Five Minutes/Five Questions with CFN Users' Executive Committee Chair Laiba Bilal

information from the Users' Executive Committee

February 10, 2025

1. What was one key achievement or highlight for the Users’ Executive Committee (UEC) in 2024 that you’re especially proud of?

One of the most memorable accomplishments for the UEC in 2024 was hosting our first-ever barbecue event. It was a unique opportunity to strengthen the sense of community at CFN by bringing users and staff together in a relaxed, informal setting. Alongside delicious food, the Tambola game personalized with CFN themes added an extra layer of excitement. Watching everyone participate with such enthusiasm, enjoying the friendly competition, and celebrating the small but meaningful prizes was heartwarming. The event exemplified how fostering connections beyond the lab can create lasting comradeship and inspire collaboration.

2. Looking ahead, are there any UEC initiatives or events coming up that CFN users should be excited about?

We’re excited to announce plans for a town hall to take place during the upcoming 2025 NSLS-II & CFN Users' Meeting. By aligning it with this key event, we aim to maximize user participation, as many of you will already be attending the meeting. This town hall will provide a valuable platform for CFN users to share feedback, voice their needs, and spark discussions about improving the user experience. Stay tuned for updates on the exact date, time, and an exciting lineup of panelists!

In addition to the town hall, the UEC is exploring creative ways to foster engagement throughout the year. From coffee chats and workshops to collaborative discussions, we’re dedicated to building a more connected and dynamic user community. We welcome your ideas and look forward to continuing to enhance the CFN experience together!

3. The annual Users’ Meeting is coming up this spring — a major organizing effort for the UEC. What can you share about the planning process, and what should we look forward to at this year's meeting?

The 2025 NSLS-II & CFN Users’ Meeting is shaping up to be an exciting and impactful event! Led by our vice chair, Shize Yang, in collaboration with the NSLS-II team, this year’s meeting promises something for everyone in the user community. Attendees can look forward to inspiring plenary talks, dynamic parallel workshops tailored to a variety of interests, and poster sessions where users can showcase their cutting-edge research.

In addition to the scientific sessions, the meeting will feature a vendor exhibition, where companies will share their latest technologies, tools, and solutions — an excellent opportunity for networking and exploring new ideas. Whether you’re drawn to engaging discussions, workshops, or discovering innovative products, there will be plenty to make this meeting memorable.

We’re committed to ensuring this year’s meeting reflects the diverse and innovative spirit of our user community, and we can’t wait to see you there! We’re eager to share more details soon about the agenda and all the exciting activities planned. Get ready for an eventful meeting packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and showcase your work!

4. From your perspective, what is the role of the CFN UEC? Why might a CFN user consider serving on this committee?

The CFN UEC serves as a vital bridge between users and facility management, ensuring that the needs, ideas, and concerns of the user community are heard and addressed. Serving on the UEC is not only a valuable leadership opportunity but also a unique chance to help shape the future of this innovative facility.

As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” By joining the UEC, you can be part of a team driving meaningful change, fostering collaboration, and building a supportive network within the scientific community. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact, on both the facility and those who serve.

5. When you need a break from your UEC responsibilities, what’s your favorite way to unwind or recharge?

When I step away from my UEC responsibilities, which I honestly don’t view as responsibilities because I enjoy them so much, I recharge by spending time with my three daughters. They are my greatest source of joy and inspiration. As I work toward finalizing my Ph.D. thesis, I find relaxation in exploring new places, whether it's traveling to unique spots on Long Island or discovering hidden gems nearby. These adventures refresh my mind and often inspire me to create short clips paired with poetry, music, or meaningful reflections.

I also find motivation in reading inspiring quotes and stories, which provide new perspectives and fuel my enthusiasm. As Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” This balance between my research, creative passions, and family life keeps me grounded and motivated, both in my UEC role and beyond.

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