Bio
Leslie Wilson is a master technician in the Nanofabrication Research Laboratory (NRL) at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). She specializes in microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition of diamond films. Her main focus is fabricating high-quality, thin, free-standing nanocrystalline diamond foils that are used as electron stripper foils in the beam line at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). These stripper foils are critical for the production of neutrons at SNS. In addition to diamond research and production, Mrs. Wilson also fabricates silicon nitride based membrane devices primarily used in microscopy applications. In her 20 years at ORNL, she has performed work in other fields. These include: solution chemistry for the Aqueous and Geochemistry group in the Chemical Sciences Division (CSD), producing RABiTS stacks for high-temperature superconductivity in the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD), and fabricated lab-on-a-chip devices for researchers in CSD.
Professional Experience
10/16 – Present Technician at the Center for Nanophase Material Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
1/05 – 10/16 Technician in Chemical Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
2/03 – 1/05 Technician at Oak Ridge Associated Universities, performing work in the Chemical Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Awards
2023 Physical Sciences Directorate Technician Award: One ORNL Award – for cross-directorate and beyond impact through production of nanodiamond stripper foils.
2020 ORNL Continuous Improvement Award - for multiple mission-critical accomplishments in the stripper foil R&D program, including the development of foils that survive 1.4 MW of beam power for an entire three-month neutron production cycle and the first-ever experimental determination of the foil failure limit that retired a single-point-of-failure risk for the Spallation Neutron Source 2.8 MW Proton Power Upgrade project.
2016 ORNL Mission Support Award – for successful execution of a complex project to improve the synthesis, production, and performance of the diamond stripper foils that are essential to the operation of the Spallation Neutron Source.
2013 ORNL Technical Support, Individual – for outstanding contributions to the creation of high-quality stripping foils critical to SNS operations.
2007 ORISE Award – in recognition of your dedication to the education of future scientists and engineers and your support of educational programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
2007 United States Department of Energy Office of Science Outstanding Mentor Award
Education
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
2000 B.S. Biology with Minor in Chemistry