Los Alamos National Laboratory Experts Kathleen McDonald And Mark Witkowski Recognized For Advancing Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology And Tech-Transfer Leadership

March 22, 2026 - 03:33

Two researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have received prestigious awards for their critical work in advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology and their leadership in transferring these innovations from the lab to the marketplace.

Kathleen McDonald and Marc Witkowski, both of the laboratory's Feynman Center for Innovation, were recognized for their distinct and complementary contributions. McDonald received the 2024 Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA) Women in Hydrogen Award. This honor highlights her exceptional leadership in the research and development of next-generation fuel cell components, which are vital for creating more efficient and affordable clean energy systems.

Simultaneously, Witkowski was presented with the FCHEA’s 2024 Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Award. This accolade celebrates his outstanding efforts in technology transfer, specifically for guiding the successful commercialization of a novel fuel cell catalyst. His work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application, accelerating the adoption of hydrogen energy solutions.

These awards underscore the laboratory's continued role as a hub for groundbreaking clean energy research. The achievements of McDonald and Witkowski represent significant progress in overcoming technical and economic barriers, making zero-emission fuel cell technology more viable for transportation and stationary power. Their work contributes directly to national goals for a resilient and sustainable energy future built on innovative American science.