Participants in the Neutron Nexus workshop, a partnership between FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in Tallahassee, Florida on May 6, 2025. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
Advanced neutron scattering techniques bring national lab scientists to Tallahassee campus
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering launched the first Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Neutron Nexus workshop on May 6, 2025, introducing students and faculty to cutting-edge neutron scattering techniques for soft matter characterization.
Neutron scattering offers unique insights into material structures that complement other characterization techniques. The collaboration between Florida A&M University, Florida State University, the joint college and ORNL opens new pathways for innovative research.
The workshop attracted 24 participants from both university campuses, the college’s Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, including graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty members.
Leading scientists from ORNL's Neutron Sciences division, Spallation Neutron Source, High Flux Isotope Reactor, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and the Biological Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Beamline presented throughout the day.
Beyond technical presentations, the ORNL team provided practical guidance on securing neutron beam time through effective proposal writing and highlighted research opportunities at national laboratory facilities.
The workshop established a collaborative forum designed to lower barriers to accessing neutron scattering and spectroscopy facilities while promoting interdisciplinary research partnerships across campuses.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions exploring how neutron techniques can advance research in polymers, biomaterials and other soft matter systems—areas of growing importance in addressing global challenges in healthcare, energy and sustainability.
The college plans to build on this initial success with additional workshops to strengthen the connection between university researchers and national laboratory facilities.
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