Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Language Translation: Convert Tran to Shank

Mentor: Professor Michael Phipps

The implementation language is C#. You will start with 2 pre-existing languages:

1. Shank, a procedural language (better "C"), which has a complete compiler

Tran, an object oriented language (better "Java"), which has an interpreter

You will write software to convert the Tran abstract symbol tree (AST) to the Shank AST. This will allow Tran to become a compiled language.

Many tests will need to be written, to ensure that this is correct under all circumstances.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Good understanding of compilers (ICSI311)
• Good understanding of low level and assembly (ICSI333, ICSI404)
   

Location

• UAB

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Operating System Research

Mentor: Professor Michael Phipps

The implementation language is C#. Work with mentor to design and implement a novel operating system. It is not expected to FINISH the operating system. Focus will be on memory management and process switching. Some preliminary design work is already complete. This will be a very collaborative project with the mentor and will require a lot of planning and discussion.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Good understanding of low level and assembly (ICSI333, ICSI404)
• Good understanding of operating systems (ICSI412)
   

Location

• UAB

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Digital Twin for High Frequency Transformers

Mentor: Professor Mohammed Agamy

The high-frequency transformer is an essential component in high density power conversion systems to provide galvanic isolation between the input and the output as well as enable voltage conversion and energy transfer. The non-sinusoidal fast-switching AC modulated waveforms (can dramatically accelerate the electrical aging rate of the transformer windings, due to the high peak voltage, high switching frequency and abnormal dielectric losses. Thus, developing a high-fidelity digital twin modeling is paramount to predict the remaining useful life and enhance the reliability of high-power high frequency isolated converters.

This project will involve running detailed circuit and Finite Element Analysis simulations to relate operating conditions of the transformer and its terminal voltage and current quantities to the main and parasitic parameter values and stress levels exhibited by the high frequency transformer. The generated data will lay the groundwork for developing digital twin models for high frequency transformers. The student will gain experience in transformer circuit models, circuit analysis and finite element analysis of high frequency transformers.

Student Skills / Requirements

Electronic Circuits Analysis and Simulation (IECE 300 or equivalent). Basic programming knowledge. Understanding of transformer operation (IECE 413 or equivalent)

Location

• CNSE Downtown Room B014

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Modular Solid State Breaker with Fault Current Limiting

Mentor: Professor Mohammed Agamy

Modular solid state circuit breakers are a compact and very fast response method to interrupt fault currents in ac or dc circuits without the risk of arcing. This makes them suitable for modern power distribution and collection systems such as renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, electric aircraft and data centers. 

This project will implement and test a modular solid state breaker structure with advanced dual gate control to limit and interrupt fault currents in dc networks. The student involved in this project will work on circuit layout, build a breaker module and test both control and power circuits.

Student Skills / Requirements

Electronic Circuits Analysis and Simulation (IECE 300 or equivalent). Basic programming knowledge. Ability to use electronics lab equipment (e.g. power supplies, oscilloscopes etc.)

Location

• CNSE Downtown Room B014

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Development of an Actuator to Simulate Touch

Mentor: Professor Aishwari Talhan

Haptic technology holds significant potential for sensory replacement and augmentation. However, a novel actuator capable of simulating multiple sensations, including vibration, pressure, and temperature, is urgently needed. The primary objective is to design an actuator that accurately replicates various tactile sensations with precision. In this project, the student will contribute to the development and characterization of this actuator. The overarching goal is to create a prototype that simulates tactile feedback and showcases its functionality in a digital environment.

Student Skills / Requirements

Third-year engineering students are preferred. They should be interested in learning and developing prototypes using prototyping boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers). Prior knowledge of Python and C programming and CAD modeling will be helpful.

Location

• ETEC Room 1703

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Development of an Assistive Device for Visual Impairment Using AI

Mentor: Professor Aishwari Talhan

Recently, several technological innovations utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) have been proposed in the medical field. There remains a significant opportunity to integrate AI into medical applications.

On the same streamlining, this project will employ an AI-based vision approach that not only identifies tissue types but also provides relevant feedback. Our primary objective is to develop a module that accurately identifies various types of tissue and categorizes them precisely.

The developed technology can enhance medical professionals' ability to make informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Student Skills / Requirements

Third/fourth-year engineering students will be preferred. The student should be interested in learning and developing prototypes using prototyping boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers). Prior knowledge of Python and C programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D modeling will be helpful.

