Meet our speakers and panelists

Presentation Title: 

Unlocking LSU’s Spectra 300: Atomic Scale Imaging, Chemistry, and Quantitative Mapping

 

Abstract:

In this presentation we will spotlight the newly installed Thermo Scientific Spectra 300 S/TEM and the kinds of problems it can solve for LSU and regional collaborators. Starting from the big picture and common research questions, we’ll show how the Spectra turns “where are the atoms?” into “what are they, and what are they doing?”, with high‑resolution STEM imaging, fast X‑ray elemental mapping (EDS), and energy‑loss spectroscopy (EELS) for bonding and electronic information. We’ll introduce advanced, quantitative workflows made practical by modern detectors and automation, including 4D‑STEM for strain/orientation mapping and repeatable, scripted acquisitions for a multi‑user lab. We’ll close with a look at what’s possible next with in situ and environmental experiments, so you can watch materials evolve in real time.

 

Bio:

Dr. Austin Wade is a Senior Product Specialist at Thermo Fisher where he supports and advances transmission electron microscopy (TEM) workflows for materials research. He earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Lehigh University, where he studied under Prof. Masashi Watanabe, and later joined FEI (now Thermo Fisher Scientific) as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Manchester in the U.K. Upon returning to the U.S., he worked as a staff scientist in the Americas NanoPort, demonstrating TEM systems to prospective customers and providing post-sales applications support and training. Austin’s work centers on innovative, dose- and time-efficient approaches to collect high-quality imaging and analytical data, enabling deeper insight into the local structure, composition, and properties of materials.

Dr. Vicki Colvin became dean of LSU’s College of Engineering in 2024 and holds the Bert S. Turner Chair. She earned her bachelor’s from Stanford and PhD from UC Berkeley, and previously served as a professor and provost at Brown University. Her research focuses on nanoscale materials in environmental and biomedical applications, including disease treatment and medical device technologies. Colvin has published 200+ papers, holds five patents, and is a fellow of AIMBE and AAAS with extensive leadership and award recognition.

Dr. Yongfeng Zhao is an assistant professor at Jackson State University who teaches chemistry courses including general, organic, and polymer chemistry. His research focuses on designing functional molecules and polymers for surface modification, developing nanomaterials using green chemistry, and applying nanotechnology to disease diagnostics and therapy. His work emphasizes biomedical applications such as cancer imaging, drug delivery, and advanced sensing technologies. Zhao has authored numerous publications on nanomaterials and molecular imaging, particularly involving gold-based nanoparticles.

Dr. Dominique G. Homberger is an Alumni Professor at LSU with a PhD from the University of Zurich, specializing in comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology. Her research examines how complex anatomical systems evolve and function across species, from fish to humans. She focuses on functional morphology, biomechanics, and evolutionary adaptations, including studies on birds, human anatomy, and vertebrate systems. Her work integrates anatomy, behavior, and ecological data to understand macroevolutionary changes.

Julio Martins da Costa is a manufacturing and operations expert currently serving as Customer Relations & Business Improvement manager at Syrah Resources, focusing on high-purity graphite for lithium-ion batteries. He previously led process improvement initiatives at Kaiser Aluminum and held multiple leadership roles at Alcoa over nearly two decades. His experience includes managing large teams, operations, and sales in casthouse and smelting environments. Julio holds an Executive MBA and advanced degrees in manufacturing, safety, and metallurgical engineering.