Jonathan Demchak gives presentation to American Physical Society

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Jonathan Demchak

LOCK HAVEN, PA (04/05/2011)(readMedia)-- As the world's leading physicists assembled in Dallas, Texas, March 21-25, for the 2011 meeting of the American Physical Society (APS), Lock Haven University had a major presence. One of the presenters was Mr. Jonathan Demchak, a senior and Health Science/Pre Professional Physician Assistant major at Lock Haven University.

As his presentation at the APS 2011 March meeting, Mr. Demchak gave a poster presentation on his research titled "Identification of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria by fluorescence studies,"" which focuses on optical studies of bacterial cultures. He conducted his research in the nanotechnology program under Dr. Marian Tzolov, associate professor in the Geology and Physics Department.

Dr. Tzolov explained that "We have chosen to study bacterial cultures using optical methods as nondestructive, noncontact, and express way of characterization. We have found that there are certain features in the optical spectrum which carry clear signature distinguishing the two main types of bacteria – Gram positive and Gram negative. Our goal is to identify the origin of this difference at the molecular level, which will allow to make the method of practical relevance."

A resident of Morrisdale, Pa., Jonathan Demchak is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Demchak Sr.

Dr. Tzolov said, "It was a great pleasure to work with Jonathan. No task is too difficult for him."

Attendance at the APS March meeting typically includes more than 12,000 of the top scientists in physics and applied physics research throughout the world. The attendance always includes a few Nobel Prize winners in Physics or/and Chemistry.

Each year since 2009, LHU nanotechnology students have been presenting their research at the APS conference. The record began in 2009 with a single LHU student presenter, and in 2010 there were 6 LHU student presenters. This year, there were 9 LHU student presenters. Dr. Indrajith Senevirathne and Dr. Anamika Gopal, assistant professors of Physics, directed the trip to Dallas. Dr. Senevirathne has been taking student presenters to the APS March meetings since 2009.

Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. Its 14 universities offer more than 250 degree and certificate programs in more than 120 areas of study. Nearly 405,000 system alumni live and work in Pennsylvania.