Esther Tsai

Esther Tsai is a Staff Scientist specializing in AI Accelerated Nanoscience at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN), Brookhaven National Laboratory. She serves as co-lead for the partner-user program between CFN and NSLS-II X-ray scattering beamlines, providing expert support for small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) experiments at beamlines 11-BM (CMS) and 12-ID (SMI).

Dr. Tsai's educational background includes:

• B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University (2009)
• Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University (2014)

Her research focuses on developing new X-ray characterization methods and advanced analysis platforms for synchrotron X-ray scattering and imaging techniques. She applies machine learning and natural language processing to enhance spatial/spectral resolution, reveal chemical relevance, suggest optimal experimental configurations, and enable efficient human-computer interaction in scientific facilities. Her work bridges computational imaging, materials science, and artificial intelligence to advance nanoscale characterization.

Analysis of Dr. Tsai's publications reveals a consistent trajectory in advancing X-ray imaging techniques through computational methods. Her work spans from fundamental algorithm development for ptychography and tomography to applied machine learning solutions for scientific user facilities. A notable recent trend is her focus on AI-assisted scientific discovery, particularly with the VISION project that integrates natural language processing with beamline operations.

Dr. Tsai has received several prestigious awards:

• DOE Early Career Award (2023)
• DOE STTR Phase I (2023)
• Spotlight Award from BNL's Recognition & Rewards Program (2021)
• Ross Fellowship from Purdue University (2009-2013)

Dr. Tsai actively collaborates across disciplines and serves on the Proposal Review Panel for the Advanced Photon Source (2022-present) and was a Member of the Users' Executive Committee for NSLS-II (2020-2024). Her current research includes collaborations with CFN's Theory and Computation Group on a web-based Jupyter interface, with the Interface Science and Catalysis Group on a Department of Defense-funded project studying energetic materials, and with NSLS-II beamline scientists on developing machine learning algorithms for ptychography.

Based at Brookhaven's Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Dr. Tsai works within the Electronic Nanomaterials Group and collaborates extensively with the National Synchrotron Light Source II. Her research integrates capabilities from multiple DOE user facilities, creating synergies between computational science, nanomaterials characterization, and artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific discovery.