Session B5: Mentoring Undergraduate Research

Using seminar-based instruction to convey contemporary research to undergraduates

This abstract not available.   

Flocking and self-defense: experiments and simulations of avian mobbing

We have performed motion capture studies in the field of avian mobbing, in which flocks of prey birds harass predatory birds. Our empirical studies cover both field observations of mobbing occurring in mid-air, where both predator and prey are in flight, and an experimental system using actual prey birds and simulated predator ``perch and wait'' strategies. To model our results and establish the effectiveness of mobbing flight paths at minimizing risk of capture while optimizing predator harassment, we have performed computer simulations using the actual measured trajectories of mobbing prey birds combined with model predator trajectories. To accurately simulate predator motion, we also measured raptor acceleration and flight dynamics, well as prey-pursuit strategies. These experiments and theoretical studies were all performed with undergraduate research assistants in a liberal arts college setting. This work illustrates how biological physics provides undergraduate research projects well-suited to the abilities of physics majors with interdisciplinary science interests and diverse backgrounds.   

Involving undergraduates in interdisciplinary research: The physics of biomineralization

Biominerals include mollusk shells, the skeletons of sea urchins, corals, mammals, etc. Their formation mechanisms fascinate physicists, materials scientists, and chemists because they result in materials more robust than their components, with exquisitely intricate nano-structures, fill space more than synthetic nanoparticles, and directly control phase transitions. Because of the fundamental nature of research on the physical aspects of biominerals, their formation mechanisms, the potential for future bio-inspired materials synthesis, and the aesthetic beauty of biomineral structures, students of all ages are interested in biomineralization. While describing the involvement of undergraduates in this research, my talk will address two key questions: Q: How do biominerals achieve the beautiful morphologies we observe? A: By forming through amorphous precursor phases, with morphology and phase transitions directly under biological control [1, 2]. Q: How do organisms order their biominerals to be single-crystalline? A: By controlling crystal growth at the nanoscale, not atom by atom [3, 4]. \\[4pt] [1] Y Politi et al PNAS 105, 17362 (2008). \\[0pt] [2] AV Radha et al PNAS 107, 16438 (2010). \\[0pt] [3] RA Metzler et al PRL 98, 268102 (2007). \\[0pt] [4] PUPA Gilbert et al JACS 130, 17519 (2008).   

Processing and Characterization of New Materials at Pomona College with External Collaborations

My research program focuses on the evolution of novel lithographic, growth, and characterization processes for use with thin films for microelectronics and photovoltaic technologies. We have established facilities at Pomona College for wet chemistry, spin coating, thermal evaporation,~micro-contact printing, ultra violet ozone cleaning, oxygen plasma cleaning, Au/Pd sputter coating, critical point drying, optical microscopy, optical lithography, ellipsometry, spectral reflectance, electrical conductivity, current-voltage characterization, atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, electron microscopy, electron beam lithography, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Active collaborations with researchers at Cornell University and at Ris{\o} National Laboratory for Sustainable Energy (in Denmark) keep the research program vibrant and relevant. Since 2001, I have been an active member of the Cornell Center for Nanoscale Systems. Recent research and publications have focused on carbon nanotubes, graphene sheets, and organic photovoltaics. Pomona College students have played significant roles in all these projects, as well as in the development of our facilities. Connections to a wide range of researchers are invaluable not only for scientific discussions, but provide many opportunities for summer REU internships for my research students. This provides valuable training, access to facilities, and seeds future collaborations. Collaborations at Cornell span 15 years including two sabbatical years and regular summer visits to work at sites such as the Cornell Nanofabrication Facility, the Cornell Center for Materials Research, and the Cornell Center for Nanoscale Systems.   

Mentoring undergraduates for experimental research in physic

This abstract not available.