Haiyan Li

Dr. Haiyan Li is currently focusing on the development of semiconductor nanostructure-based electrical devices for green energy as well as the advancement of nanoparticale-based vaccines against cancer. He learned analytical chemistry and organic chemistry in his undergraduate work. Then he researched on catalytic synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotube array and earned a master’s degree in physical chemistry. Later, he successfully modulated the electrical and mechanical properties of epoxy resins using functionalized SiO2 nanoaprticles. After he received his PhD in microelectronics and solid state electronics, he worked as an assistant professor for two years in Tianjin University. During this time, his research focused on the fabrication of carbon nanotube based flat display (Co-PI, supported by TSTC of China) and micro-machining of nanostructures using Femtosecond lasers (PI, supported by NSF of China).

Outside of work, his hobbies include singing, soccer, swimming, ping pong, and U-pick.

Devon McClain

Devon is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Applied Physics. His research focuses on the development of nanometrology, specifically the influence of temperature, pressure, ambient gas composition, and light exposure on the electrical and structural characteristics of nanomaterials and nanoelectronics, such as carbon nanotube field effect transistors. Devon holds a master's in materials science from the University of Oregon and a bachelors' degrees in physics, math, and history from California Institute of Technology. Devon leads a seven-person research team. This team is working on a collaborative project with Intel to develop next-generation nanoelectronics. Devon is also responsible for metrology tool development and procurement, grant writing (NSF, NIST, ONAMI, etc.), and project development. In the future, Devon aims to conduct nanotechnology research with an emphasis on photonics and metrology in the private sector.

When not in the lab, Devon is quite the outdoorsman. He enjoys skiing, hiking, backpacking, fishing, off-road cycling, woodworking, poetry, and astronomy. His favorite place in Oregon is Moccasin Lake in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Lester Lampert

Lester received his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in Engineering Physics with an emphasis in nanotechnology and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Physics. His research focuses on nanobiotechnology utilizing the strengths of Prof. Jiao's research group: nanofabrication and device characterization.

In the past, Lester has held many positions within various research groups including supervising undergraduate research and development of consumer products within a startup company. He enjoys engaging undergraduate students with interest in STEM-related fields by allowing them to participate in high-level research. For Lester, this was one of the many attractive aspects of Prof. Jiao's group, which includes an excellent REU program.

Outside of the lab and school, Lester pursues interests in community projects and non-profit organizations. In his free time, he enjoys mountain biking, tennis, singing, video games, and outreach education.

Micah Eastman

Micah is pursuing a Ph.D. in Nanoscience and Materials Physics. His research focuses on dopant mechanisms and effects in ZnO nanowires as well as hybrid materials for solar cell and bio-device applications. Micah is highly skilled at transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis techniques and often works on other projects that require electron microscopy characterization.

Micah is currently president of PSU's Physics Club & Society of Physics Students local chapter. He is also a member of Microscopy Society of America, American Physical Society, Society of Physics Students, and Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society. Other interests include computers and networking, electronics, and network and information security.

Simon Fowler

Simon is currently in the third year of the physics PhD program and has worked in Dr. Jiao's lab for two years. His research focuses on nanoparticle synthesis, solar photocatalysis, and water purification. In addition to experimental physics, Simon has strong interests in teaching as well as the history and philosophy of science.

For extracurricular activities, Simon is the chairman of the board for the PSU Physics Society and dabbles in fine cooking, outdoor sports, and music.

Naoko Uno

Naoko is working toward her PhD in Applied Physics.  She graduated from Lewis & Clark College with a degree in Physics.  She is part of the research collaboration between Portland State University and Providence Cancer Center conducting nanomaterial-based cancer vaccine research.  She enjoys the opportunity to work both at Portland State with Dr. Jiao and at Providence with Dr. Hu.

In her free time, Naoko enjoys playing music, taking voice lessons, and playing kickball.

Spencer Krum

Spencer is an undergraduate in the Physics Department, although he takes many Chemistry and Computer Science classes as well. In Dr. Jiao's lab, he works on computer simulations of carbon nanotubes and with data visualization and processing.

Spencer is the undergraduate president of the PSU Society of Physics Students and the Activities Coordinator for the Association for Computing Machinery.

Spencer's interests include Linux and other open source/free software as well as hobbyist robotics. Spencer was a key part of the 2010 PSU Remote Operated Vehicle Team and is a member of the 2011 PSU Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Team. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Amy Jackson

Amy received a bachelor's degree in Business and Theatre from Linfield College in McMinnville, OR. She is currently pursuing an MS in Professional and Technical Writing at PSU.

Amy's professional background is in aviation. She currently works as the Director of Inflight for a corporate air shuttle, where she functions as the Chief Flight Attendant, develops and teaches both initial and recurrent training and keeps various manuals up to date.

As the REU program assistant, Amy is responsible for coordinating the REU program, including communications, event scheduling, and grant writing. She also copyedits papers for Dr. Jiao's group. In her free time, Amy enjoys reading, cooking, and running.

Wen Qian

Wen received her PhD degree in Materials Physics and Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China. During the past seven years, she has been mainly focused on the promising area of carbon-based nanomaterials, including carbon nanotubes, nanospheres and graphene. First she worked on the synthesis of various kinds of carbon-based nanomaterials by reduction of supercritical CO2 with alkali metal, such as novel polygonized carbon nanotubes, core-shell carbon nanospheres. Then, by using γ-ray irradiation as the pretreatment, she improved the hydrogen adsorption capacity of MWNTs. Later, she utilized double-quantum-filtered and T1 inversion-recovery 2H NMR spectrum to exploit the dynamics behavior of supercooled water confined in single- and double-walled CNTs between 200 ~ 280K. Lately (since 2008) she has been working on the large-scale production, liquid exfoliation, and device fabrication of graphene, as well as its potential application in FETs and ultrasensitive gas sensors.

Daniel Hedinger

Daniel is currently an undergraduate working towards a Physics degree at Portland State, where he is also a student in the Honors Program. Upon graduation he plans to continue on towards a Masters degree in the same field. In Dr. Jiao's lab, Daniel works with Micah on the growth and testing processes for nano-devices.

When not in the lab, Daniel enjoys a variety of recreational activities including running, hiking, reading, ballroom dance, and playing his guitar.