Dr. Franziska Treffert Shares Her LaserNetUS Journey in Newly Re-Recorded Talk

LIVERMORE, CA — Dr. Franziska Treffert, a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), has re-recorded her inspiring presentation from the 2024 LaserNetUS meeting, which is now available to a wider audience. In this encouraging and informative talk, Dr. Treffert reflects on her transformative journey as part of the LaserNetUS community and shares the invaluable lessons and experiences that helped shape her scientific career.

During her PhD research focusing on laser-driven neutron sources, Dr. Treffert conducted all her experiments at LaserNetUS facilities and gained hands-on experience with some of the world’s most advanced high-energy laser systems. Through the LaserNetUS network, she partnered with many scientists and other experts from numerous public and private institutions across the globe, and this collaborative environment was crucial to her development as a scientist. In the newly available recording, Dr. Treffert dives deep into how LaserNetUS's mentorship, resources, and opportunities for joint research empowered her to lead her own experiments and make significant contributions to the field.

“The LaserNetUS network was fundamental to helping me grow into the scientist I am today,” says Dr. Treffert. “It not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me the confidence and competence to take on leadership roles in complex experiments and cutting-edge projects. My experience at LaserNetUS taught and still teaches me how to be a better scientist.”

Dr. Treffert completed her PhD at Technische Universität Darmstadt in 2023, focusing on high-repetition-rate, laser-driven neutron sources. Her trailblazing work, which explored both cryogenic and ambient-temperature liquid-jet targets for neutron generation, was conducted in concert with the High-Energy Density Science (HEDS) division at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. She was awarded a prestigious PhD scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, which supported her work for two years. In addition to her research, Dr. Treffert is actively involved in advancing the LaserNetUS community as the Vice Chair of the Data & Diagnostics Committee, giving back to the network that supported her scientific development.

In this re-recorded presentation, Dr. Treffert shares her personal story and highlights the importance of scientific collaboration, leadership, and the role of networks in advancing groundbreaking research. Her insights will resonate with early-career researchers, students, and anyone involved in laser-based high-energy physics.

Don’t miss out on this refreshing talk! Click the preview below to watch Dr. Treffert’s full presentation, or visit the LaserNetUS YouTube channel for this and other recordings.

About Dr. Franziska Treffert
Dr. Franziska Treffert is a postdoctoral researcher in the High-Intensity Laser High-Energy Density (HED) Science group at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Her research focuses on developing high-flux, directional neutron beams using laser-driven processes. In 2023, she earned her PhD from Technische Universität Darmstadt and was awarded a two-year PhD scholarship from the German Academic Scholarship Foundation. A leader in her field, Dr. Treffert has led multiple experiments at LaserNetUS facilities. She continues supporting the network through her LaserNetUS Data & Diagnostics Committee leadership role.

Join us to stay updated on Dr. Treffert and the latest LaserNetUS news!

About LaserNetUS
Founded in 2018, LaserNetUS is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science initiative providing scientists access to a network of high-power laser facilities across the U.S. The program fosters collaboration and supports cutting-edge research in areas such as plasma physics, materials science, and particle acceleration.

Media Contact:
Dr. Chandra Breanne Curry
LaserNetUS Coordinator
ccurry@slac.stanford.edu