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Why Science?

ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished scientists and engineers, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.

We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.

Elizabeth Skoropata

Postdoc, Materials Science and Technology Division
Ph.D., Physics, University of Manitoba
Hometown: Winnipeg, Canada

What are you working on at ORNL?

My work focuses on examining the magnetism created at interfaces between nanoscale materials with dissimilar physical properties. Currently, I am working to understand how ingredients like heavy elements and structural symmetry at an interface work to change a conventional magnet into something more complex.

What would you like to do in your career?

I would like to continue to do research in either an academic or industry setting and investigate how atomic properties can be used to create new magnetic behaviors that are not found in nature.

Why did you choose a career in science?

I have always been passionate about learning new things and solving problems. I enjoy working on magnetic materials because they are essential to our everyday lives, but we also have a lot left to understand about them; and that makes me excited for what we can discover in the future.