The 26th National School on Neutron and X-ray Scattering (NXS), held from July 28 to August 9, 2024, offered a unique opportunity for MONET PhD student Brian Carrick to advance his skills in neutron and X-ray scattering techniques. The school, jointly conducted by Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source and Materials Science Division and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Neutron Sciences Directorate and Materials Science and Technology Division, aimed to educate graduate students using major neutron and X-ray facilities.

Brian Carrick, a graduate student from the Olsen Group at MIT, was among the selected participants who attended lectures presented by researchers from academia, industry, and national laboratories. These lectures covered basic tutorials on scattering theory and the characteristics of the sources, as well as seminars on applying scattering methods to various scientific subjects. The hands-on experience included conducting short in-person experiments and tutorials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor, as well as at Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source.

This SPDE was particularly valuable for Brian Carrick, as it provided him with a comprehensive understanding of neutron and X-ray scattering techniques, which are crucial for his research in materials science. The school's focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of scattering methods aligns perfectly with MONET's research objectives, particularly in understanding the complex interplay between network components. By participating in this school, Brian enhanced his career readiness by gaining essential skills in scientific breadth and experimental techniques, preparing him for future research projects and collaborations.