Jim Ciston

Jim Ciston is the Deputy Director of the Molecular Foundry and a Staff Scientist at the National Center for Electron Microscopy (NCEM) since 2011. He leads strategic initiatives for the Foundry’s scientific mission while maintaining an independent research focus on advanced electron microscopy techniques.

• PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University (2009)
• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Brookhaven National Laboratory (2009–2011)

Research Interests: Jim specializes in 4D-STEM and quantitative high-resolution imaging to study atomic-scale structure and bonding in nanomaterials. He pioneered MAPSTER Microscopy for sub-nanometer strain and polarization mapping, and applies AI/ML to analyze valence and bonding in transition metal compounds. His work targets complex oxides, strain-engineered heterostructures, and quantum-confined materials.

Scientific Awards:

• DOE Early Career Research Program award (2016)
• Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (2019)
• Multiple awards from microscopy and crystallography societies