Location

• ETEC Room 1703

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer

Tissue Classification Using AI for Medical Applications

Mentor: Professor Aishwari Talhan

Recently, several technological innovations utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) have been proposed in the medical field. There remains a significant opportunity to integrate AI into medical applications.

On the same streamlining, this project will employ an AI-based vision approach that not only identifies tissue types but also provides relevant feedback. Our primary objective is to develop a module that accurately identifies various types of tissue and categorizes them precisely.

The developed technology can enhance medical professionals' ability to make informed decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Student Skills / Requirements

Third/fourth year engineering students will be preferred. The student should be interested in learning and developing prototypes using prototyping boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers). Prior knowledge of Python and C programming, artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D modeling will be helpful.

Location

• ETEC Room 1703

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Ambient and Indoor Concentrations of Black Carbon and Brown Carbon in NYS Neighborhoods

Mentor: Assistant Professor Md Aynul Bari

In the United States, current ambient air quality observation networks are limited in characterizing the diverse group of air pollutants including climate-driven pollutant black carbon that affect exposure across regional to neighborhood scales. 

Under the initiatives of EPA enhanced air quality monitoring for communities, we will measure ambient concentrations of black carbon and brown carbon in at least 10 sites in NYS. We will also measure indoor concentrations of black carbon and brown carbon in at least 15-20 homes during the Summer 2025. 

The study will increase public awareness and an improved understanding of community-specific air quality problems, identify local source impacts, and guide how to reduce air pollution exposure.

Student Skills / Requirements

Python/R, field trips.

Location

• ETEC B309

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Fire Impacted Ecosystem Processes

Mentor: Assistant Professor Rixiang Huang

Our group studies various biogeochemical and ecological processes in terrestrial ecosystems that are affected by fires, combining experimental and modeling approaches, field and laboratory studies. 

Student Skills / Requirements

• STEM majors with wet lab experiences

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Resource Recovery for Sustainable Agriculture

Mentor: Assistant Professor Rixiang Huang

Our group studies the recovery of nutrients for agricultural application. We will study the properties of the recovered products and evaluate the agricultural performance. 

Student Skills / Requirements

• STEM majors with wet lab experiences

Location

• ETEC

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Integrative Approaches for Addressing PFAS in the Environment

Mentor: Professor Yanna Liang

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known to be persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic compounds. They are also ubiquitous in the ecosystem. 

To address numerous negative issues brought by PFAS, Liang's lab has been working on a systematic approach integrating bioremediation, phytoremediation and innovative material design. 

Through combining different processes together, we have been able to find transformative solutions to minimize the impact of PFAS toward the public and the environment. 

Student Skills / Requirements

• 3rd year and above chemistry, biology and ESE students.

Location

• ETEC 024 and BIO 317/318

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

The Effect of Hydraulic Behavior on the Treatment of Drinking Water Tanks, Distribution Systems, Clearwells and Pools

Mentor: Professor John Paccione

Tanks and other flow-through vessels are an important part of the infrastructure used for treating and purveying water for drinking. The analysis of these vessels is similar to that of swimming pools, spas and spray ground treatment tanks. 

Sometimes these vessels become contaminated and they must be treated using a recirculation system. There are unanswered questions regarding how the effectiveness of a water treatment unit (filter, UV reactor, etc.), recirculation rate, turnover time and treatment goal affect operations and decision-making.

The focus of this project is to develop a model for a recirculation system and to incorporate the principles of hydraulics and residence time distribution theory into the analysis. This will provide project designers, treatment operators, and end users with an important tool in the event there is a contamination event that must be addressed. 

Student Skills / Requirements

MATLAB, calculus and differential equations.

Location

• ETEC and possibly in the Corning Tower on Madison Avenue

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

PFAS in Land-Applied Biosolids in Agricultural Settings

Mentor: Assistant Professor Weilan Zhang

This research project aims to support USEPA-associated stakeholders in understanding the factors influencing PFAS accumulation and plant uptake resulting from the land application of biosolids in agricultural settings. The study will explore how different plant species, biosolids treatment, and soil types affect PFAS uptake by crops. 

By examining these variables, the project will provide valuable insights into the movement of PFAS within agricultural ecosystems, contributing to broader efforts in environmental sustainability and food security and informing sustainable land management practices.

