Charles Granger Email and Phone Number

I conducted my PhD research in the lab of Dr. David R. Williams, performing high resolution retinal imaging. Using adaptive optics technology, the inherent optical aberrations of the eye can be overcome to resolve individual cells in the intact living eye. My research in particular focused on developing and utilizing fluorescence modalities with adaptive optics to image and study the cells of the retinal pigment epithelium. These cells are critical to the survival of the rod and cone photoreceptors that initiate vision, and are involved in several retinal diseases that can cause blindness.

Worked part time during the school year and full time over the summer as a research assistant, working on optical systems designed for measurement and communications. I helped to design, set up, and run experiments to research and test prototype systems and existing products.

I taught a total of 5 undergraduate physics labs with over 20 students in each lab, including electronics, mechanics, and optics. The labs use experimental equipment and basic concepts of physics, optics, and electronics to give hands-on experience to students and allow them to observe the principles of physics first-hand. Responsibilities included about 20 minutes of lecture on lab concepts, sole supervision and instruction of students during the lab, and distribution and grading of write-ups, quizzes, and tests. In addition to teaching labs, I conducted help sessions for students in physics courses to help clarify physics concepts and solve problems.

I worked as a summer research assistant under Dr. Andrew Ongstad, performing research on Quantum Well Mid-Infrared Optically Pumped Semiconductor Lasers (OPSLs). Specifically, I examined the effect the number of quantum wells in the device has on the measured anti-guiding parameter. The anti-guiding parameter is important in the overall performance of an OPSL device in applications.

I worked as a research assistant creating prototype systems that utilize unique properties of light, lasers, and optics for measurement and diagnostics. I primarily worked on systems using high speed photography and schlieren imaging. Schlieren imaging allows for the observation of changes in the refractive index of the atmosphere, such as rising heat or shock waves. I helped to design and construct prototype systems, experiment with them, and ultimately produce systems that meet specific customer performance and physical standards. I also helped to install and demonstrate a variety of systems for customers at project completion.