Suffolk Reporter

The Science & Technology Awards recognize significant contributions to the Laboratory's science and technology goals. The 2023 recipients are as follows:

Valentina Bisogni, National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS-II)

Lead Beamline Scientist Valentina Bisogni received the Science and Technology Award for her work in Resonant Inelastic X-ray Scattering (RIXS) research. Her studies on spin excitations in materials like unconventional superconductors and nickelates have advanced the understanding of magnetic materials. She has also been recognized with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Early Career Research Award.

As Lead Beamline Scientist for the SIX beamline, Bisogni developed an instrument with the highest resolution globally, putting NSLS-II on the map for this technique. She led a team that created a complex mechanical device called the "Triple Rotating Flange," allowing a 15-meter-long vacuum pipe to swing through 120 degrees without breaking vacuum. This innovation makes SIX one of the most oversubscribed instruments at NSLS-II, attracting significant experiments in energy and quantum information science.

Steven Kettell, Physics Department

Steven Kettell from Brookhaven National Laboratory was honored for his contributions to kaon and neutrino experiments. His work at Alternating Gradient Synchrotron E787/E949 and in the Daya Bay experiment included observing rare particle decay and measuring a neutrino mixing angle.

Kettell played a key role in developing the DUNE long baseline neutrino experiment, managing international collaborations, overseeing prototype construction, and navigating challenges during COVID-19. His efforts have positioned Brookhaven Laboratory as a leader in particle physics.

Bjoern Schenke, Physics Department

Senior scientist Bjoern Schenke received recognition for his contributions to hydrodynamic modeling impacting nuclear physics. He developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic model incorporating realistic initial conditions based on gluon saturation, revolutionizing our understanding of heavy ion collisions.

Schenke’s model addresses challenges in proton-neutron and proton-proton collisions and offers insights into nucleons' structure through heavy ion collisions. With 192 papers and nearly 13,000 citations, his influential publication record underscores his impact.

Aihong Tang, Physics Department

Aihong Tang was awarded for his contributions to the STAR collaboration and research in relativistic heavy ion collisions. His innovative use of the cumulant method for flow measurements at RHIC is now widely adopted by scientists.

Tang's leadership in the High-Level Trigger project enabled instant availability of track momentum vectors leading to groundbreaking discoveries such as observing anti-alpha nucleus. His work on antimatter gained global attention with publications in Nature.

Jim Wishart, Chemistry Department

Jim Wishart was recognized for his work in radiation chemistry and developing LEAF (Laser Electron Accelerator Facility). LEAF has become a leading center for pulse radiolysis studies under his leadership.

Wishart established a pioneering radiation chemistry program studying ionic liquids inspiring similar initiatives worldwide. His leadership extends to Molten Salts research aimed at making nuclear reactors safer than water-cooled reactors through inclusive collaborations with diverse institutions.