Oak Ridge National Laboratory: ORNL’s Leonard named physical sciences director for Microscopy Society of America
Donovan N. Leonard, a researcher in the Deposition Science and Technology group at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elected to a three-year term as physical sciences director for the Microscopy Society of America, or MSA.
The MSA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of techniques and applications of microscopy and microanalysis in all relevant scientific disciplines.
For more than a decade, Leonard has been instrumental in developing STEM-related educational outreach programs that emphasize using microscopy to explore the world. His outreach activities led to the installation of an electron microscope for students to gain hands on experience when visiting the ORNL Traveling Science Fair.
Leonard’s research activities at ORNL focus on using advanced electron microscopy and microanalysis in conjunction with machine learning and additive manufacturing microstructure control to allow scientists to gain predictive insights into material properties produced during electron and laser powder bed fusion manufacturing.
“I am pleased to receive this honor from MSA,” Leonard said. “I have a passion for microscopy and bringing the opportunity to use microscopes for exploring the micro- and nanoscale to younger generations; MSA continues to be a great supporter of STEM outreach.”
He has been involved with MSA since 1998 where he has served in various roles, including chairing the educational outreach committee. Leonard also serves as director of the Microanalysis Society, which is a sister society to MSA.
“Donovan is an expert in microscopy and it’s great to see MSA recognize his research and contributions to the field,” Tom Kurfess, ORNL’s interim manufacturing science division director, said. “ORNL has a history of firsts in electron microscopy starting with EM of irradiated materials for nuclear applications, and now Donovan is integrating this expertise into advanced manufacturing initiatives.”
ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit https://energy.gov/science.