Learn why Athena Safa Sefat loves her job as a senior scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
June 11, 2019
minute read time
Dr. Athena Safa Sefat is a senior scientist in the Materials Science and Technology Division of the Physical Sciences Directorate at the US Department of Energy (DOE)’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). She has expertise in synthesis and characterization of quantum materials. Her background in both solid-state chemistry and condensed-matter physics has propelled her into her unique research approach of designing quantum materials in crystal forms and relating materials’ structural features to their correlated physical properties.
Dr. Sefat obtained a PhD at McMaster University (Canada), which was followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at a DOE laboratory (Ames Lab) before joining ORNL as a Wigner Fellow (late 2007) and obtaining an Office of Science Early Career Award (2010 to 2015). She currently leads a DOE Basic Energy Sciences (BES) project entitled “Probing Competing Chemical, Electronic, and Spin Correlations for Quantum Materials Functionality” (since 2015), in addition to serving as a scientific technical advisor (detailee position) to the Experimental Condensed Matter Physics Programs at Office of BES. Dr. Sefat has over 220 refereed journal publications (>8500 citations, h-index = 48; Web of Science). She is an elected Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), and the Institute of Physics (IOP).
What inspired you to work in STEM?
I love nature and find it magical, intriguing, and fascinating. I feel humbled, for example, by the intricate features on leaves and the tiny creatures that operate and carry life. So, I was inspired to be a scientist in the field of chemistry and physics in order to feed my curiosity for understanding things on the atomic scale and collectively. In a way, my career allows me to feel closer to mother nature.
What excites you about your work at the Energy Department?
In order to be the best in one's field, one needs to work for the best and also be in the company of the brightest. It is my privilege to be part of the workforce at the Energy Department. Its excellent scientific resources and organization are key to its outstanding position. Being part of a team that is delivering scientific discoveries and responding to the materials challenges that are a national priority for the future of our country’s clean energy and security, is my great motivation.
How can our country engage more women, girls, and other underrepresented groups in STEM?
Better education and exposure to sciences from a young age is important for all children. The engagement of more females in sciences will come with (a) leading by example, i.e. more females stepping up, doing well, and insisting on taking the lead; (b) each organization’s attempt to change old culture and mindsets about female figures in competitive work environments.
Do you have tips you'd recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?
A few pieces of advice that I would give young people are the following: try to be the best you can be in your chosen field; work diligently and passionately; make sure that it is fun!
When you have free time, what are your hobbies?
I enjoy listening to the sounds and sights of nature, so I can easily spend hours listening and observing from my balcony/window. Gym, books, and spending time with friends/family are key.
Learn more about our programs & resources for women and girls in STEM at /women