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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
8/20/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - This summer has been filled with microbeams, protons and spectrometers for a team of four Northwestern State University students who have spent the past two months working at the Center for Irradiation of Materials at Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Ala.
The students, Matt Creighton of Natchitoches, Kristen Russell of Morgan City, Scott Dodd of Kinder and Holly Arabie of Lake Charles, have teamed with scientists and international students on detailed research projects.
Russell, a physics and mathematics major, has been analyzing the optical properties of silicon carbide films. These films may be used as hydrogen detectors which are needed for use with the space shuttle and in national defense work. The objective is to create smaller, cheaper detectors.
"I have been exposed to many new operations and programs this summer. I have had to learn to use various machines and computer programs properly," said Russell. "I have also learned the importance of leaving tracks ... record everything, make a drawing, label it, keep it simple."
Arabie worked on different aspects of the same project on hydrogen detectors. Her group of researchers examined the effects of hydrogen on silicon carbide films.
"This has been one of the best experiences of my life," said Arabie. "I have had the chance to attend a NASA conference on microgravity and meet scientists in the materials science and engineering field. I thought I knew a lot about the space program since I want to be an astronaut, but my knowledge has increased a great deal. This has been a fascinating endeavor."
Over the summer, Arabie expanded her knowledge about chemistry and improved her mechanical skills. Once she had to replace the water filter in an ion implanter.
Arabie spent her weekends as a museum guide at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, explaining the space program to those touring the museum.
Much of Dodd's work revolved around the assembly of a microbeam line and the assembly and restoration of a low-energy ion beam implanter. Both devices will be used by the faculty at the Center for Irradiation of Materials for research projects.
"The faculty here has been very helpful. They are always here to help us if we have questions," said Dodd. "They have taught us some things that will fuel the flames toward a career in experimental physics. I gained some valuable experience here."
A math and physics major, Creighton has been doing research in accelerator beamline construction. He learned how to build parts needed in an accelerator tube and how to construct vacuum systems for research including a system for a microbeam. According to Creighton, a microbeam is a stream of protons or other very small particles used to examine the structure of samples on the micron scale.
"I've gotten a great deal of hands-on experience that should be very useful to me," he said. "I've worked with students from France, Japan and Brazil. The chance to work with students from other countries has been valuable."