Bio
Michael Zachman is a Staff Scientist in the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He received his B.S. in Physics from Purdue University in 2012 and his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Cornell University in 2018. Michael’s research interests lie in advancing electron microscopy techniques to enable understanding of the structure and properties of energy and quantum materials down to the atomic scale. His doctoral work concentrated on developing cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) and analytical cryogenic scanning transmission electron microscopy (cryo-STEM) techniques to study processes at solid-liquid interfaces at high spatial resolution with liquids and reactive materials preserved in their native states. He applied these techniques to energy storage materials and devices to gain unique insights into processes such as dendrite and solid-electrolyte interphase layer formation in lithium metal batteries. Michael's postdoctoral research focused on developing and applying four-dimensional (4D)-STEM techniques and monochromated electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) to battery and two-dimensional materials to reveal new aspects of their structures and properties at nanometer and atomic scales. As a staff scientist, Michael continues to develop, adapt, and pair techniques such as these to enhance understanding of energy storage/conversion and quantum materials.
Education:
- 2018 - Cornell University, Ph.D., Applied Physics
- 2015 - Cornell University, M.S., Applied Physics
- 2012 - Purdue University, B.S., Physics
Professional Experience:
- 2019–present - R&D Associate, CNMS, ORNL
- 2018–2019 - Postdoctoral Research Associate, CNMS, ORNL
Honors and Awards:
- William Nichols Findley Award for Outstanding Research Paper, Cornell University School of Applied & Engineering Physics, 2019
- Early Career Representative and Scholarship for EMAS 2019, Microanalysis Society, 2019
- Best Microscopy and Microanalysis Journal Paper of 2016 Award, Microscopy Society of America, 2017
- Materials Handling Prize, Silent Hoist and Crane, 2017
- Meeting Scholarship, Enhanced Data Generated by Electrons, 2017
- Eric Samuel Scholarship Award, Microscopy Society of America, 2015
- Watt W. Webb Graduate Fellowship in Nanoscience, Kavli Institute at Cornell, 2014