Joshua Wagner, a graduate student with the Steve Sibener Group, has been named the recipient of the distinguished Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Award from the AVS (American Vacuum Society). This award recognizes and encourages excellence in graduate studies across the diverse sciences and technologies that fall within the AVS's purview, making it one of the most significant honors for graduate research.
Wagner was recognized for his impactful research titled, "Elucidating the stability of 2D moiré materials and reaction dynamics in the heterogeneous catalysis of N₂ on Ru(0001) through reactive scattering and STM,” , which explores the stability of super-thin materials known as 2D moiré materials and investigates how nitrogen gas reacts on a ruthenium surface, a process crucial for creating products like fertilizers.
Established in 2002, the Dorothy M. and Earl S. Hoffman Award honors Dorothy M. Hoffman, a former AVS president and dedicated leader. Wagner’s recognition comes with a cash prize, a commemorative certificate, and travel support to this year’s AVS International Symposium in September, offering a valuable platform for promising scientists like Wagner to present their impactful research.