#PeopleOfPrecise: Meet Dr. Shawna Gallegos
At Precise, our greatest innovations begin with our people. Every breakthrough, every solution, and every mission supported is made possible by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Shawna Gallegos, a member of our Olfactory Sciences Team whose work is helping strengthen capabilities that directly support the warfighter.
Supporting the Mission Through Science
Shawna wears many hats within the Olfactory Sciences Team, serving primarily in logistics, planning, and project coordination while continuing to expand into program management.
After studying explosive odor profiles in graduate school, joining Precise was a natural next step.
“I wanted to work on projects that could have a direct benefit to the warfighter—not only in the future, but now.”
That mission continues to motivate her every day.
Why the Work Matters
For Shawna, one of the most rewarding aspects of her role is seeing the direct connection between the team’s research and the people it serves.
“Being able to engage with the warfighter and seeing the direct impact of the work our team does is not only rewarding, but an incredible honor.”
The Olfactory Sciences Team supports research focused on Military Working Dogs, whose remarkable detection abilities continue to outperform even sophisticated laboratory instrumentation in many scenarios.
“Canines really are our best sensor,” Shawna explains. “They can detect trace amounts of odor and track it back to its source, even when our best instruments can no longer detect the threat.”
She also hopes more people recognize the importance of continued investment in Military Working Dog research, which plays a critical role in protecting service members around the world.
A Moment That Says It All
Among Shawna’s favorite memories are opportunities to observe Military Working Dogs during testing and evaluation events.
One moment in particular has stayed with her. A dog working through an odor scenario appeared to pass the hidden target before suddenly catching the scent in the air. Within seconds, it turned around, located the source, and confidently alerted its handler.
Watching that incredible display of instinct, training, and teamwork reinforced exactly why this work matters.
Beyond the Office
When she’s not supporting mission-critical programs, Shawna enjoys spending time in the kitchen, taking walks with her dogs Miss Mina and The Gus, reading, watching cooking shows, following the Yankees, and embracing her growing love of soccer. One of her favorite places to unwind is her rooftop overlooking the harbor, where she enjoys spending time with her pups.
Celebrating Our People
Shawna’s passion for science, dedication to the mission, and commitment to supporting the warfighter exemplify the values that define Precise.
We’re grateful for everything she brings to our team and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work.
Thank you, Shawna, for all you do to support our customers and the warfighters they serve.