Designing next-generation light sources

What led you to a career at Argonne?

In many ways, research direction was a driver. Argonne is geared more toward applied physics, so it has broader applications.

“The thing I like most about my job is the challenge.”

I started my research on damping rings at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, where there was cooperation with Argonne, since Argonne had more expertise on the subject. So that helped with the decision to continue my research here, along with Argonne’s broad research activities and reputation for taking a collaborative approach.

What do you like most about your work at Argonne?

The thing I like most about my job is the challenge. The desire to provide Advanced Photon Source (APS) users with the most sophisticated, tailored light source creates challenges to every aspect of my daily work. To design a next-generation light source, develop a simulation code, commission the existing APS and keep it at the forefront of research are goals that I share with my group.

The group members I work with are people who have broad scientific interests and are full of new ideas. We discuss and debate regularly about how we can bring our ideas to fruition. That makes me feel like my work is exciting and useful.

For the full interview, click here.