Education:

Ph.D. in Chemical Physics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, August 1998.
Thesis: Study of the Structure of the ⁸B Nucleus.
Advisor: Distinguished Professor David J. Morrissey

B. S. in Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, May 1992.
Thesis: Construction and Testing of ISiS, a 4pi Charged-Particle Detector for Nuclear Fragmentation Studies.
Advisor: Distinguished Professor Victor E. Viola, Jr.

Experience:

Graduate Research Assistant, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, September 1992-Present.

• Proposed, designed, and performed first inverse-kinematics reaction studies using exotic nuclei at the NSCL. These experiments required the organization of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and technicians, and utilized a complex array of nuclear particle detectors, electronic instrumentation, and data acquisition computers.
• Conducted research for dissertation to study the structure of the ⁸B nucleus. Analysis of these experiments included the manipulation of large data sets, Monte Carlo computer modeling, and theoretical calculations of nuclear reaction probabilities.
• Designed and constructed testing station for position sensitive nuclear particle detectors. This included design and fabrication of a constant-pressure gas flow system, high-vacuum lines, and novel high-speed data acquisition electronics.
• Pioneered use of commercial PC-based data acquisition system at the NSCL. This included writing computer code that is currently in general use at the laboratory for detector and electronics testing.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Chemistry, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, September 1992-May 1992.

• Taught laboratory course in general chemistry. This responsibility brought extensive interaction with students through explanation and supervision of safety procedures, laboratory techniques, and analysis of results.
• Taught general chemistry recitation course. This was the first implementation of CAPA in a chemistry course: a computer-based homework and exam system. In addition to my teaching duties, I was responsible for initial testing of the system, as well as familiarizing the students with its use.

Undergraduate Research Assistant, Indiana University Cyclotron Facility (IUCF), Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, May 1991-August 1992.

• Participated in the construction and testing of ISiS, a spherical detector array designed to study nuclear fragmentation. My research included the design and building of electronic circuitry for extended testing of silicon photodiodes, which revealed a long-term instability of diodes from a certain manufacturer. The term of my research extended from early test-of-concept experiments, through component testing and fabrication, to final assembly and early experiments using the detector system.

Other Experience:

• Volunteered as a presenter for Michigan State University's Science Theater Program, an outreach program to educate elementary level students through the use of science demonstrations, 1994-1996.
• Served as graduate representative on the NSCL Safety Committee, participating in the formation and implementation of safety policy for this national laboratory, 1994-1997.
• Served as a member of the Graduate Orientation Committee, coordinating orientation activities for incoming graduate students, 1993-1996.

• Ability to make cogent presentations of technical material in both formal and casual settings. Excellent technical writing skills. Ability to clearly explain technical material to a non-technical audience.
• Broad experience with FORTRAN and REXX programming languages, VMS, OS/2, and Windows operating systems. Experience with HTML and CGI Internet programming. Working knowledge of Java and C Languages and UNIX and Macintosh operating systems. Extensive experience in the use of personal computer systems and most of their popular software.
• Experience with electronic data acquisition systems and computer interfaces, including NIM and CAMAC systems.
• Familiar with the design and use of high-vacuum systems.
• Extensive experience with most types of nuclear particle detection systems, including organic and inorganic scintillators, semiconductor, and gas-ionization detectors.

Publications and Presentations