Connie's Webspace

(pdf version has complete contact info)

EDUCATION

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 1995-2002

Ph.D. Physics, Area of specialization: Condensed Matter Physics Dec 2002

Dissertation: Nucleation and Growth of Heteroepitaxial Diamond

M.S., Physics May 1998

Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 1991-1995

B.S., Physics with honors, magna cum laude Aug 1995

minors in mathematics and history

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Doctoral Research: Center for Sensor Materials, Department of Physics & Astronomy, 1998-2002

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Research advisor: Professor Brage Golding.

Co-invented a process for vapor growth of single crystal diamond over 1 cm substrates that resulted in a patent (pending).
Developed procedure and modified microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system for data acquisition.
Performed detailed characterization of materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Electron Beam Scattering Diffraction (EBSD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
Wrote and developed instruction manual for CVD system. Trained 2 research associates in operation and maintenance of CVD system.

Undergraduate Research: Department of Physics, Central Michigan University, 1994-1995

Mt. Pleasant, MI. Research advisors: Professor Joseph E. Finck, Professor Andrzej J. Sieradzan.

Worked with two professors on a physical experiment and computer model for viscous and non-viscous fluids.

Assembled and operated an external cavity diode laser for wavelength tuning.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant: Department of Physics & Astronomy, Michigan State University 1995-1998

Introduced basic laboratory skills to physics and engineering majors as well as non-physics majors covering mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism.
Part of a team that developed and improved computer integration in the laboratory classroom.
Assisted in computer based (CBI) and computer assisted (CAPA) general physics courses. This included individual instruction, stimulating group-led discussions, and providing material feedback to the lecture instructor.

Teaching Assistant: Department of Physics, Central Michigan University, 1994-1995

Tutored groups and individuals in introductory astronomy and general physics.
Assisted professor in grading

AWARDS AND HONORS

Center for Fundamental Materials Research Symposium poster award, Michigan State University, 2002.

Herbert T. Graham Scholarship, Michigan State University, 1996, 1997.

Centralis Study Abroad, Central Michigan University, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 1994.

Centralis Scholar Full Academic Scholarship, Central Michigan University, 1991-95.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Materials Research Society Sigma Pi Sigma

American Physical Society Society of Physics Students

For complete information, including publication list, please see the PDF file


23 Physics Astronomy lab phone: (517)353-6690 bednars2@msu.edu Last updated: 20.May.2003	Curriculum vitae (PDF) or see my more succinct Resume Connie R. Bednarski-Meinke (pdf version has complete contact info) EDUCATION Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 1995-2002 Ph.D. Physics, Area of specialization: Condensed Matter Physics Dec 2002 Dissertation: Nucleation and Growth of Heteroepitaxial Diamond M.S., Physics May 1998 Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 1991-1995 B.S., Physics with honors, magna cum laude Aug 1995 minors in mathematics and history RESEARCH EXPERIENCE Doctoral Research: Center for Sensor Materials, Department of Physics & Astronomy, 1998-2002 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI. Research advisor: Professor Brage Golding. Co-invented a process for vapor growth of single crystal diamond over 1 cm substrates that resulted in a patent (pending). Developed procedure and modified microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system for data acquisition. Performed detailed characterization of materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Electron Beam Scattering Diffraction (EBSD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Wrote and developed instruction manual for CVD system. Trained 2 research associates in operation and maintenance of CVD system. Undergraduate Research: Department of Physics, Central Michigan University, 1994-1995 Mt. Pleasant, MI. Research advisors: Professor Joseph E. Finck, Professor Andrzej J. Sieradzan. Worked with two professors on a physical experiment and computer model for viscous and non-viscous fluids. Assembled and operated an external cavity diode laser for wavelength tuning. TEACHING EXPERIENCE Teaching Assistant: Department of Physics & Astronomy, Michigan State University 1995-1998 Introduced basic laboratory skills to physics and engineering majors as well as non-physics majors covering mechanics, optics, electricity and magnetism. Part of a team that developed and improved computer integration in the laboratory classroom. Assisted in computer based (CBI) and computer assisted (CAPA) general physics courses. This included individual instruction, stimulating group-led discussions, and providing material feedback to the lecture instructor. Teaching Assistant: Department of Physics, Central Michigan University, 1994-1995 Tutored groups and individuals in introductory astronomy and general physics. Assisted professor in grading AWARDS AND HONORS Center for Fundamental Materials Research Symposium poster award, Michigan State University, 2002. Herbert T. Graham Scholarship, Michigan State University, 1996, 1997. Centralis Study Abroad, Central Michigan University, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, 1994. Centralis Scholar Full Academic Scholarship, Central Michigan University, 1991-95. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Materials Research Society Sigma Pi Sigma American Physical Society Society of Physics Students For complete information, including publication list, please see the PDF file