Student Skills / Requirements

• STEM majors with wet lab experiences.

Location

• ETEC B020

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Rescaling Model to Correct the Differences in Aqueous-Phase Microplastic Abundance 

Mentor: Assistant Professor Bu Zhao

Microplastics (MPs) are some very tiny plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm in length. Due to their ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments and potential risks to the environment and human health, MPs are considered as an emerging global concern. However, the understanding of the occurrence and impacts of MP pollution in freshwater is still in its infancy.

This project plans to develop a statistical rescaling model to correct the reported MP abundance from the existing studies, facilitating uniform interpretation of data from diverse sampling methods and size ranges. 

Student Skills / Requirements

• Basic knowledge of statistics and experience in Python or R programming. Open to junior or senior-level engineering students.

Location

• ETEC Room 133

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Understand the Spatiotemporal Variations of Aqueous-Phase Microplastic Abundance in North America 

Mentor: Assistant Professor Bu Zhao

Microplastics (MPs) are some very tiny plastic particles with a diameter of less than 5 mm in length. Due to their ubiquitous presence in aquatic environments and potential risks to the environment and human health, MPs are considered as an emerging global concern. However, the understanding of the occurrence and impacts of MP pollution in freshwater is still in its infancy.

This project plans to compile the first dataset for MP abundance distribution in North American freshwater systems. The data will be collected from existing papers and reports. Statistical analyses such as correlation analysis and regression will also be conducted to understand the influencing factors for the spatiotemporal distribution of the MPs.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Basic knowledge of statistics and experience in Python or R programming. Open to junior or senior-level engineering students.

Location

• ETEC Room 133

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer

Bio Roll-Up 

Mentor: Professor Robert Brainard

The goal of this project is to develop the methodology for controlling timing of self-assembly of bilayer stacks upon which cells are growing.  

The ultimate goal of this project is to determine how shape changes influence the biology of cells.  

Students will synthesize polymers and formulate polymers into photoresists, that will be coated onto silicon wafers into multiple stacks of hydrogel films.  

Students will study the kinetics of self-assembly of these multi-layer stacks under conditions suitable for cell growth.  Students may participate in growing cells onto these stacks.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in chemistry and/or biology required.  Rising sophomores are encouraged to apply.    
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex CESTM-344 or 135

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Molecular Organometallic Resists for EUV (MORE) 

Mentor: Professor Robert Brainard

The goal of this project is to develop organometallic compounds that can be used as high resolution photoresists in the microelectronics industry to fabricate future integrated circuits.  

Students will synthesize and/or characterize compounds containing main-group metals.  
These compounds are designed to undergo chemical reactions when irradiated with 13.5 nm extreme ultraviolet light resulting in a change in solubility.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong background in chemistry required.  Rising sophomores are encouraged to apply.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex CESTM-344 or 135

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

In-Memory Computing: From Chips to Applications 

Mentor: Professor Nathaniel Cady

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are taking the world by storm, however, these forms of computing are highly energy intensive. My research group develops unique memory devices called memristors (aka: resistive random access memory - RRAM) that can be used for highly efficient in-memory computing and neuromorphic computing. 

These devices could significantly reduce the power requirements for AI and machine learning algorithms and training. Student interns working on this project will gain experience with the fabrication and electrical testing of memristor devices, as well as application development for these devices in microchip-based format.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Preferred electrical engineering, materials science or related with computer programming experience.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex 4904 NFE

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Fundamental Range and Roughness Measurements in Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Photoresists

Mentor: Associate Professor Greg Denbeaux

This project will be to understand the range of electrons and acids in chemically amplified photoresists, especially toward how the number/volume of reactions in the resist correlated with roughness of the resist, which is an important criteria for photoresist performance in semiconductor manufacturing. 

Experients will include resist formulation, spin coating, electron exposures, development and thickness measurements with ellipsometry and roughness measurements with atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Student Skills / Requirements

• Basic physics or engineering background.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, CESTM L246

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Measurements of Reaction Processes in Molecular Layer Deposition Resists for Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography

Mentor: Associate Professor Greg Denbeaux

We are working with a university that has developed a novel molecular layer deposition material that works as a photoresist for EUV lithography.  

