Academic Summary

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 exocortexβ€”an 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

2001–2006 McGill University Montreal, QC
Ph.D. Chemistry. Thesis on photo-responsive polymers successfully defended October 2006.
1998–2001 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