The National Center for Earth and Environmental Nanotechnology (NanoEarth) continues the Meet the Team Series by highlighting Charis Horn, Ph.D. Horn is NanoEarth’s Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) specialist and has a background in geosciences. 

Horn started her academic journey at the University of Oxford, where she earned a Masters in Earth Sciences (MEarthSci) in 2016. During her time there, she played wing and full-back for the Panthers, the women’s 2nd team, at the Oxford Rugby Club. While taking a break from studies and athletics, she spent her time playing oboe in the Trinity College Orchestra. Her MEarthSci propelled her to move across the world to attend Washington University (WashU) in St. Louis, Missouri. There, she pursued a Masters of Arts (MA) and Ph.D. in Earth and Planetary Sciences in 2019 and 2023 respectively. She continued her musical skills in the WashU Symphony Orchestra and started peer mentoring.

Charis Horn playing for the Women’s 2nd Oxford Rugby Team, the Panthers
Charis Horn, Ph.D. playing for the Women’s 2nd Oxford Rugby Team, the Panthers.
Charis Horn during an undergrad field trip to the Gulf of Corinth in Greece to see the largest exposed fault plane on the planet
Charis Horn, Ph.D. during an undergrad field trip to the Gulf of Corinth in Greece to see the largest exposed fault plane on the planet. Photo taken by Hazel Starmer-Jones.

At WashU, Horn researched slow-slip earthquakes through lab simulations. Unexpected phenomena were found for high pressure experiments on mineral talc, a common alteration mineral in faults and fault zones. The evidence for the development of increased porosity could allow for fluids to move through these lithologies, or rock formations, at high pressure. This could make it easier for earthquakes to occur within these lithologies. 

During her graduate studies, Horn’s samples were too small to observe with an optical microscope. This led her to learn how to use various electron microscopes and the techniques to analyze the data. Enjoying running experiments, managing a lab, and assisting students with projects, she found the TEM Specialist opening at NanoEarth. The position led her to a cross-country move, from Missouri to Virginia!

TEM Images of Talc showing porosity development with increasing strain of slow slip earthquakes
TEM Images of Talc showing porosity development with increasing strain of slow slip earthquakes, taken by Charis Horn, Ph.D.

As the NanoEarth TEM Specialist, Horn works with researchers in the Earth and Environmental Sciences. She collects data on the samples using various electron microscopes at Virginia Tech’s Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory (NCFL). Typically, these samples will use a mix of TEM, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the Focused Ion Beam (FIB). Many researchers have recently asked for analysis on materials for green catalysis.

Horn enjoys outdoor activities such as rock climbing and hiking. She also loves to knit, crochet, and hang out with her three cats, Mathilda, Dallas, and Liza! Her current personal goal is to break the record for the number of toys balanced on Liza at one time. Career wise, she hopes to stay in the microscopy field, as she enjoys learning about new emerging techniques.

Charis Horn rock climbing in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas
Charis Horn, Ph.D. rock climbing in Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Arkansas. Photo by Greg Ledingham.
Liza the cat with 15 toys balanced on her
Charis Horn, Ph.D.’s cat Liza breaking a record of 15 balanced toys.

Horn’s advice to young researchers is to “do what feels right”. Pursue a career you want to be actively present for. Apply to jobs that peak your interest, even if they deviate from the traditional roles expected of your degree. To find a great role, she networked by conducting informal interviews with professionals in fields she had an interest in, learning about their day to day duties and joining the Microanalysis Society (MAS). These networking opportunities laid the foundation of confidence for applying to diverse roles and finding her current position at NanoEarth.

Related Content