Mention the name Dr. John S. Foster, Jr., and many monikers and attributes instantly emerge. Living legend; visionary; a man who could inspire, mentor, and motivate. Indeed, as a brilliant physicist and the Lab’s fourth Director, Foster was a key figure in establishing Lawrence Livermore National Lab (LLNL) as essential to the nation’s defense. Foster helped invent and then spearhead innovations that led to the modern nuclear weapons stockpile, as well as introduce many important Laboratory programs that continue to this day. His career was further distinguished by his service to the nation as the Deputy Director for Research and Engineering at the Department of Defense – under two consecutive administrations and four different Secretaries of Defense. In that role he was responsible for ensuring the development of such military capabilities as guided munitions, night vision and space-based radar.  

Foster has continued to engage with LLNL and national security issues long after his official “retirement” in 1988. In 2015, Lawrence Livermore National Security LLC (LLNS) honored his legacy and contribution to national security by creating the inaugural John S. Foster Jr. Medal with Johnny as the first recipient. The medal recognized “innovative and inspirational leadership in providing a safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent to ensure international peace and strategic stability.” Six recipients have since followed – including former Air Force Chief of Staff and Strategic Air Command Commander-in-Chief Larry D. Welch; Vic Reis, Assistant Secretary of Defense Programs for the Department of Energy; former LLNL Director John Nuckolls; National Nuclear Security Administrator Linton Brooks; Lab Director Emeritus George Miller and the latest recipient, Sandia National Laboratories Vice President Emerita Miriam ‘Mim’ John, who received her medal in September 2022. 

Shortly after receiving her medal, Mim spearheaded an idea for a special endowment: a new Foster Undergraduate Fellowship – as a partnership between the Livermore Lab Foundation and Lawrence Livermore National Lab. The goal? To support rising undergraduate seniors in learning about, and participating in, science or engineering projects important to the security and prosperity of the nation. The fellowship would recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their undergraduate academic endeavors and who seek to apply that knowledge, much like Johnny Foster did, to problems of national importance.

“Once over my astonishment at being placed in the company of Johnny, my next thought was how I might honor him as an inspiration and mentor to so many and especially to me in my career. With LLF’s help (along with others who are contributing), I am hoping that we succeed in introducing his potential successors to the challenges and rewards of a career in national security,” said Mim John.

 “The intent of this wonderful new fellowship is to pair students with a laboratory technical mentor in a summer project that both provides a learning experience for the student and contributes to a topic important to national security,” noted Dona Crawford, board chair for the Livermore Lab Foundation. “We are honored that Mim chose to work with the Foundation on this important venture.” 

Thanks to Mim’s inaugural contribution and subsequent funding from others, the first Foster Fellow, Thomas Scott, will begin his tenure this summer. Scott, a third-year undergraduate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is passionate about applied mathematics and computational science for mechanical and aerospace engineering. He will receive a summer stipend of $15,000.  

“As the first Foster Fellow, I am honored to have the chance to explore my passion for computational engineering in the context of national defense,” said Thomas Scott. “This fellowship not only represents a tremendous opportunity for me to expand my knowledge and skills through working under nationally recognized scientists and engineers at LLNL, but also a responsibility to contribute to the national security of our nation by tackling challenging problems in science and engineering. The funds provided by this fellowship will also allow me to fully dedicate myself to advancing my knowledge in my field throughout my senior year and beyond.” 

“Thomas Scott is a wonderful choice as a first recipient,” said Benjy Grover, Weapons and Complex Integration Deputy Principal Associate Director for Program Enablement. “His impressive credentials in engineering and computing embody one of the core tenants of LLNL: combining disciplines to make team breakthroughs in problems of national significance.”

Crawford notes the fellowship is designed to support students in a myriad of fields – including but not limited to physics, chemistry, biosciences, materials science, engineering, and computational sciences.” Just as the Foster Medal honors accomplished scientists and leaders at the height of their career, we seek to inspire STEM leaders who are just starting their journey,” said Crawford. “The importance of contributing to our nation, supporting national security initiatives while also embodying the personal attributes Johnny has cannot be understated,” she said. “We believe Foster Fellows can change the world, much like Johnny did. We want to give them the support, opportunities, and mentors to do so.” 

The Foundation is actively seeking philanthropic support to reach a $250,000 endowment goal to maintain the program in perpetuity. “Johnny Foster touched many lives both during his time at LLNL and within the national security complex. We invite his colleagues, current Lab employees, as well as retirees, industry, government, and community leaders to pay it forward with this fellowship opportunity,” said Crawford.

Individual and corporate philanthropic contributions to the Johnny S. Foster Undergraduate Fellowship Fund are fully tax deductible. Federal Tax ID # 81-256776. Pledges and legacy gifts are welcome. For more information, contact Dona Crawford at [email protected]