Events

From Microstructure to Micronutrients: X-ray Capabilities and Opportunities at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source

Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Lecture / Panel
 
For NYU Community
Louisa Smieska

Speaker

Louisa Smieska

Project Scientist, XLEAP

Cornell University

 

Abstract

Synchrotrons provide incredibly bright x-ray beams that are used for material characterization across a wide range of disciplines. This talk will describe the capabilities available at Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), highlighting beamlines with strong user communities in chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering. Recent results in 3D printed polymers, thin films, energy materials, plant sciences, and cultural heritage will be discussed.

 

Speaker Biography

Dr. Louisa Smieska is a staff scientist at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS), where she has worked since 2017. From 2019-2024 Louisa was responsible for the Functional Materials Beamline (FMB), which focuses on small- and wide-angle lightweight structural materials such as 3D printed polymers and composites. She is currently leading the construction of the new X-rays for Life, Environment, Agriculture, and Plant Sciences (XLEAP) beamline, which will specialize in x-ray fluorescence and spectroscopy for biological specimens, scheduled to open in 2028. Louisa is also co-chair of the EASL working group for cultural heritage science at CHESS.