Sarah Chinn
About Sarah Chinn
Sarah Chinn is a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where she has worked since 2002. She has held various leadership roles, including directing multiple postdoc programs and leading teams focused on materials science and forensics.
Work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Sarah Chinn has been employed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory since 2002, currently holding the position of Staff Scientist. Throughout her tenure, she has led various teams and initiatives, including the Materials Science & Chemistry Team. Chinn has also served as the Group Leader for the Forensic Science & Assessments Group from 2014 to 2016 and as Deputy Group Leader for the Forensics & Assessment Support Group from 2010 to 2014. Her leadership roles have included directing the Non Nuclear Materials Team for Enhanced Surveillance from 2006 to 2019 and leading the Weapon Material Compatibility & Aging Group as Program Element Leader from 2006 to 2010.
Education and Expertise
Sarah Chinn holds a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Davis, where she studied from 1997 to 2002. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in National Security Affairs from Texas A&M University in 2013. Chinn completed her undergraduate studies at Mount Holyoke College, achieving a B.A. in Chemistry with High Honors from 1993 to 1997. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in materials science and chemistry, particularly in relation to national security and forensic science.
Leadership in Postdoctoral Programs
Chinn directed the Chemistry & Materials Science Postdoc Program from 2004 to 2006 and the Physical and Life Sciences Postdoc Program from 2016 to 2020. These roles involved overseeing postdoctoral researchers and facilitating their professional development within the laboratory. Her leadership in these programs reflects her commitment to fostering scientific research and mentoring emerging scientists in the field.
Research Experience at UC Davis
Before joining Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sarah Chinn worked at the University of California, Davis, as a Graduate Student and Research Assistant from 1997 to 2002. During this time, she gained valuable research experience in physical chemistry, contributing to her expertise in the field. This foundational experience has informed her subsequent work in materials science and chemistry.