Recalling his own challenges as a student grappling with the complexities of X-ray diffraction, Anton Dmitrienko was determined to make the field more accessible as one of the organizers of the 17th Canadian Powder Diffraction Workshop, May 3 to 6 on the UWindsor campus.

The event attracted academic and industrial participants and featured instructors from Canada, the United States, and Europe to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in crystallography — the study of the arrangement of atoms in solids — through scientific discussions, hands-on demonstrations, tutorials, and networking opportunities.

“Many acknowledged that the workshop was extremely useful, and it ignited an interest in powder X-ray diffraction that will not be quenched any time soon,” said Dr. Dmitrienko, a research fellow working in the group of chemistry and biochemistry professor Nick Vukotic.

Interaction of X-ray beams with crystalline powders results in diffraction patterns used to study crystalline structures and other physical properties of solids.

Dmitrienko hopes that teaching these concepts in a more intuitive manner will help dispel the misconception that the field is reserved for a select few. He said the inspiring sight of participants — some with no prior knowledge — quickly grasping advanced techniques is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of the instructors and lecturers.

By facilitating connections between academia and industry, workshops like this have the potential to cultivate fruitful collaborations and drive scientific breakthroughs in the future, Dmitrienko said.