Haiyan Li

Dr. Haiyan Li is currently focusing on the development of semiconductor nanostructure-based electrical devices for green energy as well as the advancement of nanoparticale-based vaccines against cancer. He learned analytical chemistry and organic chemistry in his undergraduate work. Then he researched on catalytic synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube array and earned a master’s degree in physical chemistry. Later, he successfully modulated the electrical and mechanical properties of epoxy resins using functionalized SiO2 nanoaprticles. After he received his PhD in microelectronics and solid state electronics, he worked as an assistant professor for two years in Tianjin University. During this time, his research focused on the fabrication of carbon nanotube based flat display (Co-PI, supported by TSTC of China) and micro-machining of nanostructures using Femtosecond lasers (PI, supported by NSF of China).

Outside of work, his hobbies include singing, soccer, swimming, ping pang, and U-pick.

Devon McClain

Devon is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Applied Physics. His research focuses on the development of nanometrology, specifically the influence of temperature, pressure, ambient gas composition, and light exposure on the electrical and structural characteristics of nanomaterials and nanoelectronics, such as carbon nanotube field effect transistors. Devon holds a master's in materials science from the University of Oregon and a bachelors' degrees in physics, math, and history from California Institute of Technology. Devon leads a seven-person research team. This team is working on a collaborative project with Intel to develop next-generation nanoelectronics. Devon is also responsible for metrology tool development and procurement, grant writing (NSF, NIST, ONAMI, etc.), and project development. In the future, Devon aims to conduct nanotechnology research with an emphasis on photonics and metrology in the private sector.

When not in the lab, Devon is quite the outdoorsman. He enjoys skiing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, off-road cycling, woodworking, poetry, and astronomy. His favorite place in Oregon is Moccasin Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Jianfeng Wu

Jianfeng received a bachelor's in computer science from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China and masters' degrees in Physics from Sichuan University and PSU. He is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Applied Physics. Jianfeng's research focuses on a novel approach for controlled fabrication of micro-gated carbon nanotube field emitter arrays and their electrical property characterizations. Potential applications of this research includes flat panel displays, high frequency amplifiers, high voltage and high temperature electronics, portable x-ray sources, and multiple electron-beam lithography.

The main objectives of Jianfeng's research are to (1) develop MG-CNT-FEAs of various configurations using a combined FIB and CVD technique; (2) characterize the field emission behaviors of the fabricated MG-CNT-FEAs; (3) optimize the fabrication procedures to maximize the MG-CNT-FEAs performance; and (4) explore procedures for the large-scale manufacture of MG-CNT-FEAs while scaling down the size of their single components (unit cells).

In Jianfeng's free time, he enjoys traveling to Crater Lake, the Columbia River Gorge, Silver Falls, Mt. Hood and the rose test garden; swimming; and eating delicious food. For more information about Jianfeng and his research and publications, visit his website.

Micah Eastman

Micah is pursuing a Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Materials Physics. His research focuses on dopant mechanisms and effects in ZnO nanowires as well as hybrid materials for solar cell and bio-device applications. Micah is highly skilled at transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis techniques and often works on other projects that require electron microscopy characterization.

Micah is currently president of PSU's Physics Club & Society of Physics Students local chapter. He is also a member of Microscopy Society of America, American Physical Society, Society of Physics Students, and Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society. Other interests include computers and networking, electronics, and network and information security.

Nicole Thomas

Nicole earned a master's of science in Physics from Chemnitz University of Technology. She also received a diploma in Electrical Engineering from Portland State University. Currently, Nicole is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Physics at Portland State. Her career goals include working on research & design of electronic devices. In Dr. Jiao's lab, Nicole works with carbon nanotube field effect transistors and is responsible for CNT growth, thin film deposition, SEM imaging, and electrical characterization.

She is a member of the German Physical Society. In Nicole's free time, she enjoys hiking, baking, reading, knitting, and running.

Timothy Gutu

Tim has almost completed his Ph.D. in Physics and is currently working on his dissertation. After graduation, Tim hopes to work in research & development and teach. Since receiving a master's degree from the University of Zimbabwe in Applied Physics, Tim has been researching the physics of semiconductor nanoscale materials and the application of these materials in optoelectronics and device fabrication. His doctoral research investigated diatom-inspired semiconductor nanomaterials synthesis and applications.

