Sandia Researchers Earn IEEE Fellow Honors

Edward Cole and Charles Hanley recognized for decades of innovation in microelectronics and energy systems

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:32am

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An abstract painting featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and intersecting waveforms in earthy tones of green, brown, and blue, representing the complex scientific forces and concepts that have driven the work of Sandia National Laboratories researchers Edward Cole and Charles Hanley.A conceptual illustration capturing the groundbreaking innovations in microelectronics and energy systems that have defined the careers of two pioneering Sandia National Laboratories researchers.Albuquerque Today

Edward Cole and Charles Hanley, two veteran researchers at Sandia National Laboratories, have been named fellows of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in recognition of their sustained, significant contributions to their respective fields. Cole was cited for his pioneering work in microelectronics defect localization, while Hanley was recognized for his efforts to strengthen energy systems, including renewable energy and electric grid resilience.

Why it matters

The IEEE Fellow distinction is one of the highest honors in the engineering and technology community, highlighting the importance of the groundbreaking work being done at Sandia. Cole and Hanley's combined 76 years of experience at the national laboratory showcase Sandia's role as a hub for cutting-edge innovation in critical areas like microelectronics and energy security.

The details

Cole, who has been at Sandia for nearly 39 years, led teams that developed two failure analysis techniques still used today: charge-induced voltage alteration (CIVA) and light-induced voltage alteration (LIVA). These non-destructive scanning techniques allowed researchers to rapidly locate defects in integrated circuits. Hanley, who has spent over three decades at Sandia, has been a key contributor to the Department of Energy's SunShot Initiative to reduce solar energy costs and has helped lead the lab's work on electric grid security and resilience.

  • Cole joined Sandia in 1987 after receiving a job offer from the lab.
  • Hanley started his career at Sandia in the early 1990s, initially working in controls before transitioning to renewable energy and electric grid programs.
  • Cole was named a Sandia Lab Fellow and Fellow of ASM International in 2013.
  • Hanley has been involved with IEEE for many years, and is committed to continuing his volunteer work with the organization.

The players

Edward Cole

A senior scientist at Sandia National Laboratories who has spent nearly 39 years at the lab, developing groundbreaking failure analysis techniques for integrated circuits.

Charles Hanley

A senior manager at Sandia National Laboratories who has worked at the lab for over 30 years, contributing to renewable energy projects and electric grid security initiatives.

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

A professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity, which has named Cole and Hanley as fellows in recognition of their sustained, significant contributions to their respective fields.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great honor. It's nice to see that my early work had enough longevity. I've had people who I haven't heard from in 15 years congratulating me, so it's a notoriety that I didn't expect.”

— Edward Cole, Senior Scientist, Sandia National Laboratories

“IEEE is such an amazing organization that provides a home for thousands of people around the globe and offers them so many opportunities to grow, gain new insights into the kind of work that they do and build their networks. I feel a strong commitment to give back to the organization so that people can benefit from it. I'll be doing that for the rest of my life, essentially.”

— Charles Hanley, Senior Manager, Sandia National Laboratories

What’s next

Cole and Hanley will continue their work at Sandia National Laboratories, with Cole focused on mentoring the next generation of researchers and Hanley leading efforts to improve energy system security.

The takeaway

The IEEE Fellow honors for Cole and Hanley highlight Sandia National Laboratories' reputation as a hub for groundbreaking innovation in critical technology areas. Their decades of experience and pioneering work in microelectronics and energy systems have had a lasting impact, demonstrating the lab's commitment to solving complex challenges for the benefit of national security and the public good.