Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto Advincula Named 2025 Materials Research Society Fellows at ORNL

Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto Gobet Advincula, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), have been elected as Fellows of the Materials Research Society (MRS) for the Class of 2025. Both scientists hold joint appointments at academic institutions—Chi at Duke University and Advincula at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville—and were recognized for their distinguished contributions to materials research.

Chi was lauded for advancing novel electron microscopy methods for energy materials, while Advincula was honored for his work on advanced polymers and nanostructured materials, as well as leadership in research communication and education. Chi is an ORNL Corporate Fellow at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and a Fellow of multiple professional societies, with current research focusing on atomic-scale behavior in energy and quantum systems.

Advincula serves as the ORNL-UT Governors Chair Professor and leads the Macromolecular Nanomaterials group, interested in designing polymers and nanomaterials capable of controlled assembly. The new Fellows will be recognized at the MRS spring meeting in Seattle, April 7-11, 2025, a key event for presenting research to an international audience. UT-Battelle manages ORNL for the DOE Office of Science, the largest supporter of basic physical sciences research in the U.S.

Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto Advincula Elected MRS Fellows

Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto Gobet Advincula, researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), have been elected as Class of 2025 Fellows of the Materials Research Society (MRS). This distinction recognizes their exceptional contributions to advancing materials research. Chi, who also holds a joint appointment at Duke University, was honored for her pioneering work in novel electron microscopy methods for energy materials. Advincula, jointly appointed at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was recognized for his leadership and contributions to research on advanced polymers and nanostructured materials.

Chi’s research focuses on understanding mass and electron transport behavior at functional interfaces in materials relevant to energy and quantum information science. As an ORNL Corporate Fellow at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, she has developed innovative microscopy techniques that have significantly enhanced the study of energy and quantum materials. Her work provides critical insights into atomic-scale phenomena, advancing both fundamental understanding and practical applications.

Advincula leads the Macromolecular Nanomaterials group at ORNL’s Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences. His research interests include designing polymers and nanomaterials capable of controlled assembly and self-organization in ultrathin films and monoliths. As an ORNL-UT Governors Chair Professor, he has made substantial contributions to the field, advancing our understanding of advanced materials.

Miaofang Chi’s work has significantly impacted the field of electron microscopy, particularly in energy materials. Her innovative techniques have provided critical insights into atomic-scale phenomena, advancing both fundamental understanding and practical applications in energy research.

Rigoberto Advincula’s leadership in polymer science has led to groundbreaking advancements in nanomaterials design. His work focuses on creating polymers capable of controlled assembly, with applications ranging from advanced materials to energy storage solutions.