I am the group leader for the Electronic Nanomaterials group in the Center for Functional Nanomaterials at Brookhaven National Laboratory. My work focuses on self-assembled nanostructures, and structural characterization using x-ray and neutron techniques (small-angle scattering, reflectivity, GISAXS, etc.). I manage the CFN x-ray scattering user program, including managing a nanoscience user program on synchrotron beamlines in partnership with the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II). |
I obtained my Ph.D. from McGill University, Department of Chemistry, in 2006. I then worked as a postdoctoral researcher in the Polymers Division at NIST. In 2010, I was hired at Brookhaven National Laboratory to pursue nanoscience research.
Research Interests
I am currently focused on the application of AI and machine-learning to science, including autonomous experimentation and the development of a science exocortexβan AI-agent expansion to a researcher’s cognition and volition.
I also have longstanding materials science research interests in non-equilibrium self-assembly. I am especially fond of exploiting non-equilibrium processing of simple block-copolymer materials to generate exotic non-native nanoscale morphologies. I am also actively developing improved x-ray scattering techniques; especially with regard to exploiting machine-learning to enable autonomous scientific experiments.
Experience
2016-present Group Leader, Electronic Nanomaterials Group, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA. Leading a group that studies functional nanomaterials. Currently studying topics in non-equilibrium self-assembly, and structural determination using x-ray scattering methods. Developing a new program on the CMS and SMI beamlines (SAXS/WAXS/GISAXS) at NSLS-II.
2010-2016 Materials Scientist, Soft/Bio Nanomaterials Group, Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY, USA. Studied topics in stimulated self-assembly, and structural determination using x-ray scattering methods. Managed a nanoscience user program on the X9 SAXS/WAXS/GISAXS beamline at NSLS.
2006-2009 Guest Postdoctoral Researcher, Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA. Awarded a NSERC Canada Postdoctoral Fellowship to pursue studies of soft materials. Researched focused on directing self-assembly of nanostructures, and quantifying three-dimensional order using scattering techniques (neutron and x-ray).
2004-2006, Collaboration with the Canadian Neutron Beam Centre, Chalk River, Canada. Studied water localization in polyelectrolyte thin films, and photo-response of azo-polymers. Helped design and test prototype sample environments.
2001-2006 Graduate Researcher, Department of Chemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Conducted advanced research on photo-responsive azobenzene polymers, characterizing their photo-mechanical response to holographic laser irradiation. Also studied self-assembly of polyelectrolyte multilayers.
Education
2001β2006 | McGill University | Montreal, QC |
Ph.D. Chemistry. Thesis on photo-responsive polymers successfully defended October 2006. | ||
1998β2001 | McGill University | Montreal, QC |
B.Sc. Honours Chemistry, Minor Computer Science with First-Class Honours. Elective courses in Mathematics and Physics were also completed. |
Contact
Kevin G. Yager
Group Leader
Center for Functional Nanomaterials (Bldg. 735)
Brookhaven National Laboratory
P.O. Box 5000
(2 Center Street)
Upton, NY 11973-5000
Phone: 631-344-7608
Fax: 631-344-7773
Email: kyager@bnl.gov