Zachary Barcikowski makes presentation at prestigious physics conference

Related Media

Zachary Barcikowski

LOCK HAVEN, PA (03/29/2012)(readMedia)-- Lock Haven University had a major presence when the world's leading physicists assembled in Boston, Massachusetts, February 27 - March 2, for the 2012 March meeting of the American Physical Society (APS). One of the presenters was Zachary Barcikowski, a junior and an Applied Physics major at Lock Haven University

The APS March meeting is the largest physics meeting in the world. 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 with Dr. Senevirathne. This year, there were 16 LHU student presenters. Dr. Marian Tzolov, associate professor of Physics, and Dr. Indrajith Senevirathne, assistant professor, directed the trip to Boston.

Zachary Barcikowski gave a poster presentation in the section "Polymers and Soft Matter Physics" on his research titled "Mechanical deformations of the metal cathodes of polymer light emitting devices during stability tests" which focuses on device structures he manufactured in the nanotechnology laboratories at Lock Haven University under the supervision of Dr. Marian Tzolov, associate professor in Physics.

Dr. Tzolov explained that "most of the degradation mechanisms are associated with the methal cathode and their understanding is critical for the successful application of the polymer light emitting devices as low cost, large area, energy efficient sources of light."

Mr. Barcikowski is a resident of Stewartstown, Pa. He is the son of Sherry and Carl Barcikowski.

Dr. Tzolov emphasized "the intelligence of Mr. Barcikowski in solving practical problems and his natural curiosity." Together with his excellent academic background," said Dr. Tzolov, "this makes me very optimistic for his further development."

Dr. Tzolov added, "We are very proud that Zac was awarded a laboratory research internship for the summer of 2012 at the Argonne National Laboratory to work on Atomic Layer Deposition for Thin Film Lithium Ion Batteries. We make continuous efforts to lead our students to opportunities for their further professional and academic growth and the success of students like Zachary Barcikowski is the best reward for our efforts in the Nanotechnology Program."

Attendance at the APS March meeting typically includes more than 12,000 of the top scientists in physics and chemistry research throughout the world. Attended Nobel laureates included William Phillips (1997 Nobel Prize in Physics) at NIST and Robert Laughlin (1998 Nobel Prize in Physics) at Stanford University.

The presentation by Zachary Barcikowski and his colleagues is based on experimental results which the students acquired using the state-of-the-art equipment at Lock Haven University guided by the experienced faculty in the Nanotechnology program.

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.