Bio
Shawn is a Master Technician in the Materials MicroÅnalysis Group at ORNL’s Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. She has been a technician in ORNL’s microscopy laboratories for 27 years. In this role, Shawn specializes in developing and applying innovative sample preparation methods to study materials. She is an expert in the use of diamond-knife microtomy, for example, to study fuel cell materials, for which she was awarded the prestigious 2013 Technician Award from the Microscopy Society of America. Shawn is an expert in using different microscopy techniques to characterize material structure and function and works closely with scientists not only within the CNMS group, but across the laboratory to support both applied and fundamental research projects. As the group’s Laboratory Space Manager, Shawn oversees operations and safety for multiple laboratories, which involves recognizing and understanding the numerous hazards associated with each lab.
Professional Experience
- 2010– Present Master Technician, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, ORNL
- 1998–2010 Technician, Material Science Division, ORNL
- 1995-1997 Graduate fellowship program, Oak Ridge Associated Universities
- 1991-1995 Graduate Research Associate, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University
- Summers 1989,90,91 Summer Research Internships, ORNL
Awards
CNMS Special Team Accomplishment “For establishing the first Cryo-EM laboratory at ORNL/CNMS”, Center for Nanophase Material Sciences, ORNL (2023)
Microscopy Society of America’s 2013 Outstanding Technologist for Physical Sciences Award (2013)
Significant Event Award for PEM Fuel Cell Research (2005)
Microscopy Society of America, Diatome Poster Award-Second Place (2004)
High Temperature Materials Laboratory Graduate Fellowship at ORNL (1995-97)
Electronic Materials Fellowship, NCSU (1991-94)
I.M. Kolthoff Enrichment Award in Analytical Chemistry (sponsored by the Amer. Chem. Soc.) (1990)
Fleetguard Chemistry Scholarship, TTU (1991)
Outstanding Senior Departmental Chemistry Major Award at TTU(1989-90)
Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry given by the Division of Analytical Chemistry of the Amer. Chem. Soc. (1989)
McDowell Chemistry Scholarship, TTU,(1989)
University Academic Scholarship to TTU (1986-90)
Education
North Carolina State University 1991-97 Graduate Studies Materials Science and Engineering
Tennessee Technological University, B.S. (1991) Cum Laude Analytical Chemistry