ORNL nanoscientist Rigoberto Advincula is heading up the carbon initiative’s efforts to identify chemical processes that convert captured CO₂ and other carbon emissions and byproducts into high-value commodities.

"I chose a career in science because I was fascinated by nature following precise, mathematical laws."

"My endless passion for learning new things and my scientific curiosity led me to be a scientist."

"I have always been fascinated by metals, and the research I work on provides new challenges every day, which makes for a rather exciting career."

"With my parents having strong math and physics backgrounds, I saw science as a natural career option."

"I have always found it fascinating that even quite complex natural phenomena lend themselves to mathematical models."

"I love that science is an unfinished story; there are so many unanswered questions that must be addressed for a better understanding of the natural environment."