2021 STEM Hero Honorees

Ms. Lauren Perez has distinguished herself as a superb leader and highly respected scientist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. As the Test and Evaluation Lead for the Office of Naval Research’s High-power Joint Electromagnetic Non-Kinetic Strike project, or HIJENKS, she’s a critical asset in this high-profile, multi-agency program as it aims to integrate this novel high-powered microwave electronic attack capability with an airborne platform.

Ms. Perez quickly learned the technical intricacies of her role and grasped the many independent testing aspects within the HIJENKS program.  She united the cross-country engineering teams into a cohesive, efficient testing and evaluation organization. 

As the daughter of immigrants who were forced to leave Cuba with a single suitcase after the communist revolution, she is proud of her Hispanic heritage and seeks to ensure a diverse workplace that allows all individuals to thrive. She is an active member of the Command’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and she led a ‘generational differences focus group’ for her department.