Rising Stars shine brightest on the toughest problems

Whether it is health care, Web 2.0 or supercomputing, this year’s crop of Rising Stars covers the range of services the government needs to operate.

Washington Technology’s slice of the awards focuses on early career contractor employees who are making a difference for their companies and their customers. They are tackling some of the thorniest problems in government.

We’ve picked three to highlight, but they are no more important than the others on the list. Instead, they represent the kinds of important work being done by all of the Rising Stars winners.

Now in its fourth year, the awards program honors up-and-coming employees in government and working for government contractors. Though still relatively early in their careers, they are having an early and substantive impact.

After gathering nominations, a panel of judges — senior industry and government folks — evaluated them and picked a group of 28 who deserved recognition.

2009 Rising Star award winners

Maj. Samuel Abbott-McCune
U.S. Military Academy

John Araujo
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Christina Bapst
Homeland Security Department

Kristine Beck
Vangent