Abram Ledbetter
Diversity Specialist and Research Fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory
Abram Ledbetter obtained his PhD in Applied Physics from University of Michigan in 2017, having completed his dissertation work exploring optoelectronic properties of isolated conjugated polymers at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). After completing a postdoctoral appointment at BNL focused on development of x-ray diffractive optics, with the National Synchrotron Light Source-II (NSLS-II), he transitioned to his present role as Diversity Specialist and Research Fellow - a unique hybrid position which allows him to split time between two of his passions: diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and scientific research. He is a strong advocate for expanding and sustaining the STEM pipeline for underrepresented (URM) minorities in research programs and activities within the DOE complex from K12 outreach to faculty-supported research, and actively mentors URM college and graduate students. As the 2020-2021 Chair of the Users’ Executive Committee for the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) at Brookhaven National Lab, he represents the facility concerns and needs of those researchers who use the CFN facility. He also sits on the Advisory Board for DOE’s Recapitalization Project for Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs) and the International Advisory Council for the African Light Source Foundation. He has active memberships with APS, OSA and the National Society of Black Physicists.
