Academic Research Interests

Professor Parisa Arabzadeh Bahri

Instrumentation and Control Engineering.

Associate Professor Graeme Cole

Program Chair, Engineering.

Dr Chris Creagh

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Learning and Teaching in a University Context

The XPS research has a certain level of confidentiality attached to it so unfortunately I can not discuss it here.

The education related research is context specific and I have 5 questions related to student education that need answering. Each would make an interesting research project and paper for publication. The research would involve multi-method analysis, quantitative and qualitative work and involvement in the project from the beginning to end. The questions are:

• Why don't students attend lectures?
• What can we do to enhance the community experience for students, particularly first year students in Physics, Energy Studies, Nanoscience and Engineering?
• What is the culture of WebCT?
• Are all lecture demonstrations useful demonstrations?
• How useful are applets in lectures?

Professor Philip Jennings

Amorphous silicon, solar cells, environmental radiation, renewable energy education.

Dr Zhong-Tao Jiang

Nanoscience and nanotechnology: Nanophotonics, Carbon Nanotubes, nanostructure of superconductor and nano materials for engineering, biology and environment applications.

Surface analyses: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), Auger photoelectron coincidence spectroscopy (APECS), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Synchrotron radiation facilities, Small angel X-ray scattering for surface and nanostructure analysis.

Material science: ferroelectric, dielectric, optical and hydrogen storage materials

Solid thin film fabrications: CVD, PECVD, RF/DC sputtering, Sol-gel.

Computer simulation and modelling

Dr Kazimierz Luczak

The fundamental properties of amorphous silicon and of its alloys with other elements including hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. Techniques for the production of thin films of amorphous silicon and its alloys. Photovoltaic solar energy conversion and applications. Deposition and characterisation of thin film semiconductor materials. Investigation of possibilities of reduction of Staebler-Wronski effect in amorphous silicon solar cells and modules.

Dr Christopher Lund

Photovoltaic solar energy conversion using thin film silicon solar cells. Photodegradation in thin film solar cells. Renewable energy resource, system and component monitoring and evaluation. Surface analysis, including Auger and x-ray photoelectron lineshape analysis of group IV semiconductors, surface photovoltage spectroscopy and Auger Photoelectron Coincidence Spectroscopy. Issues relating to effective teaching and learning in online (Internet) based science courses.

Mr Adam McHugh

Research interests: Energy economics, policy, regulation, mathematics and statistics.

Current research: short run electricity consumption forecasting; developing policy instruments to overcome State-level barriers to entry for low-carbon energy technologies in the context of a National Emissions Trading scheme; portfolio short run marginal cost modelling of electricity supply; assessing capacity credits to ensure security of supply in the context of high renewable energy penetration; assessing the accountability of economic regulation in electricity, gas, rail and water.

Dr Eddy Poinern

Nanoparticles for use in environmental cleanup, nanoparticles in photovoltaics, production of nanorods and nanotubes. Application of nanotechnology in the areas of drug delivery and medical treatment such as in nerve repair, stroke treatment and skin burns.

Dr Trevor Pryor

Simulation, analysis, monitoring and testing of remote area power supply systems and components; energy management.

Dr August Schlapfer

Research interests in the area of energy policy analysis, particularly in relation to renewable energy and sustainability. Methodology and application of life cycle analysis of energy technologies. Climate change, mitigation and adaptation policy options. Long term energy security and appropriate energy market design.

Dr Elaine Walker

XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) and Auger analysis of various forms of silicon and some of its alloys.

Dr Jonathan Whale

Small Wind Turbines (ResLab)