This is a past event.

Materials Science and Engineering Seminar

Dr. Janet Callahan
Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering
Boise State University

Abstract: Dr. Callahan’s presentation will include research accomplishments focused on applying reactive elements such as yttrium in novel ways. Using ion beam implantation of ions selected for their thermodynamic reactivity, substrate cation reduction may be induced in oxides such as sapphire or silica through substrate reduction and clustering of the reduced substrate cation. Such clusters coalesce into spherical particles if sufficient energy is present, whether through temperature or the kinetic energy of the ion beam. It is difficult to image and characterize embedded Al crystalline nanoparticles and amorphous Al clusters in an amorphous matrix. Results proving these particles were comprised of Al were obtained using bright-field and also energy filtered transmission electron microscopy. Control of crystallinity and particle size of Al nanomaterials is demonstrated. In addition, Dr. Callahan will describe a long-term student success research initiative she led at Boise State University, focused on first-year mathematics and a curricular and pedagogical overhaul. This work was conducted while she served as the College of Engineering’s founding associate dean (2005-2016). The calculus-focused initiative increased the first-time, full-time retention of students at the university by 3%, the retention of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) majors in STEM by 3%, and the retention of women and underrepresented students in STEM by 9%.

Bio: Dr. Janet Callahan is Chair, Professor and one of four co-founding faculty of the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State University. Established in 2004, the Micron School now has 16 t-track faculty (including 6 CAREER awardees), 46 PhD students and approximately 130 undergraduates. Prior to joining Boise State University, Dr.Callahan was an Assistant and Associate Professor at Georgia Tech (also in materials science and engineering).