From Concept to Beamline:
Leading the MVP Workstation for Neutron Scattering at ORNL
The Core Issue and product vision
Problem: The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) lacked the ability to perform online measurements during neutron scattering experiments.
Impact: External researchers could not fully utilize the beamline resource, leading to under‑utilization and missed scientific opportunities.
Product Vision: Transform the SNS into a more accessible, productive, and globally competitive research facility by enabling real‑time, online measurements.
My Roles and Responsibilities
Capture user pain points, translated those into technical specifications
Initiated the concept and developed MVP
Oversaw prototype validation, user training, and documentation
MVP
Conceptualize by using AutoCAD
Assembled the prototype as MVP
Validated MVP through rigorous test
Achievement
Results in $52M additional funding from government
30% increase in user applications
>500 additional first-time users per year
Customer Personas
Dr. Emily Carter, Professor, Princeton University
Goal: Publish high‑impact papers using neutron technology.
Pain Points:
Limited beam time
Online measurement
Long turnaround between experiments and data
Quote: “Beam time is precious. If I can’t see results as I go, I risk losing weeks of work and missing my proposal deadlines.”
Rajesh Patel, R&D Manager at an Energy Company
Goal: Use neutron scattering to test catalysts under operating conditions.
Pain Points:
Needs real‑time monitoring
Online measurement
Quote: “My company invests heavily in these experiments. Without real‑time data, it’s hard to prove value to leadership.”
Dr. Yongqiang Chu, Instrument Scientist at SNS
Goal: Support external users, maximize throughput.
Pain Points:
Users cannot get the data they need in one cycle.
Facility metrics (utilization, publications) suffer when experiments fail.
Quote: “When users leave without usable data, it reflects poorly on us. Online measurement would transform their success rate.”