Todd, Norman to speak at research colloquium

Todd, Norman to speak at research colloquium

Dr. Steven Todd and Dr. Dever Norman will be the speakers for the next iteration of the Ellis College Research Colloquium at 12:30 p.m. March 31 in McBrien 205.

Todd, assistant professor of philosophy, will talk about Cognitive Psychology and Course Design. “My course design is mainly inspired by work in psychology, some of which specifically targets student learning,” he said. “We will look at one or two of the issues that concern me when I design courses.”

Norman, assistant professor of physics, will speak on the topic of The Detailed Role of Nitrogen Plasma in the Growth of Nitride Semiconductor. Nitrogen plasma is a common ingredient in the fabrication of nitride semiconductors, such as indium nitride, gallium nitride, aluminum nitride, and their compounds, he said.

“Typically, the role of the state of the plasma is never considered, and is rather fixed at a ‘sweet spot’ so that other growth parameters may be done,” Norman said. “This work takes, as a starting point, gallium nitride and attempts to reveal the role plasma chemistry plays in the other growth parameters.”