Traditional photoresists are spin-coated with no net orientation. A resist that could have vertical reaction processes would have a tremendous advantage since then the reactions would be vertical and not have as much issues of lateral diffusion that limits resolution. This project would study these materials and try to understand the reaction mechanisms.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Basic physics or engineering background.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, CESTM L246

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Characterization of Thin Underlayer Films Used for Photolithography

Mentor: Professor Kathleen Dunn

In the semiconductor industry, photolithography uses light to transfer a desired pattern onto a sensitive film in preparation for patterning a wafer. This project explores the use of thin layers beneath the light-sensitive film to improve outcomes, such as faster pattern transfer and higher fidelity. We will perform experiments intended to confirm or disprove the two prevailing hypotheses: interdiffusion of film stacks, and the preferential generation of low-energy ("secondary") electrons from the underlayer that can contribute additional energy to the pattern transfer process. The SURP student will gain experience with thin film deposition, including photoresists, underlayers, and electron-witness molecules. The student will also conduct exposure experiments and correlate the results with thickness, composition, and structure of the films.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Year 1 calculus, chemistry, physics.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, NFE 4907

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Materials Engineering of Hybrid Bonded Wafers for AI Applications

Mentor: Professor Kathleen Dunn

Hybrid bonding is a technique for enabling higher performance / lower power chips needed for demanding AI applications. This project will assist a graduate student examining bonded wafers received from IBM, to understand what pre-treatments improve mechanical and electrical performance at the interface. Wafer handling, polishing, imaging and other characterization techniques will be taught. Project includes biweekly meetings with IBM scientists to discuss data and build presentation skills.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Year 1 calculus, chemistry, physics.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, NFE 4907

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Bioinformatics of Profiling the Yeast Genome for Carcinogen Resistance

Mentor: Professor Michael Fasullo

We have profiled the yeast genome and mammalian genome for resistance to several potent carcinogens, including the liver cancer carcinogen, aflatoxin B1, and the colon-associated carcinogen, heterocyclic aromatic amines. We have performed computational processing of high throughput data to determine statistical significance and gene ontology groups based on function, process, and pathway. The project will explore different computational methods for processing high-throughput data. Student background: Math, Computer science and Biology.

Student Skills / Requirements

• First year chemistry and biology, some course laboratory experience and computational skills are an advantage.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP

Synergizing Artificial Intelligence and High-throughput Biological Screening to Eliminate Unnecessary Animal Testing in Genotoxicity Assays

Mentor: Professor Michael Fasullo

Thousands of new chemicals are synthesized yearly. Determining toxicity of these chemicals is expensive and animal testing raises ethical concerns. We are using AI tools to predict toxicity and high-throughput methods in humanized yeast to confirm AI predictions. These studies will thus facilitate efforts to phase out animal testing in genotoxicity testing.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Chemistry and Biology background required, some knowledge of computer programming would be useful, previous laboratory course experience preferred.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex NFE 4908

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Topological Quantum Computation

Mentor: Professor Ji Ung Lee

The student will make superconducting devices and perform low temperature measurements to assess their suitability for forming more advanced devices. 

The technique to fabricate these devices is the same one used to exfoliate graphene, which won the discoverers the nobel prize in physics.

The student will learn to fabricate nanoscale devices and perform sensitive electrical measurements.

Student Skills / Requirements

• 3rd year
• Must like physics
• Must be able to do hands-on work
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Defining Cellular Aging Mechanisms

Mentor: Professor Andre Melendez

Our goal is to use the combined power of coral species diversity and molecular sciences to identify mRNA-programs and tRNA modification systems that modulate translational responses to ocean stressors. 

Using aquacultured hallmark reef building corals, we will characterize  how increased temperature, bleaching, dormancy, and age re-programs the epitranscriptome, all while exploring this little explored class of symbiotic marine animals to characterize existing and identify novel tRNA modifications and tRNA writers.

Student Skills / Requirements

• STEM student interested in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, NFE 2901 and 4905

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 2: Faculty-Grant Funded SURP

Implanting and Characterizing Color Centers in Silicon

Mentor: Assistant Professor Walid Redjem

We are seeking an undergraduate student to assist with experimental research on quantum emitters in silicon, a promising platform for future quantum communication and computing. This project focuses on implanting and characterizing color centers in silicon, which can serve as stable single-photon sources for integrated photonic circuits.

As part of the research, the student will gain hands-on experience with ion implantation, a key process for introducing controlled defects into silicon to create quantum emitters. These emitters will then undergo annealing experiments, where heating is used to activate and stabilize the implanted defects. A major focus will be on determining the optimal implantation doses and annealing conditions to achieve high-performance quantum emitters.

