College of Arts and Sciences

Sara K. (Poehlein) Pliskin, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division
300 Highway 361
Crane, IN 47522-5001

Dr. Sara K. Pliskin attended Indiana State University during 1990-1994 and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in Chemistry (ACS Certified).  Upon graduation, Dr. Pliskin went to Purdue University and joined the Analytical Chemistry group (Freiser/Regnier) and worked specifically on gas-phase ions with Fourier Transform Ion Cyclon Resonance (FTICR) and polymers with matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOF).  Upon graduation from Purdue (1999), Dr. Pliskin worked at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in several different areas: chemistry lab, pyrotechnics group, demilitarization group.  These different areas allowed for Dr. Pliskin to learn about several different chemical techniques and engineering enhancements.  In each group, chemistry was vital to understand the test requirements, the purity and formulations of new energetics and to utilize the chemical attributes for future programs.  New instrumentation and data analysis is critical for chemists and to understand the limitations and expectations of these analysis.  Dr. Pliskin often analyzed, interpreted and wrote final reports for many programs.  As an employee of the Department of Defense, the chemistry degree is vital and has  been used within my area often. 

Currently, Dr. Pliskin serves as a senior scientist for the Specialized Munitions Division (NSWC Crane).  Dr. Pliskin helps with the hiring of new employees, developing new programs/projects, and writing reports for all Strategic Special Program (SSP) and is instrumental in interpreting and predicting and suggesting future course for programs.  Dr. Pliskin also serves as a leader within energetics and serves on several technical commitees.  Dr. Pliskin is the US Navy contact for all pyrotechnics.  Dr. Pliskin also serves on several sessions and chairs for conferences and meetings.