Sara Isbill
ORNL is proud of its role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. We bring in talented young researchers, team them with accomplished staff members, and put them to work at the lab’s one-of-a-kind facilities. The result is research that makes us proud and prepares them for distinguished careers.
We asked some of these young researchers why they chose a career in science, what they are working on at ORNL, and where they would like to go with their careers.
Sara Isbill
Postdoc, Nuclear Nonproliferation Division
Ph.D., Chemistry, University of Tennessee
Hometown: Madisonville, Tennessee
What are you working on at ORNL?
My research primarily involves computational modeling of defective carbon fiber structural units to relate experimental measurements to the atomic-level structure for improved understanding of how defects alter carbon fiber properties.
What would you like to do in your career?
I want to advance our understanding of the world around us, though I’m not yet sure where my scientific journey will take me over the course of my career. I currently plan to continue doing research but have not ruled out career options such as teaching or program management.
Why did you choose a career in science?
I found my high school and college chemistry classes to be the most challenging but enjoyable courses I took, motivating me to continue learning more about this field. A career in science allows me to continue learning about new systems and techniques and apply that knowledge to exciting research problems.
