Clemson University

I am  trained on Magnetic Rotational Spectroscopy (MRS) as a technique to observe phenomena magnetic nanorods for surface characterization under the leadership of Dr. Kostya Kornev. MRS is a technique which can be utilized to identify the viscosity of new materials via a rotating magnetic field. In the the custom setup using LabVIEW to interface the device with a computer, we  calibrate the device to subtract the ambient magnetic field of the Earth and objectives of the microscope, which are slightly magnetized. Imaging in Flycapture at a certain FPS allows for data to be obtained and obtain the critical frequency of oscillations with  a MatLAB program for image analysis and fitting to the equation of interest. Addtionally, characterization via Kruss K-100 for surface tension, Drop Shape Analysis (DSA) for contact angle and surface tension, rheometer, and extensional rheology are used in tandem to understand the micro and macro rheology of polymers and biological materials. The rheology and surface properties of materials are examined in this lab.

Graduate Research Assistant

Appalachian State University

I am helping students learn physics in introductory physics courses as a tutor in the Physics Learning Lab. In order to assist students in learning, I use the Internet, whiteboards, textbooks, and colleagues to increase their knowledge through examples. These methods engage the students and deepen their understanding. The goal of a tutor is not direct answers to students. Rather, their intuition for certain formulas may be confused when encountering a subject for the first time. A student can always learn a difficult subject. Beginning in August of 2023, I advanced in my role from assistant undergraduate tutor to Peer Tutoring Coordinator (PTC). During this time, I lead the physics learning lab in managing shifts, monthly meeting, timesheet issues, and creating questions for interviews. Addtionally, the position taught me more on how to manage and maintain responsibility for workers, mentoring new tutors, and grew my ability in leadership under stressful situations  .

Peer Tutoring Coordinator for Physics Learning Lab August 2023-May 2024

I am assisting Dr. James Sherman in grading homework assignments for environmental physics. During the week, I spend approximately 5 hours each week grading. Through the experience,  I am learning time management, responsibility, accountability, and punctuality.

Grader for Environmental Physics (PHY 3140)

University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute

I worked under the mentorship of Dr. Phillip Rack and his material science PhD candidates, Jack Lasseter and Spencer Gellerup. During this time, we characterized transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).  TMDs have properties from use in photovoltaics, semiconductors, and integrated circuits (ICs). Specially, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was chosen and we discovered its properties via electron beam induced etching (EBIE) with a xenon difluoride (XeF2) precursor on a silicone disulfide (SiO2) wafer. EBIE of MoS2 could lead to another method of producing ICs on a larger scale. We confirmed monolayer thickness with atomic force microscopy (AFM) tomography. An end point monitor allowed us to see the progression of the etch with respect to the amount of passes. 350 passes allowed for preferential etching of the flakes without damaging the substrate. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the preferential etching by decrease in intensity to 0 of the A1g and E12g vibrational modes at 350 passes.  Raman spectroscopy and EBIE were performed at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) under the leadership of Dr. Steven Randolph. Daniel Narcho and I presented together and each made individual posters. Presentations and posters are available upon request.

UT-ORII Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMaRT) Program

I am learning nanofabrication and photolithography experimental techniques through job shadowing and hands-on experience. In addition, I am learning how to use ion microscopes, electron microscopes, wafer processing, sputtering techniques, X-Ray Diffraction, chemical vapor deposition processes (CVD), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrosphy (EDX). Electron and ion microscopes can magnify to the micron and nanometer range. The research skills are being taught at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)'s Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CMNS) and Institute for Advanced Materials Manufacturing (IAMM). At the CMNS/IAMM, Jack Lasseter and Reese Emery are graduate assistants mentoring techniques of instrumentation and promoting professional development on an ilk of levels. Specifically, the Nanofabrication Research Laboratory (NRL) is where we are conducting most of the research in a cleanroom setting of class 100/1000. The nanofabrication methods can be applied to the creation of microchips and applying materials science principles to challenge Moore's Law of Transistors. For our project with Reece and Jack, Dr. Steven Randolph and Dr. Phillip Rack were our PIs for further guidance and assistance. Daniel Narcho, Gabriel Watson, and I presented "Focused Electron Beam and Laser Induced Deposition of Gold Nanostructures". We explored deposition of an ACAC precursor onto a laser to create nanostructures with optoelectrical properties.  Each group member created a scientific poster for the conference at the end of the internship on August 3rd-August 4th. Presentations and posters are available upon request.

I earned my undergraduate degree at Appalachian State enrolled in a Ph.D. program in materials science/material physics. This will assist for  working in the government sector such as the National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Defense (DoD), or Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). I am an Eagle Scout with Eagle Palms. I research with The Biophysics and Optical Sciences Facility (BiyOSeF) and is a tutor for University Tutorial Services (UTS) and the Student Learning Center (SLC). I conducted research with the University of Tennessee Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) Student Mentoring and Research Training (SMaRT) internship from May 2022-August 2022 and May 2023-August 2023. Additionally, I  earned a Bachelor of Science in applied physics with a minor in mathematics with a 3.33 GPA. Learn from the past to prepare for the future. I am on the Autism Spectrum (ASD).
ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0009-0006-0473-3887

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