John A. Hill stands as a pivotal figure at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), serving as the Deputy Director for Science and Technology. In this crucial role, he provides essential support to the Lab Director, JoAnne Hewitt, guiding the scientific and technological direction of BNL. His wide-ranging portfolio encompasses key departments including the Advanced Technology Research Office, the Computational Science Initiative, the Research Partnership and Tech Transfer Office, and the National Security Program Office. John Hill also takes direct charge of the Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) program, a critical engine for fostering innovation within the laboratory. Furthermore, alongside the Deputy Director for Operations, Ann Emrick, he shares responsibility for maintaining robust research security protocols at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Expertise in Synchrotron Science and Condensed Matter Physics
John Hill’s expertise is deeply rooted in the realm of synchrotron science and condensed matter physics. His previous leadership roles include Director of the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a world-leading facility for advanced scientific imaging, and Deputy Associate Lab Director for Energy and Photon Sciences. Earlier in his career, John Hill led the x-ray scattering group within Brookhaven’s Condensed Matter Physics and Materials Science Department, solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the field. Notably, he also served as Director of the Experimental Facilities Division during the construction of NSLS-II, demonstrating his comprehensive understanding of both the scientific and technical aspects of large-scale research infrastructure. Dr. Hill is globally recognized for his pioneering work in applying x-ray scattering techniques to unravel the complexities of condensed matter systems. His research has particularly focused on resonant elastic and inelastic scattering methodologies to probe electron dynamics across a diverse spectrum of materials.
Research Activities and Contributions to Scientific Literature
The core of John Hill’s research endeavors lies in the exploration of cooperative electronic phenomena within condensed matter systems. His investigations delve into both equilibrium and non-equilibrium dynamics, particularly within strongly correlated electron systems, which are crucial for understanding advanced materials. A significant aspect of his work involves the development and application of x-ray magnetic and inelastic scattering techniques, pushing the boundaries of what is observable at the nanoscale. John Hill’s significant contributions to the scientific community are reflected in his authorship of over 120 peer-reviewed articles, published in leading scientific journals, marking him as a prolific and impactful researcher in his domain.
Education and Academic Foundation
John Hill’s academic journey began at Imperial College London, UK, where he earned a B.Sc. degree in physics, establishing a strong foundation in the fundamental principles of the discipline. He further pursued his passion for physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the USA, culminating in a Ph.D. in physics. This rigorous educational background has equipped him with the deep theoretical and experimental knowledge that underpins his leadership and research contributions at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
Professional Appointments and Leadership Roles
John Hill’s career at Brookhaven Lab commenced with a postdoctoral position in the Physics Department, marking the beginning of a distinguished trajectory within the institution. His expertise and dedication led to progressive advancements, achieving tenure in 1999 and subsequently being appointed as group leader of the X-ray Scattering Group in 2001. His engagement with the scientific user community is evident through his service on the NSLS Users Executive Committee, both from 1999 to 2001 and again from 2001 to 2007. Furthermore, John Hill took on the role of Executive Director of IXS-CDT, a consortium instrumental in the design, construction, and commissioning of an inelastic x-ray scattering beamline at the Advanced Photon Source, showcasing his ability to lead complex scientific projects. From 2006 to 2008, he served as the Experimental Facilities Division Director for the NSLS-II project, overseeing the multifaceted design, construction, and commissioning of NSLS-II’s experimental facilities, a vast undertaking encompassing beamlines, associated R&D, and user engagement.
Awards and Recognition for Scientific Excellence
John Hill’s exemplary contributions to science have been recognized through prestigious awards and honors throughout his career. He was honored with the Presidential Early Career Award and the DOE Young Independent Scientist Award in 1996, early acknowledgments of his potential and impact. In 2002, he was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society (APS), a significant recognition by his peers for his outstanding contributions to physics. Brookhaven National Laboratory further acknowledged his achievements with a Brookhaven Science and Technology Award in 2012, underscoring his continued impact and leadership within the laboratory and the broader scientific community.
