Brett Conti

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

This summer I am doing research with Dr. Ramos in the Math/Physics/Statistics department. I am working to further classify and understand the newly discovered and intriguing materials called iron pnictides.

 2.     What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

Superconductivity in itself is a fascinating concept. Thinking about materials that can be made to have zero electrical resistance and no energy loss is exciting, and one naturally thinks about how these properties can be used to enhance technology that we use everyday. Not only do I get to work with superconductors, I am working to classify a recently discovered (~2006) exotic type of superconducting material that is not completely understood as of now. I am working on something that is new, and once completed can hopefully be used to better our electronic technology, which is fascinating.

 3.     What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

 Over the summer, while working in the lab, I am learning crucial skills that work to set me apart and make me a better researcher for the future. I am getting experience with LabView programs which are extremely useful in research labs, preparing very small crystal samples and point contacts, learning how equipment works and is used for data collection, developing data interpretation and understanding skills, gaining a large amount of knowledge with excel, and honing my presentation skills.

 4.     What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

 Challenges come naturally with research, especially if your research involves preparing samples and working with equipment. For me personally, sample preparation and the equipment are the two most challenging areas of my research. Since the samples I make have to be so small (nanometer-very small millimeter scale), they are difficult to prepare by hand, and can be fragile. Throughout the summer there have been problems with samples breaking while being cooled down, which halts any data collection that could have been done. Also, for a few weeks, some of the equipment in the lab was malfunctioning, which was not good, because it was essential to collecting data which completely disabled me from progressing with research.

5.     How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

 My USURF experience has had a big impact on my views and thoughts for the future in the field. Working on a project that is mainly classification has shown me a lot about what needs to be done when developing/researching something new, and given me insight into the different types of research labs there are. USURF has also led me to thinking about using my research skills in related fields like engineering, where there is both the development side as well as the classification side. All in all, I have enjoyed research and want to look into all of my future options for doing research in the field of physics and also related fields.

 6.     Tell us something interesting about yourself.

 Going back to the trouble with the sample preparation, we had been looking for new ways of preparing our samples to make them easier/sturdier/better for a while. I came up with the method that we currently use to make our samples—which is using two wires we shape into staples, instead of four individual wires to make the channels for voltage and current going out. It allows for a four wire measurement set-up like we have always used, but is sturdier and uses less material.