· Established new reporting standards in the field of optical measurement of excited statediffusion by quantifying the impact of noise on experimental accuracy. → Developed and shared an open-source Python tool, improving measurement reliability within the field. → The article was honored as Editor’s Pick in J. Chem. Phys., distinguishing it as noteworthy. → Awarded by the Physical Chemistry division of the American Chemical Society for a poster, emphasizing the novelty and significance of the research.· Significantly enhanced lab infrastructure and capabilities through key achievements: → Improved our capability to study ultrafast processes by constructing a femtosecond laser-based pump-probe microscope. → Achieved 10x improvement in signal-to-noise ratio by designing an automated focus system controlled via LabView, streamlining data acquisition. → Improved sample consistency by developing a 3D-printed device for uniform sonication.· Aditional responsibilities included: → Drove innovative research directions by mastering the synthesis of thin film & nanoparticle perovskites and other semiconducting materials. → Enhanced computational efficiency by over 95% by optimizing kinetic Monte-Carlo models with parallelization on high-performance computing clusters in Mathematica. → Elucidated material properties using advanced techniques, including femtosecond microscopy, XRD, SEM/EDS, and TEM.

· Classroom and laboratory instruction and supervision· Curriculum development· Evaluation of lab reports and presentations· Composition and evaluation of quizzes· Courses taught: CHMY 374 (Physical Chemistry Lab II); CHMY372 (Physical Chemistry Lab I); CHMY371 (Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy); CHMY 362 (Elements of Physical Chemistry Lab); CHMY 361 (Elements of Physical Chemistry); CHMY 154 (Honors College Chemistry II Lab); CHMY 143 (College Chemistry II Lab)

· Helped secure a $225,000 NSF SBIR grant through editing and revising the grant proposal.· Optimized photocatalyst cost and efficiency by applying Design of Experiments (DoE) principles to develop a colorimetric assay for deposition quantification.· Mastered material synthesis, thin film deposition on diatom frustules using a custom-built device for simultaneous stirring and reagent spraying, and characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM/EDS, UV-Vis, and Gas Chromatography

· Classroom facilitation of SAT preparatory coursework· Individual tutoring for SAT preparation· Average overall rating by students: 4.53/5.00

· Improved data analysis efficiency in the group by 99.97% with a MATLAB script.· Co-authored 3 peer-reviewed papers and a book chapter. Contributions included synthesis and characterization of materials; assistance with writing, editing, and proofreading; and creation of graphical abstracts.· Presented research in 6 poster sessions at local, regional, and national events, two of which received awards.· Responsibilities included synthesis and characterization of multivalent-ion intercalating battery electrode materials, photovoltaic materials, and water oxidation catalysts; assembly of electrochemical electrodes & cells; and characterization by XRD, SEM/EDX, cyclic voltammetry, and galvanic charge/discharge cycling (GC).

Reported on science news on campus by writing news articles, producing videos, and taking photographs. A selection of multimedia reporting can be found at: http://psuvanguard.com/author/joseph-thiebes/

· Ensured integrity and accuracy of results through rigorous quality control, following EPA protocols in microgram-level gravimetric analysis.

Evaluation of advanced battery materials for applications in space exploration. Preparation of sulfur electrodes in Li-S electrochemical cells. Characterization by Cyclic Voltammetry, Galvanic Cycling, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Infrared Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, and Destructive Physical Analysis. Determined optimum range of Sulfur:Carbon ratio in electrodes.

Provided creative and analytical support for businesses and non-profit organizations. Services included: assessment of business needs, building websites, desktop publishing, computer tutoring, online social network marketing, graphic design, photography, and videography.

Provided scanning electron microscopy services to academia and industry.

Provided support for chemistry and physics instructors; maintained inventory of chemical reagents; prepared laboratory equipment and chemicals for student use; recorded inventory of glassware before and after student use.

Held office hours and facilitated weekly study sessions for peer students in Calculus I-III.

Prior to my scientific career, I engaged in various roles that developed essential leadership, communication, and technical skills. These experiences, though not in physical science, have equipped me with valuable transferable skills relevant to my current professional objectives:· Managed day-to-day operations and staff training in public-facing retail companies, demonstrating effective leadership and organizational skills.· As a Professional Trainer, I implemented a standardized set of technical and professional competencies for franchise operations throughout the state of Montana, markedly improving productivity and customer experience. My role involved conducting specialized classroom and hands-on training for computer, printing, and photocopying machinery as well as customer service, corporate policy, and intellectual property competencies.· Engaged in writing, proofreading, and editing for customer promotional materials, newspaper advertising copy, and literary magazine publications.· Utilized desktop publishing and graphic design skills to create marketing materials, training visual aids, and customer-focused content.· Developed and managed websites and knowledge bases, building technical acumen in digital communication and content management.