Irving Science Academy

My academic training and nine years of experience working as an experimental physicist has prepared me to be an effective researcher and instructor in your department. My doctoral dissertation at Pusan Nat South Korea was the comparative study of magnetic properties in rare-earth cuprates and iron-based high-Tc superconductor with relatively new methodology for studying their critical and anisotropic properties. In my research, I developed many novel methods to grow superconducting polycrystalline and high quality single crystals for their electrical, magnetic and optical properties. I believe that I have essential research experiences in experiments with high magnetic fields for superconducting and magnetic materials. At present, my research interest comprises of vortex dynamics in the critical region and superconducting fluctuation effects in critical and Gaussian region in superconducting materials. I consider it as my valuable asset to carry out research activities extensively and to interpret my results on scientifically basis to find exciting properties of materials and get published in well reputed journals. Furthermore, all of my work experiences have involved working within a team-based culture. This involved planning, organization, co-ordination and commitment.

In addition to my current research, other areas that interest me for my future research stem from my goal of developing improved methods to improve transition temperatures of superconducting material models and methods for design, evaluation, and upgrade of concrete structures subjected to monotonic and reversed loading and structures equipped with passive systems. One of the studies that I have started is the development of a performance-based seismic design method for ductile reinforced concrete wall structures based on yield displacement. I have also worked on evaluation and improvement of accuracy of nonlinear static analysis for seismic design under the auspices of a project from the Applied Technology Committee, a national organization. These are just a couple of projects I plan to continue and grow with the support of the University of Texas.

During my postdoctoral experience, I was also fortunate enough to have served as a physics lecturer for an intermediate level courses. I found that my professional experience as an experimental physicist provided me with a broad view that is useful in assisting students with projects and assignments. These experiences have built my confidence and an interest in teaching and I look forward to the opportunity to not only teach existing courses, but also work to develop new ones. My objective as a teacher is to motivate my students to develop their own learning interests and critical thinking—to establish a learner-centered environment in the classroom. I prepare lesson plans always considering the interconnection between the student’s own knowledge, culture and learning abilities, the subject matter discussed in class, and current debates on social issues. I choose content and activities that are both significant and challenging for the students so that they are stimulated to think “beyond” their comfort zone and feel involved in their own learning process. Similarly, the activities and class discussions I facilitate encourage students to make connections between my field of study and other disciplines.