Center for Micro and Nanotechnology (CMNT)

Travis Massey

Travis Massey leads the Center for Micro and Nano Technology (CMNT), which serves LLNL programs, external sponsors, and collaborators with nanofabrication capabilities spanning early-stage R&D through prototype demonstration and low-volume production. His team manages the safe and efficient operation of the B153 nanofabrication facility, including its equipment and processes; he is also responsible for growing CMNT’s capabilities and aligning facility investments with mission needs.

Independent of his CMNT management role, Massey leads or supports project efforts developing advanced implantable neural interfaces and associated technologies. He serves as LLNL’s nanolithography subject matter expert, and is recognized for applying a broad technical background to develop multidisciplinary solutions. Massey earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley before joining LLNL as a postdoc in 2018 and transitioning to technical staff in 2021.

Razi Haque

Razi Haque is the group leader for the Implantable Microsystems Group at LLNL. He serves as principal investigator for a number of externally-funded research programs from the NIH and DARPA as well as internally-funded Laboratory-Directed Research Development programs. The Implantable Microsystems Group primarily focuses on building flexible devices using microfabrication techniques and tools and leverages a quality management system to build human-grade implantable devices. The group’s research focus is on next-generation neural interfaces and integrating multi-modal capabilities, including chemical and optical interfaces.

Previously, Razi worked at a startup in Southern California, focusing on an intraocular implantable microsystem. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan.

Sara Harrison

Sara Harrison is the group leader of the High Power Electronics Research (HiPER) Group at LLNL. She joined LLNL in 2013 as a graduate student intern and became a postdoctoral researcher in 2015. She previously served as Deputy Group Leader for the HiPER Group and has been a principal investigator on multiple projects supporting the Defense Systems Program within the Global Security E Program. Sara has also participated in mentorship at LLNL and has served on multiple LDRD committees. Her research interests focus on solid state materials and devices.

Sara received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 2015, her M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University in 2010, and her B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of South Florida in 2008.

Erik Mukerjee

Erik Mukerjee is the group leader of the Biomedical, Chemical, and Structural Microsystems Group at LLNL. His technical expertise encompasses microfabrication, the development of biomedical, biological, and chemical detection sensors and systems, microfluidics, and the characterization of metal and oxide surface chemistry using techniques such as X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). His research also focuses on monitoring and manipulating human physiological systems, integrating advanced engineering approaches to address complex challenges in biomedical science and diagnostics. Current projects include analyzing changes in surface chemistries resulting from environmental conditions, developing power harvesting solutions, and consulting on projects related to bioelectric medicine.

Erik earned his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Davis. He joined LLNL as a postdoc in 2004 and become a member of the technical staff in 2005.

Steven Buchsbaum

Steven Buchsbaum is the group leader of the Nanoengineering and Metrology Group at LLNL. His interests include: (1) producing nanostructured synthetic materials with biologically inspired transport properties for dialysis applications, (2) developing protective fabrics through integrating nanoporous materials with novel responsive chemistry, (3) designing sensitive and multiplexed gas sensors based on the union of nanoscale material properties, electrochemical analysis and machine learning, and (4) standing up new laboratory capabilities to enable materials aging and compatibility studies in controlled atmospheric environments. He earned his Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Irvine.

Monica Moya

Monica Moya is the group leader for the Biomedical and Advanced Fabrication Group and biomedical engineering researcher at LLNL. She currently works as the principal investigator and as a technical lead on several bioengineering projects, including 3D bioprinting of vascularized human tissues.

She previously worked at UC Irvine as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Ruth Kirschstein-NRSA Fellow, where she developed a novel microfluidic-based system of metabolically active stroma with culture medium-perfused human capillaries. Her current work focuses on developing 3D models of cerebral vasculature for studying COVID and traumatic brain injuries. Her research has resulted in 30 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters, and numerous national and international conference presentations.

