Neutron Ambassador Program

What is a neutron ambassador?

Neutron ambassadors are experienced users who want to become strong advocates of neutron scattering and mentor new users in their region and/or scientific community.  Ambassadors will communicate the benefits of using neutron scattering to solve complex research problems, help new users bridge any knowledge gaps as they become familiar with neutron scattering techniques, and provide encouragement to help them feel welcome in the community. Ambassadors will do this by participating in outreach efforts facilitated by ORNL. 

Current Neutron Ambassadors

Boris Khaykovich, Research Scientist, MIT
Nayomi Plaza, Materials Research Engineer, US Forest Service
Aashish Sapkota, Staff Scientist, Ames National Laboratory/Iowa State University
Rex Hjelm, Researcher, New Mexico Consortium
Raphael Hermann, Distinguished R&D Staff, ORNL
Keith Taddei – Beamline Scientist, APS Argonne National Laboratory
Tianyu Li, Assistant Professor, Louisiana Tech University
Chanho Lee, Assistant Professor, Auburn University

Mat Doucet, left, of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sarah Blair of the National Renewable Energy Lab used neutrons to understand an electrochemical way to produce ammonia.
Mat Doucet, left, of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Sarah Blair of the National Renewable Energy Lab used neutrons to understand an electrochemical way to produce ammonia.

Apply to be a neutron ambassador

Applications will open in the Fall of 2026.

Requirements:

  • Regular user of SNS and/or HFIR for at least 3 years
  • Has published more than 5 peer-reviewed papers using neutron scattering during career
  • Has been onsite for experiments within the past 3 years

Optional:

  • Has performed experiments on more than 1 instrument

How can a neutron ambassador help new users?

Advertise the facility through use of several slides in research talks at a conference

  • Give a seminar at a university or other institution
  • Organize workshops or symposia centered on neutron scattering at technical conferences
  • Serve as mentors to new user groups
  • Provide tips or read and comment on proposal drafts
  • Invite novice users to join a scheduled experiment led by a more experienced team to gain expertise (as either a remote or in-person participant)
  • Help new users tap into the community network to develop ideas for new, impactful experiments
  • Incorporate some neutron scattering into a course they
  • Organize workshops or symposia centered on neutron scattering at technical conferences
  • Serve as mentors to new user groups
  • Provide tips or read and comment on proposal drafts
  • Help new users tap into the community network to develop ideas for new, impactful experiments
  • Incorporate some neutron scattering into a course they teach
NASA scientist Andrew Needham used the MARS neutron imaging instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study moon rock samples brought back from the Apollo missions.
NASA scientist Andrew Needham used the MARS neutron imaging instrument at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to study moon rock samples brought back from the Apollo missions.

What are the benefits to being a neutron ambassador?

  • Potential to publish joint manuscripts and form longterm collaborations which could lead to funding
  • Bump in Science Review Committee review for one proposal per cycle
  • Build skills in outreach
  • Could be used for a “Broader Impacts” activity in an NSF grant
  • Form new connections within community

What kind of support will a neutron ambassador receive from ORNL?

  • Funding for up to two domestic trips per year to give seminars promoting ORNL’s neutron scattering facilities
  • A virtual welcome meeting/training/sharing ideas session each year
  • Check-in sessions throughout the year for people to share what is working, what isn’t, and ideas for future activities
  • Staff can help ambassadors make connections 

What are the terms and duties of the appointment?

  • Serve a three-year term
  • Keep a record of users assisted and activities performed
  • Work with User Office to make an outreach plan
  • Abide by ORNL travel policies

Questions?

If you have questions about being a neutron ambassador or would like to be put in contact with a neutron ambassador, please email Michelle Dolgos, User Outreach Lead, at [email protected].