Dr. Tom Nelson Oder
  Welcome to my Homepage

PictOct2013              Dr. Tom N. Oder,  Professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy
                Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555
                Phone: (330) 941-7111, Fax: (330) 941-3121, E-mail: tnoder@ysu.edu

             Education:
                Ph.D. Physics, Auburn University, Alabama, USA 1999.
                M.Sc. Radiation Biophysics, University of St. Andrews, Scotland, UK.
                B.Sc., Physics/Mathematics and Diploma in Education, Makerere University, Uganda.
If you are seeking more information to advance your research or your technology, please visit this web page
For my research activities at YSU, click:
 
Wide Band Gap Semiconductor Laboratory
Current Research Projects:

We gratefully acknowledge the support of funds that have facilitated the following projects:
  1. National Science Foundation award. Title “I-Corps: Semiconductor Diode for High Temperature Applications”, amount: $50,000 from 1/15/2016 – 7/14/2016. PI: Dr. Tom Oder. EL: Krishna Kundeti, Mentor: Dave Nestic.  Description of the Grant. To read the slides of the closing day presentation, click the link Final Presentation. To watch the two-minute video of the final presentation, click Video of Lesson Learned. To watch the one-minute video of the technical summary, click Video of Technical Summary.

  2. National Science Foundation award. Title “MRI: Acquisition of a Plasma Etching System for Multidisciplinary Research and Education”, amount: $307,422; from 8/15/2014 – 7/31/2017. PI: Dr. Tom Oder. Co-PIs: Dr. Ruigang Wang, Dr. Pedro Cortes, Dr. Virgil Solomon and Mr. Klaus-Markus Peters.  Description of the Grant.

  3. National Science Foundation (MRI): “Acquisition of a Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope for Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Research and Education” by Virgil C. Solomon, Tom N. Oder, Ruigang Wang, Peter M. Smith, Johanna K. Krontiris-Litowitz for $444,555 from 09/15/2012 to 08/31/2015.

  4. "RUI: Growth and Characterization of Epitaxial Zinc Oxide Films for Device Applications," PI: T. N. Oder, funded by NSF, award #DMR-1006083, from 06-01-2010 to 05-31-15 for $224,500. Description

  5.  “RUI: Improved Thermal Stability of Metal Contacts and Diffusion Barriers to SiC and AlxGa1-xN using Refractory Metal Borides”, PI: T. N. Oder, supported by NSF grant # ECCS 0622086, from 11/01/2006 – 10/31/2009 with a no-cost extension to 10/2010. Amount = $171,046. Description.

  6. "Growth and Delta-Doping of ZnO films by Magnetron Sputter Deposition", supported by Research Corporation for Science Advancement, award # CC6769 from 06/01/2006 to 05/31/2008. Amount = $43,470.

  7. " Investigations of Micro-Patterning and Shaping of Multilayer Films",  a project under Center for Layered Polymeric Systems (CLiPS), an NSF Science and Technology Center led by Case Western Reserve University.
Research Interest:
  • Ohmic and Schottky contacts on wide band gap semiconductors.
  • Micro/Nano fabrication and characterization of electronic and opto-electronic devices of wide band gap semiconductors.
  • III-nitride semiconductors: Schottky barrier diodes, photonic crystals, waveguides and microlens.
  • Growth and characterization of ZnO single crystal films for device applications.
  • Ion Implantation for semiconductor doping and high power device fabrication.
Dr. Oder awarded YSU's First Federal Patent
Patent-News-1

On August 26, 2014, Dr. Oder was awarded a federal patent # 8,816,356 B2 titled "Silicon    Carbide Barrier Diode".  The patent is on a method of improving a device called Schottky barrier   diode made using a semiconductor called silicon carbide. The improvement makes this device function more efficiently at higher temperatures and higher electric power. This award is YSU's first patent and in the press release, YSU's interim Provost Dr. Abraham Martin said “Receiving our first patent is a clear sign that YSU is making significant headway in transforming into an institution where research is an integral part of our operations. It sends a strong message that YSU is serious about successfully conducting research that has important   and practical applications. For more information, go to Press Release, Vindicator News, Jambar News, The Business Journal News.
Dr. Oder at a press release. Overlooking
is YSU President Jim Tressel, 09/2014    
Additional Posts of Dr. Oder In The News....
Links to Institutions
YSU Homepage
YSU Dept. of Physics & Astronomy
GaN Group at Kansas State University
Condensed Matter Group at Auburn University
Black Faculty and Staff Assosication (BFSA) at YSU

Links to my Professional Affiliations:

American Institute of Physics (AIP)
American Physical Society (APS)
The Materials Research Society (MRS)

The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS)
National Society of Black Physicists (NSBP)






Employment History:
  • Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Youngstown State University, August 2013 - present.
  • Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Youngstown State University, August 2008 - 2013.
  • Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Youngstown State University, August 2003 - 2008.
  • Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dept. of Physics, Kansas State University, 1999-2003.
  • Research/Teaching Assistant, Department of Physics, Auburn University, 1992-1999.
  • Lecturer, Department of Physics, Makerere University, Uganda, 1986-1992.
Previous Teaching Assignments:

Fall 2003 - Present
  • Condensed Matter Physics, Phys 5830.
  • Special Topics in Physics, Phys 5850.
  • Descriptive Undergraduate Physics Research, Phys 4805.
  • Electromagnetic Field Theory I, Phys 3741.
  • Electromagnetic Field Theory II, Phys 3742.
  • General Physics I, Phys 2610.
  • General Physics II, Phys 2611.
  • General Physics Laboratory - Phys1501L, Phys 1502L, Phys 2610L, Phy 2611L.
  • General Physics for Applied Medical Studies, Phys 2601.
  • General Physics for Applied Medical Studies, Phys 2602.
  • Fundamentals of Physics I, Phys 1501.
  • Fundamentals of Physics II, Phys 1502.

Frequent go-to Links

Ugandan Newspapers: The Monitor,  The Newvision

More Uganda Links,   Uganda National Anthem    ONLINE CALENDER

Local Links: The Vindicator,  Liberty High School,   The Jumbar,  VCC   Cru @ YSU

Liberty Township   Local Public Library     World TimeZone
This page is maintained by Tom Oder e-mail: tnoder@ysu.edu