A leading scientist from Sandia National Laboratories was named associate director of Washington State University’s Institute for Shock Physics. James Asay directed shock-wave research programs at Sandia as deputy director of Shock Physics Applications and deputy for Science and Technology in the Pulsed Power Sciences Center.
His responsibilities at ISP will include developing new research opportunities and collaborations for the institute, as well as administrative and supervisory duties.
“Jim Asay is internationally renowned and respected for his scientific work and leadership in shock-wave and high-pressure science and his recent work using pulsed power at Sandia,” said Yogendra Gupta, ISP director. “I am delighted he will be joining ISP and look forward to his leadership and scientific contributions in the coming years.”
Asay has served on several national committees, including a National Academy of Sciences panel that evaluated space debris hazards. Most recently, he served on a National Security Advisory Committee to assess nuclear defense technologies. He is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and was named a Distinguished Scientist by the Hypervelocity Impact Society.
Asay earned his bachelor’s degree from San Jose State in 1961. Upon graduating, he joined the Air Force, where he earned his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1968. In the Air Force, he was officer in charge of developing a high-pressure research program. His doctoral studies were at WSU in shock physics under physics professor George Duvall. After graduating from WSU, he moved to Sandia in 1971 as a member of the technical staff.
His honors include an Air Force Commendation Medal for research in high-pressure acoustics, the 1994 Distinguished Scientist Award from the Hypervelocity Impact Society for research in shock physics and materials studies, and the Shock Ballistics Award from The International Aeroballistic Range Association for research in high-velocity gun applications.
At present, a new $12.4 million, 32,000-square-foot building for the institute is nearing completion. The new facility will house equipment worth more than $5 million provided by various agencies.
