My research interests are at the interface of physics, chemistry, and materials science and are focused on understanding and controlling the fabrication of metallic thin films and nanostructures. I utilize and extend scanning probe microscopes and electrochemistry techniques to explore the various facets of this interdisciplinary research.
Demonstrating the Electrochemical
Workstation
My current research objectives involve understanding, exploiting, and manipulating the formation processes involved in the electrochemical deposition of metallic thin films. Specifically, I employ electrodeposition to fabricate single and multi-component thin films composed of magnetic and nonmagnetic materials and characterize them with atomic force microscopy. With the insight gleaned from this investigation, I will then be able to tailor the micro/nanoscale structure of these films for specific applications such as magnetic read heads in computer hard drives. The atomic force micrsoscopy measurements are in collaboration with Erin Flater at Luther College and Kumar Sinniah at Calvin College.
A second project involves the electrodeposition of metallic nanowires on graphite substrates and their characterization with scanning tunneling microscopy. This project is in collaboration with Chad Sosolik at Clemson University.
Positions are available in the Surface Lab for interested students. Contact me for more information.
Other Information
Presentations from the Surface Group
Schedule for use of the Epsilon Electrochemical Workstation
List of publications
Past research from my undergraduate days until now