Theresa Watson Email and Phone Number

Deputy Chief Scientist (GG-15) of the Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), responsible for strategic vision development, steering technical direction, leading National level communication, and scientific oversite of the 24/7 nuclear explosion and proliferation monitoring missions of 1000+ personnel. The Chief Scientist Office is the final technical authority on tailored Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) assessments to senior decision makers using a mastery of scientific disciplines spanning data science, chemistry, nuclear engineering, geophysics, atmospheric science, geospatial, hydrology, radiofrequency, electro-optical, and nuclear sciences. Technical assessments and products enable effective national security decision making and executive policy implementation for international nuclear proliferation and testing monitoring in partnership with Department of State, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Certified Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

Division Chief (GG-14 and promoted to GG-15), led and motivated civilian, military, and contractor workforce to deliver forecasts, simulations, and data science products against a wide variety of technical issues in support of National Security missions. Director of a $11M multi-disciplinary mission, producing highly technical reports of national importance involving principles of nuclear engineering, atmospheric science, chemistry, fate, and hydrological transport in support of worldwide treaty monitoring and Combatant Command operations

As Technical Advisor (GG-14), I was the final technical authority on all modeling products and led advancements and technical direction of suite of simulation, data science, and statistical tools across multiple physical sciences, engineering, and geospatial information fields. Developed strategic vision and implementation goals using scientific competence, statistical theories, and creativity where there were areas of uncertainty, resource constraints, and conflicting requirements. Conceptualized new mission growth areas, guided technical requirements and investment decisions, defined gaps, acquired resources, guided groundbreaking technology, and pursued stakeholder support.

Senior evaluator (GG12 then promoted to GG-13), produced and reviewed reports and products for technical accuracy and technical writing issues. Performed atmospheric chemistry and environmental fate modeling for products of National importance. Developed new modeling, automation, and AI/ML capabilities using python, R, anaconda, and other data science packages helping increase mission portfolio and customer base.

As the Lead for the Mass Spectrometry Operations (GG-12), I supervised, planned, directed, defined mission goals and objectives, and led stand-up operations and personnel of a new radiochemistry laboratory’s $22M mass spectrometry (MS) section. I identified and procured instrumentation and consumables for nuclear debris analytical laboratory and established measurement procedures and requirements for environmental-type nuclear samples, obtaining high quality data on isotopes of interest and ensuring data quality control (QC).

For career broadening in time outside of normal USAF duties, I led a National level R&D subcommittee and cross functional team of ~85 experts for the DIA Director to manage and prioritize research and development activities of 22 agencies and service organizations at the Enterprise level. I managed the R&D budget and developed and wrote a National level strategy and R&D roadmap for the effective functional management of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.