Dr. Tara Fortier is a group leader in the Time and Frequency Division. She leads a research group that performs both basic and applied research in the areas of precision optical and microwave metrology, as well as in laser source development. Her work focusses on utilizing phase stabilized modelocked lasers for the synthesis of highly stable optical and microwave signals from atomic and optical references. Her research efforts support the mission of the Time and Frequency division by providing the infrastructure for optical atomic calibration of NIST’s microwave timescale via synthesis and dissemination of low-noise and agile microwave signals, contributions of secondary time standards to international atomic time (TAI), and via the comparison of atomic clocks. The latter comparisons help to support international efforts toward redefinition of the SI second to optical atomic time. Additionally, atomic clock comparisons enable search for physics beyond the standard model, including tests of local position invariance, searches for time variation of fundamental constants, and provide constraints on the coupling of ultra-light dark matter to “normal” matter via the fine structure constant.