After the last days of beam successfully concluded the October to December 2019 experimental run at CHESS, we all had a bit of time to recover and spend time with friends and families over the holiday break. Now, CHESS staff is back and we are using the current shut down of the facility to further upgrade and update the experimental facilities and capabilities in preparation for the next run.
Recent research at CHESS beamlines has produced intriguing results on nanoscale objects ranging from
RNA -
a macromolecule essential to all forms of life - to
PbSe nanocrystal arrays
that are candidate materials for novel optoelectronic devices. In both cases, detailed X-ray scattering experiments at CHESS were essential to gain new insights into the interplay between atomic structure and function of the nanomaterials.
To apply for beamtime at CHESS and to carry out your intriguing experiments during
the April to June experimental run
, please submit your proposals through the
CHESS User Portal
by February 3
rd
.
Training the next generation of scientific and technical experts for X-ray sciences is an important CHESS mission. This month, we highlight the experiences of three
students from SUNY Delhi at CHESS
.
TJ, Connor and Tony made important contributions to many different projects during their time at CHESS while learning about the technology and tools needed to operate and perform experiments at a synchrotron light source.
This month, we also go
Beyond The Lab
to
learn more about Bill Miller, a research support specialist on the structural biology beamlines at CHESS. Bill has been at the lab for over 30 years. During this time he has also been a critical care technician for Spencer EMS. Bill’s expertise in a wide range of topics paired with his dedication to every task he performs has proven most impactful inside and outside the lab.
There is as always a lot going on here at CHESS and we are looking forward to more exciting news and science from CHESS in the coming year.
Here’s to a healthy and happy 2020!
Joel Brock, Director