Introduction
Today, we’re thrilled to feature John True (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4305-3949), a leading researcher in X-ray reverse engineering of electronics and a dedicated contributor to the NoCTURN Network. With a background in advanced imaging and materials analysis, John has already been instrumental in fostering innovative approaches to tomography within the NoCTURN community. His research not only enhances our understanding of non-clinical X-ray applications but also reinforces NoCTURN’s mission to build a collaborative network of experts.
Background and Career Journey
John’s journey into X-ray reverse engineering began during his undergraduate studies in Materials Science, where he first encountered the power of imaging technology to reveal hidden structures in everyday objects. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he pursued a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, focusing on reconstruction algorithms for interpreting 3D imaging data of electronics assemblies such as printed circuit boards and integrated circuits.
Early in his career, John worked with Axcelis Technologies as a process engineer, honing his skills in industrial semiconductor scanning and computational analysis. These experiences shaped his passion for pushing the boundaries of computational imaging for non-destructive applications. John graduated in August 2024 from the University of Florida and was able to join NoCTURN in November, which aligned with his vision, where he discovered a collaborative environment that shared his enthusiasm for X-ray computed tomography.
Involvement with NoCTURN
Within NoCTURN, John has taken on a variety of roles to advance the network’s mission:
- Project Lead for the Reverse Engineering & Materials Analysis Taskforce, where he coordinates a team of researchers to refine techniques for X-ray-based structural evaluations.
- Collaborator with other members on developing open-source software tools for 3D reconstruction, ensuring NoCTURN’s resources remain accessible to emerging researchers.
- Mentor to students and early-career professionals, offering guidance on topics ranging from practical lab setups to interpreting and visualizing complex data sets.
Through these endeavors, John’s work has led to cross-disciplinary insights, further solidifying NoCTURN as a hub for tomography innovation.
Passion for the Field
John’s passion for X-ray reverse engineering is fueled by the thrill of uncovering hidden details beneath surfaces. He views every sample—whether it’s an archaeological artifact or an aerospace component—as an opportunity to discover something new. By combining materials science, electrical engineering, and software development, John envisions a future where advanced imaging techniques can be applied to almost any research question, bridging gaps between various industries and academic fields.
John is especially excited about the role of machine learning in accelerating data processing, which could revolutionize the speed at which reverse engineered insights are gleaned. For John, the future of non-clinical tomography lies in collaborating across scientific domains to produce more comprehensive data, thereby driving innovation in product design, heritage preservation, and beyond.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of X-ray imaging, John is an avid amateur photographer, often exploring new locations to collect photos of landscapes. On weekends, you might find him hiking in national parks or experimenting with Raspberry Pi devices.
Advice for Emerging Researchers
John’s advice for newcomers to the field is threefold:
- Ask questions: Never underestimate the power of asking “why?” It can lead you down unexpected paths of discovery.
- Collaborate: Seek out experts outside your immediate specialty. Interdisciplinary dialogue often sparks innovations in imaging and analysis.
- Collect tools: Develop a strong foundation in the computational and software aspects of tomography. Mastering the analysis of large amounts of 3D data will be critical for non-clinical tomography itself, along with autonomous driving and robotics in the future.
Final Thoughts
Looking ahead, John hopes to continue driving open science initiatives within NoCTURN, making advanced X-ray reverse engineering tools accessible worldwide. He believes the future of the network lies in its ability to unite passionate individuals from different backgrounds. As he reflects on his journey so far, John remains excited about what’s next for the NoCTURN community and the boundless potential of non-clinical X-ray tomography.
Stay tuned for more inspiring member spotlights as NoCTURN continues to highlight the diverse expertise and contributions within our netw