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About LaserNetUS
![LaserNetUS Logo background image 1](/img/about/bgr-float-1.png)
Our mission is to advance and promote intense ultrafast laser science and applications by:
- Advancing the frontiers of laser-science research;
- Providing students and scientists with broad access to unique facilities and enabling technologies;
- Fostering collaboration among researchers and networks from around the world.
![U.S Department of Energy’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)](/img/about/row-grid-img-1.png)
LaserNetUS supports students
Join the ecosystem
- User Facility Member
- Research Group Member
- Single Investigator Member
- Private Sector Partner
Please contact us.
![Join the ecosystem](/img/about/row-grid-img-2.png)
![Our members include](/img/about/row-grid-img-3-05032024.png)
Our members include
Coordinator
![LasernetUS Coordinator](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/2022-0208-Chandra-Curry-MEC-Hutch-Orrell-21-min.jpg)
Dr. Chandra Breanne Curry, the current LaserNetUS Coordinator, plays a pivotal role in the effective operation and management of the LaserNetUS program. With a keen focus on strategic planning and leadership, Dr. Curry oversees and manages the various initiatives, events, and subcommittees that constitute the LaserNetUS network.
One of Dr. Curry's primary responsibilities is to ensure the smooth functioning of the LaserNetUS committees. She provides guidance and support to the committee chairs, facilitating coordination efforts and ensuring that the program's overarching objectives are met.
As the primary user liaison for the network, Dr. Curry coordinates user support and feedback, ensuring that user needs are addressed promptly and effectively. Her role extends to media relations and outreach, where she presents at conferences and collaborates with subcommittees to disseminate information about LaserNetUS to potential users and stakeholders.
Dr. Curry's collaborates closely with the LaserNetUS Network Facilities Committee and the Scientific Advisory Board to develop long-term plans that identify key areas of research and development. Additionally, she ensures LaserNetUS remains in alignment with the broader strategic goals of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, particularly within the recently established Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) program. Additionally, she oversees the LaserNetUS Proposal Review Process, in close collaboration with the LaserNetUS Proposal Review Panel Chair.
Through her strong leadership and strategic direction, Dr. Curry contributes significantly to the advancement of high-power laser research and development in the United States. Her multifaceted role as LaserNetUS Coordinator underscores her dedication to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of the program.
![U.S Department of Energy](/img/about/team-section-logo-1.png)
![Energy.gov](/img/about/team-section-logo-2.png)
Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)
- Department of Energy
Building a Network we believe in
Below you’ll find the LaserNetUS organizational chart. Navigate on the left-hand side to meet the different committee members, panelists, key players, and contacts who make our organization a success.
LaserNetUS Committees
Network Facilities Committee
I-USE: Intense-light USers Engagment Committee
![Jennifer Elle](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/Jennifer-portrait_thumb-biography-list-big.jpg)
Jennifer Elle
Treasurer
![Farhat Beg](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/Farhat-Beg-Headshot_thumb-biography-list-big.jpg)
Farhat Beg
Student Liaison
Scientific Advisory Board
Diagnostics Committee
![Christine Krauland](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/krauland-portrait_thumb-biography-list-big.jpg)
Christine Krauland
Chair
![David Garand](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/David-Garand_thumb-biography-list-big.jpg)
David Garand
Member
![Maria Pia Valdivia Leiva](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/MPVL_thumb-biography-list-big.png)
Maria Pia Valdivia Leiva
Member
![Bjorn Manuel Hegelich](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/Hegelich-passport-photo-2018-GIST_thumb-biography-list-big.jpeg)
Bjorn Manuel Hegelich
Member
![Ghassan Zeraouli](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/CV-image_thumb-biography-list-big.png)
Ghassan Zeraouli
Member
Simulations Committee
![Alex Arefiev](https://lasernetus.org/thumbs/Alex-Arefiev-portrait_thumb-biography-list-big.jpg)
Alex Arefiev
Member
Proposal Review Panel
Proposal Review
The Proposal Review Panel (PRP) is responsible for the evaluation of LaserNetUS proposals for scientific and technical merit. It was established as an independent and confidential committee to provide unbiased recommendations for awarding experimental time across all participating facilities.
Dr. Arianna Gleason (SLAC/Stanford) is the Chair for Cycles 4-6.
Testimonials
![Frances Kraus](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/francesHeadshot-Nov2023.jpg)
![Image of quotes](/img/pictogramy/quotes-icon.png)
LaserNetUS was invaluable for completing my PhD research in plasma physics from Princeton. The creation of the network not only gave us access to high-quality lasers with capabilities exactly tailored to our goals, but also let me submit a successful proposal as a student researcher. Data from our campaign at Colo. State University made it possible for me to write my thesis and start off a career in high-density plasma physics.
Frances Kraus
Staff Research Physicist, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
![Prof. Philip H. Bucksbaum](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/phil-2-testimonial.jpg)
![Image of quotes](/img/pictogramy/quotes-icon.png)
I’m excited to see how LaserNetUS fills a critical need in North America identified in our NAS report “Opportunities in Intense Ultrafast Lasers: Reaching for the Brightest Light”, to establish and maintain a network of coordinated user facilities where any scientist from academia, national labs, or industry can propose research at a range of complementary petawatt-class lasers. This concept enables and accelerates research across a broad array of fundamental and applied science. The varied science that can benefit from LaserNetUS facilities ranges from elementary particles to high density plasmas, geoscience to medical science, and attosecond physics to high energy astrophysics. The enhanced cooperation and coordination brought about by the network promotes petawatt laser utilization for truly transformative science.
Prof. Philip H. Bucksbaum
Stanford University, Chair of NASEM “Opportunities in Intense Ultrafast Lasers: Reaching for the Brightest Light” report
![Raspberry Simpson](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/Simpson-Raspberry-testimonial.png)
![Image of quotes](/img/pictogramy/quotes-icon.png)
As a graduate student, LaserNetUS has been crucial for both providing me with the means to obtain my thesis data and also the training and expertise from the network of scientists, engineers and staff at these premier laser facilities. I’m very grateful for the access I’ve been able to have at these consortium of laser laboratories and also the opportunity to learn about the exciting research being done at each facility at the annual LaserNetUS meeting.
Raspberry Simpson
Former Graduate Student, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
How we impact Academia and Industry
LaserNetUS powers both academic institutions and the private sector, enabling game-changing research, R&D, and new applications, networking opportunities with strong commercial potential and societal benefits. It also enables the development of a talented workforce needed by national laboratories.
![](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/raspberry-home.jpg)
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![](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/Kraus-04-home.jpg)
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![](https://lasernetus.org/uploads/Balcazar-52117919671-ab11ef7701-o-home.jpg)
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Join LaserNetUS
World Changers Wanted
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