You’re invited to celebrate the latest in science and technology with field-leading experts in multimodal materials characterization and material processing at the Alabama Materials Institute.
- Expand your capabilities and understanding of materials analysis.
- Speak with experts about today’s analytical instrumentation & processing platforms.
- Experience technology tours and topical hands-on workshops.
- Submit your poster for presentation and accompanying awards.
- Learn how AMI can help your programs.
AMI Open House
Aug 13 – Aug 14
Time08:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location Alabama Materials Institute – The University of Alabama, 1005 Bevill Building, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Register to Attend
Registration is free but required.
Event Details
Agenda
| Wednesday, August 13 | |
| 8:30–9:15 a.m. | Registration & Light Breakfast |
| 9:15–9:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks Dr. Greg Thompson – Distinguished University Research Professor and Executive | Director of the Alabama Materials Institute, The University of AlabamaDr. Bryan Boudouris– Vice President for Research & Economic Development | Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama |
| 9:30–10:00 a.m. | Understanding Advanced Materials in Extreme Environments Mike Johns– Sr. Vice President, Kratos Defense and Security Solutions |
| 10:00–10:40 a.m. | Coupling in-SEM and High-Energy X-ray Microscopy for Multiscale Characterization of Microstructure Evolution in Metallic Alloys Dr. Aeriel Leonard– Assistant Professor of Engineering Inclusive Excellence, Department of Materials Science and Engineering | Society of Women Engineers Co-Advisor, The Ohio State University |
| 10:40–11:00 a.m. | Break |
| 11:00–11:35 a.m. | The AI Manufacturing Pilot Facility Dr. Aaron P. Stebner– Eugene C. Gwaltney Jr. Chair in Manufacturing | Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering | Director, Georgia AI Manufacturing (Georgia AIM) | Director, Professional Master’s in Manufacturing Leadership Program, Georgia Tech |
| 11:35 a.m.–12:10 p.m. | Measuring material properties and structure using 4D-STEM Dr. Colin Ophus– Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Center Fellow in the Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University |
| 12:15–13:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 13:30–16:00 p.m. | Student Poster Session and Rotating Instrument Demonstrations (sign-up onsite) |
| 16:00–17:00 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Spectra Celebration Reception |
| 17:00 p.m. | Adjourn Day 1 |
| Thursday, August 14 | |
| 8:00–9:00 a.m. | Registration & Light Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.+ | Workshops (sign-up on-site) |
| More Details to Come | Multiple Options: 4D-STEM | Beginner and Advanced Sessions for Small DualBeam FIB-SEM | XPS | Atom Probe Tomography | Atomic Resolution TEM | In-situ Micro Mechanical Testing |
| 12:00 | Adjourn Day 2 (lunch on your own) |
Speakers and Abstracts
Coupling in-SEM and High-Energy X-ray Microscopy for Multiscale Characterization of Microstructure Evolution in Metallic Alloys
Dr. Aeriel Leonard, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University
Understanding the deformation behavior of compositionally and microstructurally complex metallic alloys requires multiscale insights into microstructure evolution under load or in high-temperature environments. This presentation highlights an integrated approach combining in-situ scanning electron microscopy (in-SEM) with high-energy X-ray techniques specifically, dark field X-ray microscopy (DFXM) to interrogate microstructural mechanisms governing plasticity and damage accumulation. In-SEM techniques offer high spatial resolution imaging and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)-based crystallographic analysis during deformation, enabling localized observations of slip activity, grain interactions, and evolving defect structures. Complementing this, DFXM provides non-destructive, 3D mapping of internal strain fields and subgrain evolution in bulk samples, capturing microstructural dynamics at greater depths and across larger volumes. By co-registering data from these complementary modalities, we provide a comprehensive, multiscale picture of how heterogeneous microstructures—including grain boundary networks, phase distributions, and deformation twins—influence mechanical response or static recrystallization behavior. The methodology sets the stage for data-driven design of next-generation structural alloys with tailored properties.
Measuring material properties and structure using 4D-STEM
Collin Ophus, Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Center Fellow in the Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University
4D scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) enables measurement of structure and properties across a wide range of materials, from hard crystalline systems to soft matter and beam-sensitive samples. In this talk, I will highlight recent advances in experimental characterization and data analysis workflows for 4D-STEM. These include nanobeam diffraction strain mapping, crystallographic phase identification, and phase contrast imaging via dpc, parallax, and ptychography. I’ll also discuss how open-source software and emerging machine learning tools can further extend the reach of 4D-STEM to thicker and more complex samples.
Biography
Colin Ophus is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and a Center Fellow in the Precourt Institute for Energy, at Stanford University. He was awarded a US Department of Energy Early Career award in 2018, and the Burton medal from the Microscopy Society of America in 2022. His research focuses on experimental methods, reconstruction algorithms, and software codes for simulation, analysis, and instrument design of scanning transmission electron microscopy. He advocates for open science and develops open-source scientific software, and the founding editor-in-chief for the interactive web-based journal Elemental Microscopy.
Understanding Advanced Materials in Extreme Environments
Michael Johns, Kratos Defense
We will explore how advanced materials, and our ability to test, understand, and model these materials in extreme environments, is the enabling factor in the United States developing and fielding the most advanced weapons and space exploration systems in the world. The talk will take a high-level look at the types of materials that are of interest to the US and a deeper look at the importance of how we test those materials.
Accommodations
Hampton Inn
For reservations, please call 205-553-9800. You can also book online on the Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa website.
Holiday Inn Express
You can book online on the Holiday Inn Express website.
Hotel Capstone
To make reservations, please contact Hotel Capstone at 205-752-3200. You can also book your room online on the Hotel Capstone Website.