BIO

Theresa was a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, Materials Physics and Applications Division (MPA-CINT) who recently converted to staff at LANL in the Microscopy Team, Materials Science and Technology Division. Her research focuses on applying computational methods to scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) to characterize material properties at the nanoscale. Theresa’s prior research included using cryogenic TEM to study phase transitions in aerosol particles relevant to the atmosphere. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, spending time with her cats, and applying her chemistry background to baking. Theresa earned an A.S. in Chemistry from Sussex County Community College, a B.A. in Chemistry from Drew University, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University.

ABSTRACT

Imperfect materials have unique and desirable properties that can improve our technologies, but imperfections are not entirely understood. My research creates new methods to study these imperfections using advanced computational programming techniques to analyze data from transmission electron microscopy. Precisely determining imperfections creates a clearer picture of how they influence properties while discovering new science in the process.