Athena Chen

Athena Chen serves as a Neutron Scattering Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), specializing in the Wide-Angle Neutron Diffractometer (WAND²) within the Neutron Scattering Division. Her work bridges materials science, geosciences, and neutron instrumentation.

Education:

• B.S. in Gemology and Material Science, China University of Geosciences (2016)
• Dual-title Ph.D. in Geosciences and Biogeochemistry, Pennsylvania State University (2021)
• Diplomas in Gem Diamond Grading, Gem Identification (CUG), and Gemology (Gemmological Association of Great Britain)

Her research focuses on crystal nucleation/growth mechanisms, functional material synthesis, and atomic-scale structural analysis using in situ X-ray/neutron scattering. Key methodologies include operando diffraction and high-resolution chemical imaging to study mineral crystallization under impurity influence and battery material degradation. Recent work spans kagome quantum materials, carbonate precipitation pathways, and refractory alloy characterization.

She actively mentors early-career scientists through symposium co-chairing for the Mineralogical Society of America and previously served as Technical Editor for Gems and Gemology (2022-2023) and Research Chair in the Oak Ridge Postdoc Association (FY2023).

Research Infrastructure:

• Primary instrument: WAND² (HB-2C) at High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR)
• Collaborative groups: Geochemistry and Interfacial Sciences (Chemical Science Division)
• Facilities: Spallation Neutron Source, Neutron Scattering Division