Yu-chen Karen Chen-Wiegart

Karen Chen-Wiegart is an Associate Professor at the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering in Stony Brook University (SBU). She also holds a Joint Appointment with National Synchrotron Light Source – II (NSLS-II) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), coordinating the effort of multi-modal research approach. She holds a Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University. Karen emphasizes on applying state-of-the-art synchrotron X-ray  techniques to study novel functional materials. Her current interests include energy storage and conversion, nano-/meso-porous materials, thin film & surface treatment, and 3D printing/additive manufacturing. 

Before joining the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University, she served as beamline scientist at the Sub-Micron Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy (SRX) Beamline of NSLS-II. Prior to that she was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Synchrotron Light Source at BNL, where she participated in the commissioning of the new high-resolution x-ray transmission microscope and in establishing the new associated research program. Her PhD research at Northwestern University focused on the study of the dealloying and coarsening behaviors of nanoporous metal which has numerous potential applications, co-funded by Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. In addition to working at National Laboratories and Universities, she has also been partnering with industries in solving technological challenges in functional materials.

While continuing to develop cutting-edge x-ray tools, she is exploring new opportunities in functional materials. She has also been active in out-reach programs at NSLS-II and SBU, organizing events such as “Bring Our Children to Work Day” for the Photon Sciences Division at BNL, volunteering for educational and outreach events, and teaching courses in Women in Science & Engineering program at Stony Brook. She and her husband also attend services at a local church, North Shore Christian Church in Riverhead, NY, and serve in their children's ministry.