The student will also be involved in optical spectroscopy measurements to study the emission properties of these color centers. This includes using laser-based techniques to excite the emitters and analyze their brightness, wavelength stability, and coherence properties. The goal is to understand how different fabrication conditions influence the quality of the quantum light sources.

This position is ideal for students with an interest in experimental physics, materials science, or photonics. While no prior experience is required, familiarity with optics, semiconductor materials, or laboratory-based research will be beneficial. Through this role, the student will develop valuable skills in nanofabrication, optical characterization, and quantum photonics, contributing to the advancement of scalable quantum technologies.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Students should be curious about quantum technologies and comfortable with hands-on experiments. No prior experience is required, but familiarity with optics or semiconductor materials is a plus.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, NFE 1905

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Exploration of transcription factor binding to the Cytomegalovirus promoter in Chinese hamster ovary cells

Mentor: Professor Susan Sharfstein

Students will investigate transcription factor binding to the CMV promoter using a CRISPR-based immunoprecipitation approach. qRT-PCR will be used to verify immunoprecipitation. 

Western blotting and proteomics will be used to identify transcription factors.  

A commercially available software package (iPathway Guide) will be used to identify downstream targets of the transcription factor. If time permits, transcription factor overexpression will be explored to see what impact that has on productivity.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Rising junior or senior in biology, chemistry or nanoscience/nanoengineering. Must have good wet lab skills including making solutions, pipeting, etc. 
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Conformal Deposition of Nitrides and Metals in High Aspect Ratio Structures

Mentor: Professor Christopher Vallee

One of the most highlighted limitations of plasma assistance to ALD (PEALD – Plasma Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition) is the difficulty to reach conformal deposition in very high aspect ratio (AR) structures (current limitation is AR> 20 for metals and > 50 for oxides) due to the surface recombination loss of plasma radicals, thus losing a key ALD asset. With this project we will try to find innovative solutions that will permit to obtain a conformal depositon of Co and TiN in high aspect ratio strcutures at the nm scale.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Backgrounds in physics and chemistry/materials.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, CESTM L136

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Understand Impact of Energetic Positive Ions in a Plasma Atomic Layer Deposition Process

Mentor: Professor Christopher Vallee

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) process can  be assisted by plasma (PEALD). A popular belief is that plasma assistance must only employ radicals to avoid any plasma damage/plasma charging → Ions are forbidden. But low energetic ions (~ 1-30 eV) can improve the plasma deposition processes by creating opening bonds, creating new active sites, desorbing residues, activate surface reactions. 

For this work we will use a 200 mm PEALD tool from Oxford and try to understand how ions can locally modify the cristallinity of nm films of HfO2, TiO2, and TiN. A local and precise control of cristallinity will permit to develop a selective deposition process based on a selective etch back step of the amorphous phase. 

Student Skills / Requirements

• Backgrounds in physics and chemistry/materials

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, CESTM L136

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded

Pressure Dependent Characterization of MEMS Devices

Mentor: Associate Professor Carl Ventrice

This project involves the pressure dependent characterization of MEMS-based RF switches. It is a collaborative project with Menlo Microsystems, Inc.  

The goals of the project are to determine the pressure dependent damping coefficient of the MEMS cantilevers and to determine the effect that the pressure and gas composition has on of the number of cycles that the MEMS switches can perform before failure.

Student Skills / Requirements

• Background in Physics and/or Engineering preferred.
   

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex, CESTM Room 111

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded
• Track 3: Volunteer
• Track 4: Research for Credit

Engineering Cellular Organization in Hydrogel

Mentors: Professors Yubing Xie and Susan Sharfstein

The goal of this project is to study the cell-cell interaction and organization in hydrogel. The student will use salivary epithelial and stromal cells cultured in the hydrogel as a model system. The effects of addition of other cell types into the hydrogel on cellular organization and phenotype will be evaluated. The student working on this project will gain hands-on experience on hydrogel fabrication, cell culture, microscopy, and biological assays.

Student Skills / Requirements

• No experience necessary, but strong educational background in biology, chemistry, or physics is required. Coding and mathematics modeling experience is a plus.

Location

• UAlbany Nanotech Complex

Students from the following Tracks are Encouraged to Apply

• Track 1: SURP-Funded