Nguyet Anh Duong facts for kids

Nguyet Anh Duong (born in 1960) is an American scientist. She is known for creating an important American weapon called a thermobaric weapon. Many people, including the Vietnamese American National Gala, call her the "Scientist who developed the bomb that ended the war with Afghanistan."

Early Life and Education

Nguyet Anh Duong was born in 1960 in Saigon, which was the capital of South Vietnam at the time. Her grandfather, Dương Khuê, was a famous poet and official.

During the Vietnam War, her family had to leave their home on April 28, 1975. This was just before the Fall of Saigon, when the war ended.

Her family became what are known as Vietnamese boat people. They traveled by sea and eventually reached the Philippines. From there, they went to a refugee camp. They then contacted the Embassy of the United States, Manila and were allowed to live in the United States.

Nguyet Anh Duong studied at the University of Maryland, College Park. She earned two bachelor's degrees: one in chemical engineering and another in computer science.

A Career in Science

In 1983, Nguyet Anh Duong began working as a chemical engineer at the Indian Head Naval Surface Weapons Center.

Leading Explosives Research

From 1991 to 1999, she was in charge of all the U.S. Navy's basic and advanced research programs for high explosives. She also helped the Navy use these explosives in weapon systems. She gave advice to government, military, and other countries.

From 1999 to 2002, she managed all the technical programs at NSWC Indian Head. These programs included explosives and undersea weapons, from their first idea to being built and taken apart.

Developing New Weapons

Nguyet Anh Duong successfully put together a team of scientists and engineers. Together, they developed a special type of bomb called a thermobaric bomb. They were able to produce and deliver these bombs to the United States Air Force in a very short time: just 67 days. This was a record-breaking achievement.

Over 12 years, Nguyet Anh successfully led the creation and use of 10 high-performing explosives. These explosives were used in 18 different weapons. This was an amazing accomplishment.

She also served as a U.S. representative at the NATO AC310 Subgroup I for Explosives. She was also a leader or member of many national and international groups focused on technology.

Director of Science and Technology

Since 2002, Nguyet Anh has been the director of Science and Technology for the Naval Surface Warfare Center. This is part of the U.S. Department of Defense. In this role, she guides and oversees research and development programs. Her goal is to create new generations of weapons for the United States.

Since 2009, Duong has been the director for the Borders and Maritime Security Division. This is within the United States Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate.

Community Involvement

Besides her scientific work, Nguyet Anh Duong is also very active in the Vietnamese community in Southern California. She has worked closely with Major General Viet Xuan Luong and musician Nam Lộc. In the 1990s and 2000s, Nguyet Anh and Nam Loc were important hosts for entertainment programs at the Asia Center.

Private Life

Nguyet Anh Duong is married and has four children.

Honours and Awards

Nguyet Anh Duong has received many important awards for her work:

• In 1999, she received the Dr. Arthur E. Bisson Prize for Achievement in Naval Technology. Her name is on a plaque at the Office of Naval Research.
• In 2001, she was given the Civilian Meritorious Medal. This was for her great leadership and important contributions to the United States Department of Defense in the field of high-performance explosives.
• In 2007, she was awarded the National Security Medal. This award recognized her significant contributions to the nation's security.

See also

• Lapthe Flora
• Viet Xuan Luong