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 staff members, 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.
Sujana Chandrasekar
Graduate student, Electrification and Energy Infrastructures Division
Ph.D. student, Data Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee (Bredesen Center)
Hometown: Chennai, India
What are you working on at ORNL?
I work on developing data science tools to understand additive manufacturing processes. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, results in variation in material properties, leading to challenges in qualifying parts for use. My research is on time series methods for monitoring thermal process conditions in AM, potentially paving the way for data-driven part qualification.
What would you like to do in your career?
I would like to pursue research on data science, particularly for manufacturing and industrial processes, where there is immense potential for data-driven decision-making. On this journey, I want to continue learning, exploring and developing novel algorithms and applications. I enjoy teaching as a two-way learning process and would like to mentor students.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I enjoyed math and science in middle and high school, where I was immensely fortunate to have fantastic teachers. With my parents having strong math and physics backgrounds, I saw science as a natural career option. For me, the pull of data science lies in seeing the beauty of math shine through in diverse applications.