Oak Ridge National Laboratory Scientist Jennifer Morrell-Falvey Elected AAAS Fellow for Pioneering Molecular Imaging Research

Senior scientist Jennifer Morrell-Falvey is elected as a AAAS Fellow for her groundbreaking work in molecular imaging and plant-microbe interactions at ORNL.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 8:12 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from DOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory

National Recognition for Excellence in Biological Imaging

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has elected Jennifer Morrell-Falvey as a fellow, a distinction reserved for the world’s most impactful scientists and innovators. As a senior staff scientist and group leader for Molecular and Cellular Imaging at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Morrell-Falvey joins a prestigious cadre of 449 total scientists in the latest class. This recognition, according to ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer, reflects her significant contributions to the field and reinforces the laboratory’s mission of fostering innovation. The election highlights her career-long dedication to uncovering the microscopic processes that drive large-scale ecosystem health.

Advancing the Science of Plant-Microbe Interactions

Morrell-Falvey’s primary research focuses on the intricate relationships between plants and microbes, particularly in the subterranean root-soil environment. By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that includes microscopy, molecular genetics, and microbiology, she investigates how microbial biofilms influence the health of their host plants. Her work for the Department of Energy’s Plant-Microbe Interfaces Science Focus Area is critical for understanding how these microscopic exchanges lead to emergent traits in the broader ecosystem. This research provides a foundational understanding of how to manage plant-microbiome interactions to improve environmental resilience and agricultural productivity.

Pioneering Quantum Sensing and Optical Imaging Techniques

Beyond traditional microbiology, Morrell-Falvey is at the forefront of integrating quantum technology into biological research. She currently leads efforts focused on quantum sensing for critical minerals and materials, as well as developing quantum approaches to the optical imaging of microbes. These advanced techniques allow for a more granular view of biological systems than was previously possible, potentially revealing hidden mechanisms in how microbes process nutrients or respond to environmental stressors. By bridging the gap between physics and biology, her work pushes the boundaries of what is visible and measurable at the molecular level.