Five Minutes/Five Questions with Grace Webster, the CFN User Program Administrator
inputs from the CFN User Office
June 20, 2025
Grace Webster
1. What’s one takeaway from this year’s NSLS-II/CFN Users’ Meeting that stood out to you?
One standout takeaway from this year’s Users' Meeting was the exceptional involvement of the CFN UEC members, who served as part of the organizing committee. They took active leadership roles in planning the event and contributed meaningfully to key decisions. I am truly proud of their dedication and the impactful contributions they made to this year’s meeting.
2. Have you seen any trends in how users are engaging with the facility, either on site or remotely?
A lot of changes are underway, particularly in the reporting requirements for DOE user facilities. We are now being asked to collect more detailed information about our users. In response, we have adapted the CFN proposal portal to gather this data, including users' ORCID numbers. We’re grateful that CFN users have responded graciously and promptly to our request, helping us meet these new requirements efficiently.
3. What’s something — big or small — that makes you proud to be part of the CFN team?
What I’m most proud of as a member of the CFN team is the strong sense of belonging and teamwork we’ve built together. We truly operate as a team, and that spirit of collaboration is what makes our work so impactful. We celebrate the diversity of our team — not just as a point of pride, but as an essential ingredient for our success. The support and mutual respect we show one another has been nothing short of amazing, and it's what continues to drive us forward.
4. Is there a skill or experience from your background that’s shaped how you approach working with the user community?
As the user program administrator at CFN for over 20 years, my approach to supporting the user community hasn’t been shaped by a single skill or experience. Instead, it’s the result of countless events, conversations, and interactions over the years that have helped me truly understand the diverse needs of our users. Each user is unique, and so are their scientific goals. Recognizing and appreciating that individuality is essential; it's what allows me to communicate effectively and provide meaningful support to every user who walks through our doors.
5. What’s one memorable interaction you’ve had with a user that captures what makes the CFN community special?
Over the years, I’ve had countless memorable interactions with users that reflect just how special our CFN community is. It’s hard to choose just one, because so many moments stand out. But what resonates most deeply with me are the comments I’ve often heard from users: that CFN feels like a family. That sense of connection speaks volumes. Everyone here is genuinely helpful, and each individual takes the time to support users and their projects. It’s that spirit of collaboration that truly defines the CFN user experience.
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