Developed molecular beam epitaxy processes to fabricate novel superconducting materials.Collaborated with international team to characterize the composition, structure, and electrical properties of thin films.

Developed innovative new Matlab algorithm to measure strain near nanoscale defects in LEDs by analyzing x-ray diffraction patterns. Doubled my team’s productivity during a time-sensitive experiment by writing scripts to automate data acquisition. Used cleanroom facilities at Argonne National Lab to fabricate micron scale electrodes on sapphire. Conducted a study of crystallographic defects in nitride semiconducting thin films used for solid state lighting (LEDs) and high power switches. Defect densities are very high in nitride thin films, and are a limiting factor in improving device efficiency. Using coherent x-ray diffraction techniques such as Bragg Projection Ptychography, I measured strain and rotation of the crystal lattice at length scales between 15-30 nm. In order to learn more about how these defects are formed, I used in-situ x-ray diffraction to measure AlN thin films during the sputtering process. As secretary of the Postdoctoral Society of Argonne, I helped provide career development opportunities for the 300+ members of the postdoc community.

Defined, planned, and implemented thin film characterization strategies, with emphasis on structure, electronic, and magnetic properties (XRD, XRR, 4-point resistivity, AFM, MFM, VSM, PPMS, RHEED).Fabricated epitaxial oxide thin films and superlattices using molecular beam epitaxy.Wrote SOP and training manuals, then conducted hands-on training of group members while running time-sensitive experiments.Studied charge-ordering in (La,Sr)FeO3 (LSFO) thin films using measuring electrical properties, atomic force microscopy, and synchrotron x-ray diffraction. Found a surface dead layer in which charge ordering in is suppressed LSFO using GIXD and determined cause of degradation. Mapped the phase diagram of LSFO, determined the conduction mechanisms above and below phase transitions, and developed a method to mitigate oxygen loss.

Successfully proposed, designed and conducted 10+ x-ray scattering experiments at multimillion dollar facilities around the US and Japan, leading to many publications and new grant funding for my group.Assembled, commissioned, and managed an x-ray diffractometer, enabling my group to conduct more sensitive measurements. Used time-resolved synchrotron x-ray microdiffraction to study the structure, switching, piezoelectricity, and antiferromagnetic structure of multiferroic BiFeO3 (001) films on SrTiO3 substrates. Measured the structure and piezoelectric response of individual ferroelectric domains at nanosecond time scales using a focused x-ray microbeam. Studied switching in (Pb,Zr)TiO3 thin films, BaTiO3 / SrTiO3 superlattices, and small angle scattering from pentacene transistors.

Designed and built a Kerr magnetometer. Fabricated pulsed laser deposition targets and optimized growth conditions for epitaxial oxide thin film.Characterized morphology and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic thin films using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM).