- Energy Sciences
As the associate laboratory director for ORNL’s Energy Science and Technology Directorate, Xin Sun is committed to developing scientific breakthroughs that make the world a better place.
“One of the greatest clean energy challenges facing the world today is how to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and utilize it so that it’s no longer harmful to the environment,” Sun said. “Contributing to solving problems such as this is at the heart of why I am a scientist, because it’s a way to make life better for everyone.”
Decarbonization is just one of many initiatives Sun is focused on in her role leading ORNL’s largest applied science directorate. With ESTD’s expertise in energy generation, transmission, distribution, storage and end use, ORNL aspires to guide the nation to a sustainable, flexible, and secure energy future. ESTD research into advanced manufacturing, building technologies, transportation, and electrification and energy infrastructure presents opportunities for technology advancements such as vehicle electrification, emerging and solid-state batteries, novel materials and processes for additive manufacturing, and equipment for energy efficiency in buildings. Sun said ESTD’s emphasis will be not only on research and development for technologies but also on technology demonstration, with the goal of collaborating with industry for commercialization.
“ORNL has historically played a pivotal role in support of Department of Energy missions,” Sun said. “ESTD’s talented and distinguished scientists are in the right place at the right time to lead the lab in the critical mission of enabling the decarbonization and energy transition. This is a decadal challenge that we are well-positioned to meet.”
Sun, who joined ORNL from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 2017 as division director for Energy and Transportation Science, is no stranger to solving complex problems. She spent her early career helping to define a new scientific field — computational engineering. She’s led the development of complex multiphysics simulations of lightweight automotive materials, joining and manufacturing processes, and developed nuclear materials, carbon capture systems, fuel cells and armor systems. She is also an expert in integrated computational materials engineering. Most recently at ORNL, Sun developed research programs focused on enhanced carbon capture using the lab’s strengths in advanced manufacturing and combustion research.
Sun is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and an author of more than 200 journal publications and 10 books. Her research has been recognized with Institute Medals from the American Iron and Steel Institute. She earned a master’s degree and doctorate in naval architecture and marine engineering as well as a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.
“I was attracted to ORNL because of the ‘big science’ tools, and I look forward to continuing to leverage these resources,” Sun said. “We have a huge responsibility within ESTD. We’re right in the eye of the storm for change, but this is also the perfect opportunity for staff to shine with their technical capabilities.”— Jennifer Burke
