In a significant boon for students involved in the physical sciences, the Department of Energy's Office of Science recently concluded its 26th installation of the National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering, as reported by ORNL News. Hosted this year at the prominent Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source before moving on to Oak Ridge National Laboratory's duo of Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, the program epitomizes hands-on learning in elite environments.
The intensive course is presented as an exclusive opportunity for graduate students, offering only 60 positions out of over 200 applicants from North America, the span of fields ranging from physics to biological sciences; the selection process is highly competitive. Stephen Streiffer, ORNL's Director, emphasized the commitment to maintaining America's forefront position in neutron scattering and fundamental science, according to a statement obtained by ORNL News.
Katherine Page, a key lecturer at NXS, articulated to ORNL News the vibrancy of engaging with early career researchers, who are eager to dive into the intricacies of neutron and X-ray scattering methods. Over the span of the school, these students gain hands-on experience, attending tailored lectures and conducting experiments that resonate with their specialized research pursuits.
Feedback from students speaks volumes about the program's impact on their academic and career trajectories, Caleb Ramette from the University of Utah shared his appreciation for the practical insights gained, which complemented his extensive theoretical studies, a sentiment echoed by Anya Mulligan from the University of California, Santa Barbara who, prior to NXS considered a career in industry, now finds the possibility of working at a national lab quite alluring, this according to her revelations in an interview with ORNL News. The program strikes a perfect timing for their research, as many of them know the direction of their studies yet are early enough in their graduate journey to adopt innovative techniques.
The diversity of the student body enhances the school's collaborative environment, from those seasoned in scattering techniques to neophytes, each participant leaves with a deepened comprehension of how to apply neutron and X-ray scattering to their research – an educational transformation clearly articulated by attendee Erick Lawrence who felt more equipped to conduct his future experiments after interacting with the national lab's beamline scientists, he explained in an ORNL News interview.
