Dr. Scott A Speakman, Ph.D

Principal Scientist

About Dr. Scott A Speakman

Dr. Scott A. Speakman, Ph.D, is a Principal Scientist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Dr. Speakman specializes in X-ray diffraction and scattering, with particular interest for in situ and in operando analysis of inorganic materials. As a Principal Scientist, Dr. Speakman collaborates with researchers to adapt X-ray diffraction analyses to challenging new material systems and processes, such as additive manufacturing, electrochemical materials, and metal-organic frameworks.

When not working, Scott spends a lot of time on the floor or in the woods playing with his two young children and four dogs.

Dr. Scott A Speakman

Career pathway

Scott A Speakman, Ph.D., joined Malvern Panalytical as Principal Scientist in 2014. Prior to joining the company, Dr. Speakman managed the X-ray Shared Experimental Facility at MIT. He earned his Ph.D. from Alfred University, where he worked with Prof. Scott Misture on in situ X-ray diffraction analysis of ionic conductors for solid oxide fuel cells. He also was a post-doctoral research associate with the Diffraction and Thermophysical Properties group at Oak Ridge National Lab.

In each of these positions, Dr. Speakman was primarily responsible for helping other researchers use X-ray diffraction and scattering for their projects, giving Dr. Speakman exposure to a broad variety of research topics. Dr. Speakman’s own research has focused on structural analysis of materials for fuel cells and hydrogen storage, particularly through the use of in situ X-ray diffraction.

X-ray diffraction is a 100+ year old technique that is still invaluable to studying the most novel and innovative material problems of today, but the techniques and instrumentation must continuously adapt to these new challenges. Working in and managing user facilities, there were times when Dr. Speakman couldn’t help a researcher do the experiment that they wanted; as Principal Scientist at Malvern Panalytical, Dr. Speakman focuses on each measurement that was not possible and figuring out how it could be done.

Research & expertise

Dr. Speakman is a Fellow of the International Center for Diffraction Data, is a former chair of the ICDD subcommittee on Micro- and Meso-Porous Materials, and was awarded a 2013 Infinite Mile Award for extraordinary service to MIT.

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