Candace Marie Landeros
Deputy Group Leader, Materials Characterization
PLS / Msd / Materials Science Division
Biography
Current Focus
As a formulation chemist in the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF), her focus is on the development and characterization of energetic paste formulations using both traditional and innovative techniques, supporting both Global Security (GS) and Strategic Deterrence (SD) projects. She also serves as the point of contact for rheological characterization. In addition to her research, she is a member of the Materials Science Division’s Operations Team and is the primary authorizing individual (AI) in HEAF, where she manages and accepts risks associated with work activities to ensure safe and efficient operations. Beyond her programmatic responsibilities, she is dedicated to mentoring others, particularly participants in the High Explosives (HE) Handler Training Program.
Research Interests
- Energetic and Non-Energetic Formulation Development and Scale-Up
- Resonant Acoustic Mixing and Shear Mixing Techniques
- Rheological Characterization of Energetic and non-energetic materials
Career Path
Prior to joining LLNL, Candace worked as a formulation chemist in product development at an industry-level contract manufacturer specializing in skincare and cosmetic products. She joined LLNL in 2019 as a formulation chemist in the High Explosives Application Facility (HEAF), primarily focusing on energetic and non-energetic formulations. Over the years, her responsibilities have expanded to include serving as an authorizing individual and a member of the Materials Science Division (MSD) Operations Team. In 2025, she advanced to Senior Explosives Handler and was appointed Deputy Group Leader for the Materials Characterization sub-group within MSD’s Energetic Materials Formulation and Testing Group (EMFT).
Extracurriculars
In her free time, Candace enjoys traveling with her husband, trying new foods, spending time with her spoiled cats, reading fantasy novels, and playing roller derby.
Education
- BS, Biology, CSU East Bay, 2017
Publications
2024 2 publications
- Landeros, C. M., Bukovsky, E. V., Springer, H. K. (2024). Formulation Development of Dial-A-Drive PETN-Based Explosives. 17th International Detonation Symposium (LLNL-CONF-867379)
- Springer H. K., Bastea, S., Landeros, C. M., Hennessey, M. P., Bukovsky, E. V. (2024). Cheetah Reactive Flow Modeling for Dilute PETN-Based Explosive Formulations. 17th International Detonation Symposium.
2022 1 publication
- Kline, D. J., Grapes, M. D., Avalos, E. A., Landeros, C. M., Martinez, H. P., Reeves, R. R., Sullivan, K. T., & Doorenbos, Z. (2022). Probing the Role of Solids Loading and Mix Procedure on the Properties of Acoustically Mixed Materials for Additive Manufacturing. Powder Technology, 411, 117947. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117947
Awards
SD Gold Award (2025)
SD Gold Award: Development of Methodologies and Strategies Advancing HE Manufacturing and Testing (2024)
SD Spot Award: Ensuring Material On-Time Delivery, Despite Rapidly Shifting Schedules (2024)
SD Spot Award: Execution of the Agile Processes and Technologies NA-11 Complex Integration and Prototyping Effort (2024)
PLS Directorate Award: For Helping Trainees Prepare for the High Explosives Handler Examination (2023)
WCI Spot Award: 100-Gallon Scale Reproducibility Study (2023)
WCI Spot Award: RX-72 Development Support (2022)
PLS Spot Award: PBX 9502 Profilometry Data Collection and Processing (2022)
GS Silver Award: Leadership and Technical Contributions to the Large Effort in Novel HE Formulation Development (2022)
WCI Bronze Award: W80-4 High Explosives Formulation and Characterization Team (2021)