Powder Diffraction SIG

Sikhumbuzo Masina

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Dr. Sikhumbuzo M. Masina is a Research Associate and Materials Chemist at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University. His research uses advanced crystallographic and spectroscopic techniques to investigate the structure-property relationships of energy materials, with a specific focus on developing next-generation battery and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolytes.

A native of Eswatini, Dr. Masina began his scientific journey with a bachelor's degree from the University of Eswatini. He went on to complete his Ph.D. at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, where he conducted research on SOFC electrolytes. For his doctoral work, he utilized techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Now at SLAC/SSRL, Dr. Masina is expanding his expertise by delving into the complex structural science of materials at the atomic and molecular level, leveraging intense X-rays from the SSRL. His research employs synchrotron radiation and is motivated by a deep interest in resonant X-ray diffraction , X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, and total scattering.