NATICK, Mass. – A new lab dedication ceremony, held in memory of Betty Ann Welsh, took place recently at the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, or DEVCOM SC.
Welsh, who passed away in 2021, served as a research chemist at DEVCOM SC. She played a key role in designing the new Materials Characterization Laboratory — a modern, versatile new laboratory that is designed to meet the current and future needs of DEVCOM SC scientists.
“She was a brilliant research chemist who dedicated more than 30 years of her life to the center and to Soldier enhancement,” said Douglas Tamilio, director of DEVCOM SC. “The new laboratory will provide our researchers with a state-of-the-art facility to work on enhancing material science for our Soldiers.”
Tamilio noted that the new lab is part of DEVCOM SC’s infrastructure revitalization and serves as a good path forward for rest of the installation.
During the ceremony, Chaplain (Major) Bryan Hedrick said that it is a person’s legacy that goes forward. He noted that it was amazing to see Welsh’s love of her work and for people. He stated that she will be remembered for her actions, her character, and the blood, sweat, tears and joy she brought to everything she did.
Donald Lee, acquisition program manager and Welsh’s former team leader, said that Welsh was unassuming and a patient listener who would really hear what you had to say. She also provided frank and meaningful feedback. He said she will be remembered for her sense of humor and her passion for science.
Diane Steeves, a retired DEVCOM SC scientist, was Welsh’s colleague and friend. Steeves described Welsh as a great and passionate contributor to the organization who was always helping others. Steeves noted that Welsh brought a sense of ownership, personal responsibility, and pride to her work every day.
Welsh played a key role in designing the new lab. The new lab features movable, adjustable, interchangeable features to meet the needs of current and future researchers. The lab’s characteristics showcase Welsh’s knack for organization and understanding of how proper ergonomics can best serve scientists performing research.
The dedication ceremony included the unveiling of a permanent plaque commemorating Welsh, who was admired for her contributions to the warfighter and much beloved for her warm, helpful personality.
It’s fitting that new lab space at DEVCOM SC was dedicated to a beloved scientist who devoted her career to the Soldier and to ensuring that DEVCOM SC’s laboratories enabled scientists to do their best work.
“Her memory will live on in this lab,” said Lee.
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About DEVCOM Soldier Center: The DEVCOM Soldier Center is committed to discovering, developing, and advancing science and technology solutions that ensure America’s warfighters are optimized, protected, and lethal. DEVCOM Soldier Center supports all the Army's Modernization efforts, with the Soldier Lethality and Synthetic Training Environment Cross Functional Teams being the DEVCOM Soldier Center’s chief areas of focus. The center’s science and engineering expertise are combined with collaborations with industry, DOD, and academia to advance Soldier and squad performance. The center supports the Army as it transforms from being adaptive to driving innovation to support a Multi-Domain Operations Capable Force of 2028 and a MDO Ready Force of 2035. DEVCOM Soldier Center is constantly working to strengthen Soldiers’ performance to increase readiness and support for warfighters who are organized, trained, and equipped for prompt and sustainable ground combat.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) outreach and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers are also an important part of the mission of DEVCOM Soldier Center. The mentoring of students by Army scientists and engineers benefits the students and their communities. It also increases young people's awareness of potential Army job opportunities and helps provide the Army with potential new talent, helping to fuel innovative ideas that benefit the nation's warfighters and the nation as a whole.
DEVCOM Soldier Center is part of DEVCOM. Through collaboration across the command's core technical competencies, DEVCOM leads in the discovery, development and delivery of the technology-based capabilities required to make Soldiers more lethal to win our nation's wars and come home safely. DEVCOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Futures Command.
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