John Heebner

John Heebner is the group leader of the Ultrafast Optical and Electronic Systems Group. His group has developed the STILETTO pulse shaper, three-phase spectral interferometry, RF-photonics systems, broadband laser ranging, and various other projects.

John was also the chief scientist for the injection laser system of the National Ignition Facility (NIF), where he was responsible for qualifying the 48 pre-amplifier modules and front-end of the Advanced Radiographic Capability (ARC) petawatt laser. He led the development of the system of optically addressable, programmable spatial shapers that tailor the NIF laser beam profiles in space and the high-fidelity pulse shaping system that tailors the NIF laser pulses in time. John also serves as chief scientist for programs in directed energy technologies.

John earned his B.S. in engineering physics from Stevens Institute of Technology, and his M.S. in optical engineering and his Ph.D. in optics from the University of Rochester. Since joining LLNL in 2003, he has been awarded 4 R&D 100 awards, 15 patents, authored over 90 publications, and is a fellow of Optica. In 2022, he was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff.

Kenneth Heinz

Kenneth Heinz is the group leader for the Precision Systems & Manufacturing Group in the CMNT. He joined LLNL in 2010 as a HED Target Fabrication Engineer, left the lab in 2014 to pursue an opportunity with Gatan, Inc., and rejoined LLNL in 2018 as a Precision Engineer in the PS&M group. Ken leads experimental design and fielding efforts for multiple Strategic Deterrence programs where precision design and metrology are essential to program success. He has a deep background in project and program management, hardware design and analysis, manufacturing, and metrology, and enjoys mentoring and fostering professional development within his group and across the laboratory. He earned his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois.

John Lancaster

John Lancaster is the group leader for the Electromagnetic Material Interactions Group at LLNL. John joined LLNL in 2019 as a researcher in radiofrequency and microwave design. As a member of the technical staff, he contributes to projects involving microwave interactions with equipment or materials, as well as signal processing and other adjacent research areas. John has also served as a principal investigator on both LDRD and SPP through Global Security and Strategic Deterrence, where he also consults as a subject matter expert.

John received his Ph.D. and M.S in Physics from University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2023 and 2017 respectively, and B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Physics from University of Kansas in 2006.

Greg Medina

Greg Medina is the Lead Senior Mechanical Technologist at the CMNT where he leads a team of technologists and oversees facility maintenance, tool repair, and installation projects across a range of advanced systems, including electron beam, deposition, etching, and thermal processing tools. His work also includes planning and executing new tool installations and managing projects involving toxic gases and specialized facility systems.

Before joining CMNT, Greg spent 17 years in the glass manufacturing industry, where he served as a lead mould maker and developed expertise in precision fabrication and process optimization.

Paul Fontejon

Paul Fontejon is the supervisor for the Microtechnology Technical Support Group and a member of the Micro and Nano Technology Section (MNTS) leadership team. Paul joined the CMNT in 2017 as an engineering associate involved in an array of projects supporting multiple programs. He focuses on development implementation, manufacturing, instituting Kaizen principles, and assembling cohesive, safety-minded teams for new fabrication facilities.

Prior to joining LLNL, Paul worked at IBM/Hitachi. As a founding members of a startup company, Enovix, Paul gained experience as the operations manager for building a new workforce and a new fabrication facility. His educational background includes an A.S. in electronics, an A.A. in business, and various technical certifications—including vacuum technology—from San Jose City College.

Aaron Sperry

Aaron Sperry is the Equipment and Technical Support Group Leader, supporting the CMNT. Aaron has over 22 years of mechanical design, fabrication, equipment installation, and technical problem-solving experience. He manages the maintenance and operation of more than 160 advanced systems in B153 and has strengthened facility safety as a Welding Safety Mentor through structured planning and hazard-review practices.

Aaron has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to team development, having led groups of technologists, mentored early-career scholars, and continues to advance operational efficiency through improved maintenance strategies, workflow systems, and technical documentation to support the safe, reliable, and mission-driven operation of LLNL’s cleanroom and research facilities.