U of R appoints first Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging
Since the 1950s, Saskatchewan’s universities have been pioneers in nuclear medicine and accelerator-based nuclear physics. Continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge in this area, the University of Regina has now established the Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging in collaboration with the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Marcella Berg, the new Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging, creates a research niche in Saskatchewan that contributes to the Canadian Neutron Initiative, leveraging the University of Regina’s extensive expertise in scattering experiments using particle beams and nuclear imaging. Neutron scattering is a method of measuring the atomic and magnetic motions of atoms.
“This is a significant opportunity for me to put my research into action,” says Berg, who also joins the University as an assistant professor in the physics department. “My work uses neutron scattering and transmission to investigate several topics that can play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as converting renewable plants to biofuels and bio-products, alternative batteries, and carbon dioxide capture.”
Berg has been appointed as the Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging for a five-year term.
As the Chair, her research will enhance the University’s research capacity in the field of materials research with neutron beams, as well as advancing innovation and fostering education and public engagement.
Dr. Christopher Yost, University of Regina vice-president (research), says the University research community is delighted to have appointed a scientist of Berg's calibre to the Fedoruk Chair.
“The opportunity provided by the Fedoruk Chair in Neutron Imaging is very significant. The Chair allows the University of Regina to engage in the Canadian Neutron Initiative, which opens doors for applied research and the development of nuclear research skills for students in Saskatchewan. We look forward to her contributions to the University of Regina and the research milieu of the province," says Farenick.
Dr. John Root, the executive director of the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation, Inc. says this is a great time for the University of Regina to attract a scientist with experience in the application of neutron beams to generate new knowledge about materials.
“Dr. Berg will have several opportunities for leadership in the Canadian Neutron Initiative - now poised to create a new, university-led, pan-Canadian program for research with neutron beams at domestic and foreign facilities. She will be well-positioned to introduce our young people to the international network of neutron-beam facilities and help to place Saskatchewan among global leaders of nuclear research, development and training,” says Root.
Berg received her Ph.D. in 2018 from the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen. Prior to her appointment at the University of Regina, Berg held positions at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Nashville and Forschungszentrum Jülich in Munich. She also has experience in various neutron spectroscopy techniques and applications to polymer dynamics, bioenergy, and materials science.
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