about

Meet the Minds Behind BEAM Lab

We are a diverse, innovative, and collaborative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of materials science. At BEAM Lab, mentorship and teamwork are at the core of our research culture.

Principal Investigator

Kory Burns, PhD

Prof. Kory Burns is an assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. He obtained his PhD in materials science and engineering (Nuclear Engineering program) at the University of Florida in 2022. Prior to joining the University of Virginia, Kory held multiple positions at external institutions, including the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Texas Instruments Inc., and Sandia National Laboratories.

His research group focuses on radiation-solid interactions, analytical TEM, in situ TEM, and image processing. So far in his first year on the job, Kory has been awarded the NASA VSGC Young Investigator Award, 4-VA Collaborative Research Award, UVa Research Innovation Award, UVa Community Outreach and Engagement Award, and has been a part of teams selected for funding from the Department of Energy, Department of Defense, and the National Science Foundation.

Aside from research, he was proudly elected as a member of the board of directors of the distinguished 100 Black Men of Central Virginia, he is the faculty advisor of collegiate 100, a board member of Guide Outreach, and facilitator between the Department of Human Services and the school of engineering and applied sciences (SEAS) at the University of Virginia to create employment opportunities for inner-city young adults. In his free-time, Kory enjoys playing sports, listening to music, spending time with family, and resting (when he can).

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Graduate Researchers

Our graduate and undergraduate students conduct high-impact research, exploring novel materials and advancing atomic-scale engineering.

Elaina Truhart

My name is Elaina and I am a graduate research assistant in the BEAM Lab. I am from Cincinnati, OH, and I attended the University of Cincinnati where I earned a B.S. in Physics and an ACS B.S. in Chemistry, with a minor in mathematics. My work uses electron and optical spectroscopy methods to study quantum materials, such as two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. I enjoy crafting, live music, and spending time with friends and family.
Nooreen Qureshi

My name is Nooreen and I am a Graduate Research Assistant in the BEAM group at the University of Virginia. I was born and raised in Tucson, AZ and graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering in May 2024. My research interests include characterization of ferroelectric HZO for use in data storage devices. My hobbies include hiking, reading and baking.
Tinsae Alem

My name is Tinsae and I am a second-year PhD student from Woodbridge, Virginia. The focus of my research is on the structural and spectroscopic characterization of semiconductor materials at the atomic scale. This includes using advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM), four-dimensional scanning TEM (4D-STEM), and electron loss spectroscopy (EELS) to understand and characterize two-dimensional materials. Outside of work, I enjoy taking a relaxing night walk, hanging out with family and friends, and drawing.

Undergraduate Researchers

Julian Keophanboua

My name is Julian and I am an undergraduate student researcher who hails from northern Virginia. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to start working for Professor Kory Burns at the beginning of my second year. I am personally interested in photonic crystals and their possible applications in holography and quantum computers. Outside of work, I enjoy power naps and thinking (sometimes about thinking) among other things.
Nicolas Alva

My name is Nico, I am a 4th year undergrad in the Material Science & Engineering program. I come from the Northen Virginia area; I’ve spent the majority of my life living there. My interest in materials research comes from a desire to understand the underlying mechanisms and principles that dictate material behaviors and properties. In my free time I enjoy playing a wide variety of sports, going out in nature, and spending time with family and friends.
Adele Tadesse

My name is Adele Tadesse, and I am a first-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Virginia. I was born and raised in Addis Ababa until I moved to San Diego, California when I was about 14. I’m still exploring my research interests, but I’m especially curious about nano-materials and their broad applications. Outside of academics, I love playing board games with my friends and dancing whenever I can!

High School Students

Lena Jackson

My name is Lena and I am currently a Senior at Monticello High School! I have lived in Charlottesville my whole life and I am very excited to be a part of the community in a new way through this position. I hope to major in Biology or Biochemistry in college and continue with my passion for research and science. Outside of that, I enjoy watching movies, going to the gym, and expanding my vinyl collection by listening to new music!
Erik Rebhorn

My name is Erik Rebhorn, I am from Charlottesville, Virginia and currently a Junior at Monticello High School. I am interested in the hard sciences as well as certain humanities such as linguistics, economics, and philosophy. In my free time, I like to work on creative projects and play sports like Basketball and Soccer.