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Craig Ekstrum

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Biography

I am a first-year student at Michigan Technological University, in the Materials Science and Engineering Department. I have been a member of the MOST Research Group for over a semester. This position involves the research of the Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) process to produce semiconductors of improved quality for application in increasing the efficiency of electronic devices. Through my work, I have had active exposure to the design of experiments, and gained experience in surface analysis by SEM and AFM, sample analysis by X-ray diffraction, and the analysis of in situ crystal growth by RHEED. This position also includes MBE system maintenance (coolant and vacuum system maintenance/operation, including turbomolecular pumps, a roughing pump, and ion pumps; mounting of MBE effusion cells, installing sensors). I regularly operate the MBE (ISA RIBER MBE 32 system) system, and prepare samples for those experiments, which includes solvent cleaning and acid etching of substrates, as well as mounting them on sample holders.

Research Interests

• Photovoltaic thin films

• Materials processing

• Nanotechnology

• Electrification of developing countries (for the facilitation of agricultural and educational growth)

• Open source collaboration (Development of agriculturally critical undeveloped countries, Water purification)

Current Academic Engagements

Michigan Tech Pavlis Institute

The Pavlis Institute program is oriented around international leadership and collaboration, with membership requiring a curriculum of international leadership and cultural awareness classes. The program also includes a five-week international project, the goals of which are determinable by the participating student groups. Through this program, I will be able to further my interest in the electrification of developing countries.

Michigan Tech Honors Institute

The Honors Institute is an organization founded in the facilitation of motivated students, supporting both research and community service, and providing an interdisciplinary network. This program provides me connection to many other students, and funded research opportunities.

Experience

Molecular Beam Epitaxy Technician

Technician in Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) laboratory at Michigan Technological University (Start: August 27, 2014): My position includes operation and maintenance of the Riber 32 system, as well as assisting with thin film characterization. I have written the standard operating procedure for the system.

Marquette Sustainability Committee

Ex Officio member of Marquette City Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee (Period: January 2014 to June 2014): This committee was formed to advise the City of Marquette, and its residents and entities, in the preservation of the environment and decrease in energy consumption. The committee has discussed the issues of farming practices, the adoption of sustainable energy sources, and recycling policy of the City.

Pavlis Institute Fundraising and Networking Committees

I am currently a member of both the Fundraising and Neworking Committees of the Pavlis Institute for Global Technological Leadership. My work with the Fundraising Committee includes coordinating fundraising events and exploring new routes of funding. With the Networking Committee, my work has involved developing a relationship between businesses, alumni, and the Institute, for both business involvement in Pavlis team projects and funding opportunities.

Automobile Maintenance

I have hands-on experience in the disassembly, assembly, and repair of automobiles, from work at an automobile dealership. This work includes the replacement of fuel lines, brake pads and rotors, exhaust manifolds, and steering system maintenance.