Abstract: Sandia National Laboratories is one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) 17 national labs at which amazing science is performed and difficult problems are tackled. In our talk, we’ll give an overview of the breadth of research performed and career pathways at Sandia. We’ll share our experiences joining Sandia as postdocs and our paths to research staff. We’ll highlight staff researcher, postdoctoral, and graduate internship positions. Graduate internships at Sandia are an excellent introduction to a future national laboratory career or future Sandia collaborations from academia or industrial positions.
Bios: Dr. Laura Biedermann is a staff member in the Electronic, Optical, and Nano Materials organization at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. Her current research includes evaluating electrical conduction mechanisms in granular metals, investigating X-ray/material interactions, and characterizing materials for high-voltage holdoff applications. She supports Sandia’s nuclear deterrence mission through material aging and reliability studies. Prior to this role, she has led projects developing nanoscale-enabled desalination membranes for industrial water reuse. In 2021, Dr. Biedermann received a SWE Spark Award, which recognizes individuals who have contributed significantly to the advancement of women through mentoring those around them. She earned her B.S. in physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her Ph.D. in physics from Purdue University.
Dr. Shannon Murray is a staff member in the Thermal Spray Research Laboratory at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM. She utilizes kinetic spray processes, such as aerosol deposition, in her research to elucidate the relationship between spray processing and coating properties. She has produced novel coatings for unique applications such as non-contact temperature sensors. Dr. Murray earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.