This workshop brings together researchers from across disciplines to help shape the future scientific direction of the XLEAP beamline at CHESS.
XLEAP (X-rays for Life, Environment, Agriculture, and Plants) is a next-generation beamline currently under construction at CHESS, with user operations anticipated in 2028. This workshop will help define the science, build the community, and identify the opportunities that XLEAP will enable.
Participants will explore how advanced X-ray techniques can unlock new insights into complex biological, environmental, and agricultural systems - while helping guide the development of this new national resource.
Registration and abstract submission are now open.
In the spirit of building community, we hope that as many participants as possible will be able to attend in person. However, understanding that this may not be feasible for all, a remote viewing option is also available during registration.
CONFIRMED SESSION CHAIRS
- Mary Lou Guerinot (Dartmouth College)
- José Hernandez (University of Texas at El Paso)
- Vibha Kalra (Cornell University
- Tiina Roose (University of Southampton)
- Anne Sylvester (Marine Biological Laboratory)
- Olena Vatamaniuk (Cornell University)
- Louisa Smieska (CHESS)
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
- David Mendoza-Cozatl (University of Missouri)
- Ute Krämer (Ruhr University Bochum)
- Kendal Hirschi (University of Texas at El Paso)
- Susan Zhang (Stanford University)
- Josephine Loricco (Muhlenberg College)
- Jacqueline Gerson (Cornell University)
- Greeshma Gadikota (Columbia University)
- Buz Barstow (Cornell University)
- Harkamal Walia (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
- Martina Ralle (Oregon State University)
SESSION TOPICS
- Plant nutrient homeostasis and transport
- Plant responses to environmental stress, pathogens, and emerging materials (e.g., nanoparticles)
- Plant–soil interfaces and biogeochemical cycling
- Nutrient cycling in aquatic systems
- Plants and critical minerals
- Food safety and nutritional quality
- Practical approaches to synchrotron measurements for life and environmental sciences