonstrating vision, leadership, dedication and significant contributions to standardization of vaccine storage equipment.
- NIST Judson C. French (2013): For creating an internationally accepted NVLAP proficiency test program that enables U.S. industry to compete in the global marketplace (w/ S. Bruce, K. Garrity, G. Strouse, and D. Olson)
- Arthur S. Flemming Award (2012): For translating laboratory research in temperature measurement to public health clinics and primary care physician offices. Ms. Chojnacky developed a suite of tools and training materials that are dramatically improving vaccine storage, handling and monitoring, helping to ensure the potency of vaccines distributed each year around the world.
- DoC Silver Medal (2011): For solving vaccine cold‐chain management problems that were rendering nearly two‐thirds of CDC's vaccine stock ineffective (w/ G. Strouse)