Booker Native Wendy Galvan Participates in Research at Pantex Plant

Texas Tech graduate student conducts chemistry research as Pantex's first-ever researcher in residence.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Wendy Galvan, a Booker native and Texas Tech University doctorate student, is working as Pantex's first-ever researcher in residence. Galvan is conducting chemical research for Pantex, the U.S.'s primary facility for the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons located near Amarillo. She is pursuing her doctorate while working full-time at the plant, broadening her understanding of synthesizing and analyzing polymeric materials.

Why it matters

Galvan's unique role as a researcher in residence allows her to gain deeper expertise in chemistry while also serving as a bridge between Pantex and Texas Tech students. Her work highlights the importance of partnerships between industry and academia to advance scientific research and provide valuable real-world experience for students.

The details

After graduating with a bachelor's degree, Galvan began working as a cooperative development scientist at Pantex. She loved the work but felt she needed a deeper understanding of the synthesis and analysis processes. Galvan talked to her manager about returning to school for a doctorate, and they came up with the idea for her to be Pantex's first-ever researcher in residence. Now, Galvan is completing her doctorate at Texas Tech while working full-time at Pantex, focusing her research on energetic materials and polymer synthesis and analysis.

  • Galvan began working as a cooperative development scientist at Pantex after graduating with her bachelor's degree.
  • In August 2025, Galvan secured the full-time cooperative development scientist position at Pantex.
  • Galvan started her doctorate program at Texas Tech University in 2026.

The players

Wendy Galvan

A Booker native and Texas Tech University doctorate student working as Pantex's first-ever researcher in residence, conducting chemical research for the facility that assembles and disassembles nuclear weapons.

Joshua Tropp

An assistant professor at Texas Tech University and Galvan's faculty mentor and principal investigator, who specializes in polymer synthesis and analysis.

Pantex Plant

The U.S.'s primary facility for the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons, located just outside Amarillo, Texas.

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What they’re saying

“I thought that sounded like a lot of work. It was scary. I spent at least two or three months debating whether I should take this opportunity.”

— Wendy Galvan (myplainview.com)

“He doesn't just want us to ask 'Why?' He wants us to find the why in the literature. I think that's really important for a Ph.D. student because not everyone is going to have the answer you need. You need to find it on your own. I think that's really fueled my knowledge in polymers, that I have to go find the answers.”

— Wendy Galvan (myplainview.com)

What’s next

Galvan will continue her research at Pantex and work towards completing her doctorate degree at Texas Tech University.

The takeaway

Galvan's unique role as a researcher in residence demonstrates the valuable partnerships that can form between industry and academia, allowing students to gain real-world experience and contribute their expertise to important scientific research.