##  [Awards](/current-issue/str-julyaugust-2026/awards) 

**Abbas Nikroo**, deputy director for Physics Integration at Livermore’s National Ignition Facility (NIF), was honored with the **Fusion Power Associates 2025 Distinguished Career Award** for scientific and managerial leadership in the development and production of ultraprecision components and targets that enable ignition on NIF.

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Livermore scientists **Mark Henesian** and **Brent Stuart** were elected to **Optica’s 2026 fellow class**. Henesian, a senior scientist supporting NIF as a Visiting Scientist and Professional, was recognized for advancing modern laser architectures for inertial confinement fusion. Stuart, the Jupiter Laser Facility operations manager, was cited for his work with high-intensity laser design and short-pulse laser science and applications.