Jason Gombas – 2016

Refining the r-process Described by Theoretical Models Research Advisor: Dr. Paul DeYoung Where did all of the heavy elements originate? The rapid neutron capture process (r-process), currently only characterized by theoretical calculations, model the nuclear reactions that lead to heavier nuclei in intense astrophysical locations such as supernovas. Experimenting with the few reactions reproducible on …

Anna Lunderberg – 2016

Exploring the Effects of Copper on Composition and Charge Storage of Prussian Blue Analogue Pseudocapacitors Research Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Hampton As energy usage has increased in recent years, there has been great demand for efficient, cost-effective, and earth-abundant materials to be used for energy storage. The ability to produce hexacyanoferrate (HCF) modified nickel film for …

Richard Huizen – 2016

Evidence for Distinct Sources of Superconducting Nonlinearity Research Advisor: Dr. Stephen Remillard The nonlinear response of cuprate superconducting devices present technological hurdles and scientific opportunities.  Intermodulation Distortion (IMD) generated by the nonlinear response is usually undesirable in superconducting devices, however, some devices leverage IMD to their advantage.  By analyzing the magnetic relaxation of IMD in …

Andrew Johnson – 2015

Impact of the Ferroelectric Polarization State on Conductivity Through Thin-film SrTiO3/Si Heterostructures Research Advisor: Dr. Joshua Veazey Certain thin-film ferroelectric oxide-semiconductor heterostructures allow for reversible, local changes in conductivity, with potential applications including non-volatile memory devices. Force microscopy techniques were used to investigate the impact of the ferroelectric polarization state on local conductive properties of …

Margaret Dickinson – 2015

Development of a Novel Method to Measure Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substances in Paper and Textiles Research Advisor: Dr. Paul DeYoung and Dr. Graham Peaslee Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are chemical compounds used as powerful, long-lived surfactants in many consumer products. Because of the environmental persistence of PFASs, their ability to bioaccumulate, and their suspected …