We are growing: material scientist is 100th modalities expert

We recently welcomed our 100th expert on our modalities platform. Jan Reimers, material scientist at HEREON and Forschungszentrum Jülich, joined our Helmholtz Imaging Network. We met with Jan to learn more about his motivation to join Modalities.

HI: Congratulations, Jan! You are our 100th modalities expert. What made you join Modalities and register as an expert?

Jan: I think my main motivation for joining Modalities and registering as an expert is networking. It seems like a promising way of expanding one’s own field of research by connecting with other experts and gaining new insights and ideas. Additionally, it can attract new research opportunities by sharing own findings and collaborate on projects with other experts.

How did you learn about Helmholtz Imaging?

I had the opportunity to attend the Joint Lab Model and Data Driven Material Characterization (JL MDMC) workshop in Jülich in March 2023. David Schwartz gave an interesting introduction on Helmholtz Imaging and the Modalities webpage, which motivated me to sign up.

And what is your current research focus?

Currently, my research is focused on developing a correlative workflow that combines in situ SRnanoCT with TEM techniques to study the biodegradation of magnesium-based implants at high resolution. By merging the data obtained from both analytical methods, I aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of the material behavior at the nanoscale, spanning across four orders of magnitude. My PhD, which is part of the Joint Lab Model and Data Driven Materials characterization, represents a collaboration between Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, where I perform the SRnanoCT measurements, and Forschungszentrum Jülich, where the electron microscopy is performed. As such, it presents a unique opportunity to learn from the imaging experts in both fields.

Can you tell us where you see the biggest challenges in the field of imaging science?

Correlative imaging definitely comes with a number of challenges when it comes to finding regions of interest (ROI) that you identified in one imaging technique and preparing this for another. There, sample preparation is a critical aspect that requires careful consideration to ROI identification, tracking, and matching between imaging modalities.

Is there anything we can support you with to succeed in your daily work and/or research?

I have already benefitted from Helmholtz Imaging, because I make use of the neural networks for image classification developed within. In situ SRnanoCT imaging yields a large amount of 3D datasets in a short time and so automated image classification is very important for me to quantitatively analyze my data. I will also benefit more, because Helmholtz Imaging has funded the project SmartPhase between DESY, Hereon, HZDR and HZB to improve the phase retrieval algorithms that I require for the processing of my data. This currently presents a major bottleneck for my analysis.

Thank you for having a chat with us! We wish you much success with your research.

Visit Jan’s profile on Helmholtz Imaging Modalities!

Discover SmartPhase and other Helmholtz Imaging Projects

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About Modalities
Helmholtz Imaging Modalities is the heart of the Helmholtz Imaging Network, collecting the imaging universe of the Helmholtz Association, from satellites to synchrotrons, from world leading imaging experts to uprising PhD students. Find partners for solutions and collaborators for innovative projects, and get found as a partner with expertise on cutting-edge instruments and scientific applications in the Helmholtz Association.

Join us to complete the public picture of the Imaging Expertise in the Helmholtz Association! Become a member of the Helmholtz Imaging Network! If you are affiliated to one of the Helmholtz Centers, we invite you to add your profile, your modalities and your applications to the website (just use your home institutions credentials): https://modalities.helmholtz-imaging.de/

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