As a research assistant, Tim is responsible for fabricating and characterizing Si-Ge nanocomposites, initiating and developing the chemical synthesis and characterization (TEM, SEM, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, Raman spectroscopy) of hybrid semiconductor-biosilica composites, teaching and training users in operating and aligning the transmission electron microscope, and maintaining and troubleshooting TEM problems to name a few. Tim is also a member of the American Physical Society, Microscopy Society of America, and Material Research Society. In his free time, Tim enjoys sports, reading, exploring nature, and frequenting the Oregon Zoo and Mt. Hood.

Mohammad Atif Usman

Mohammad recently joined Dr. Jiao's lab from the Electrical Engineering Department and will soon transfer into the Physics Department to pursue a Ph.D. degree. Mohammad received both bachelor's and master's degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah. He is currently working to better understand dye-sensitized solar cell devices and their application, as well as operational procedures for the CVD 300 to successfully automate growth of nanostructures in the LPCVD system.

In the future, Mohammad hopes to continue working in the nanotechnology field, specifically working with nanostructured devices, dye-sensitized solar cells, and nanowire-based devices. He is a member of the IEEE and American Physical Society. In his free time, Mohammad admits he needs to explore Oregon and the Pacific Northwest more, but for now he enjoys table tennis, cricket, reading, jogging, swimming, and sight seeing.

Josh Green

Josh recently completed a master's degree and immediately started working toward a Ph.D. in Applied Physics. His project studies CNT properties in the THz spectrum. Josh is responsible for CNT growth and characterization, including THz spectroscopy and characterization.

When not researching, writing, or volunteering to teach REU students how to operate the SEM, Josh enjoys composing music, playing the piano, writing, running, bicycling, and, of course, working on his 1964 Beetle. In the event the Beetle works, Josh heads due west to the coast.

Rebecca Schaller

After completing a bachelor's in Spanish, Rebecca applied to the Research Experience for Undergraduates program and discovered her passion for science and research. Rebecca is now working toward a master's in Physics and plans to continue her education in pursuit of a Ph.D. Rebecca's research project is in collaboration with Oregon State University and involves the nanomodification of microbial fuel cells. She is responsible for the synthesis, optimization, and characterization of nanostructures. Rebecca is a member of the Society of Physics Students.

Jennifer Knutson

Jennifer received an associate’s degree from Edmonds Community College. Currently, she is pursuing a bachelor's in Liberal Studies with a minor in Technical Writing at PSU and will continue at PSU to earn her master's in Professional and Technical Writing.

Having a background in project management, technical writing, and document design, Jennifer most recently worked in the fields of medical manufacturing and energy. In the future, she hopes to continue pursuing freelance work in editing and document design and is also considering teaching in a university setting.

As the REU program assistant, Jennifer is responsible for coordinating the REU program, including communications, event scheduling, and grant writing. She will also be working with the physics department in teaching InDesign, a powerful graphic design program, enabling the team to make professional documents, such as conference posters. Jennifer belongs to the Society for Technical Communication, Willamette Valley Chapter. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys reading, cooking, and riding her motorcycle.

Tri Nguyen

As an undergraduate working on a dual degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics, Tri is already taking on many responsibilities in the lab. Tri works with Devon on the Intel project and focuses on oxygen absorption on carbon nanotube field effect transistors (CNTFETs). Tri is charged with measuring CNTFETs at various controlled environments and observing doping effects, such as light excitation or donor/acceptor gases.

Tri is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and VOGA. He also co-founded and serves as the president of the Vietnamese Oregon Golf Association. Naturally, his hobbies include golf, fishing, bowling, and traveling.

James Hoffman

James' skills are invaluable to the lab: He is the go-to computer man. James works on UHV probe station automation and Raman defect mapping visualization. Currently, he is working toward a bachelor's in Computer Science. In his free time, he enjoys motorcycles, computer animation, specifically 3D modeling and special effects, and exploring the outdoors.

Walter Hudson

Walter is working on a dual degree in Electrical Engineering and Physics with a focus on electromagnetics and optics at Portland State University. After he completes his undergraduate degree, Walter plans to continue his education and work toward a Ph.D. In Dr. Jiao's lab, Walter characterizes and studies carbon nanotube field effect transistors with high resolution Raman spectroscopy. Specifically, he works on electrical characterizations and Raman mapping and spectral acquisition of functional carbon nanotube field effect transistors.

When data filtering and analysis becomes too much to bear, Walter frequents the local health club and can often be found playing racquetball. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling and loves visiting Cape Lookout Point and Punch Bowl Falls/ Eagle Creek.