In 2016, FRIB and NSCL initiated the FRIB Visiting Scholar Program for Experimental Science. The goal of the program is to encourage and help junior researchers to establish a research program at FRIB/NSCL.

The award supports short-term stays at FRIB/NSCL for junior/non-tenured faculty or staff members. The award consists of a stipend of $5,000 intended for travel and local expenses.

This year, two visiting awards were given: Michelle Kuchera from Davidson College in North Carolina and Kyle Leach from the Colorado School of Mines.

Kuchera is a computational physicist with research interests in machine learning, nuclear physics, and algorithm development for data analysis. She focuses on applying these methods to improve analyses of large datasets in nuclear physics experiments. Leach performs nuclear structure studies relevant to tests of the Standard Model.