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.
A preliminary agenda is now available.
Registration and abstract submission are now open.
In person and virtual options:
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)
- Wolfgang Busch (Salk Institute for Biological Science)
- Rachel Hestrin (University of Massachusetts Amherst)
- Josephine Loricco (Muhlenberg College)
- Jacqueline Gerson (Cornell University)
- Greeshma Gadikota (Columbia University)
- Buz Barstow (Cornell University)
- Amber Morey-Lanza (Beech-Nut)
- Harkamal Walia (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
- Martina Ralle (Oregon State University)
- Margaret Frank (Cornell 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
Conference information
Extra information
Why attend?
This workshop is designed to:
- Identify high-impact science opportunities: Define the most compelling research questions that can uniquely benefit from CHESS X-ray capabilities, including elemental imaging, spectroscopy, structure, and chemical speciation.
- Expand the XLEAP user community: Engage researchers from both traditional and emerging fields - such as ecology, agriculture, environmental science, and food systems - and lower barriers for new users.
- Shape future programs and collaborations: Generate ideas for proposal calls, pilot projects, and interdisciplinary partnerships across institutions, sectors, and scientific domains.
- Prepare for XLEAP operations: Brainstorm ambitious experiments and provide input on sample environments, workflows, and user needs ahead of beamline commissioning.
Who should attend?
We welcome participants from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels, including:
- Synchrotron users interested in expanding their research into XLEAP science areas
- Researchers new to X-ray methods who are curious about their potential applications
- Scientists working in plant biology, environmental science, agriculture, microbiology, and related fields
- Students, postdocs, early-career researchers, staff scientists, faculty, and PIs
- Anyone interested in contributing to and shaping a collaborative XLEAP community
Lodging
The XLEAP workshop has a limited number of rooms blocked at the University Best Western. Workshop participants may reserve their reservations over the phone by calling (607)272-6100 or using the booking link below. There are a limited number of rooms in this block and are first come, first served.
Best Western Ithaca ~ XLEAP Workshop $109 Booking Link
Parking and Transportation
For transportation between the Best Western and the workshop location in Bradfield, several options are available:
- The hotel offers a shuttle to campus that can be requested. Please plan ahead because there are many more workshop participants than seats in each shuttle!
- The city bus has routes (51 and 82) that connect the hotel (East Hill Plaza stop) to the workshop location (Bradfield or Bradfield Across Street stop); rides are $1.50 each (accepts credit card tap), more info at https://tcatbus.com/fare-pass-options
- Short term paid parking is available on campus, see locations and rates here (lots 4128 and 4122 are closest to Bradfield): https://fcs.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/2026-01/ParkmobileMap2026_01.pdf
Additional Travel & Lodging information