2021 HENAAC Awards

When he first joined Sandia National Laboratories just a scant three years later, Michael A. Omana had no idea how in-demand his expertise in aerosol and filtration science would be to the general public.  He was initially hired to develop chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense protective measures for use in situations where these agents may be present, including on the battlefield. The systems he’s developing also aid the U.S. Government in nuclear treaty verification and nonproliferation.

But in early 2020, he abruptly found himself leading a rapid response team after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through 11 separate projects, he and his teams quickly produced personal protective equipment for frontline workers, provided independent performance testing of imported PPE, and devised field tests to determine the spread of aerosols between medical exam rooms. 

Under his leadership, Sandia was able to identify materials that were as effective as the N-95 mask material that was in short supply during the early months of the pandemic.  Mr. Omana even helped develop a novel respirator, something that earned him a Sandia National Laboratories Certificate of Excellence.

Born in Michoacán, Mexico, his parents moved the family to Kansas when he was 6. He joined Sandia as a graduate school intern before accepting a permanent position as a member of the technical staff. Now a seasoned with professional with an advanced degree from U.T. Austin, he remains committed to the Hispanic community and is determined to be a role model for the next generation.