NEWS
Jonny Valenzuela named a 2023 HSF Scholar!
Congratulations to Jonny Valenzuela for being named a 2023 Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholar! He was selected from a pool of over 124,000 applicants giving all the more recognition to his significant accomplishments and distinction thus far. We are looking forward to seeing Jonny grow further and are thankful for having HSF provide him with additional resources to support his adventure to being a leader in the field.
Siddha awarded DEI Award
The PI, Siddha Pimputkar, was recognized for his contributions to DEI through his efforts in promoting and supporting first-generation students, being a LUSSI mentor to incoming students, outreach activities to Southern Lehigh High School, being an active member of the MSE Department DEI committee, and being an advocate for individuals who can be considered underrepresented in STEM. This award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion recognizes a Rossin college faculty member who has shown passion and effectiveness in promoting equity, inclusion and Diversity in Rossin College and their own Department/Unit.
Siddha appointed the Harold Chambers Junior Professorship!
Siddha has been appointed the Harold Chambers Junior Professorship in Materials Science and Engineering in recognition of his outstanding accomplishments! This endowed professorship was made possible through a generous donation by Harold B. Chambers who had a distinguished career in the steel industry. A special thank you to for the nomination and the strong support from my Materials Science and Engineering Department and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science!
Florian Metzger: Nitride synthesis for GaN single-crystal growth
The fifth-year PhD student in Lehigh’s MATS lab will conduct nitride synthesis research from a new perspective. Could perfecting the growth of single-crystal boules change the future of electronics? Read all about it in Florian Metzger’s profile piece.
Postdoctoral Position Available!
A full-time postdoctoral position is available in the Materials Science & Engineering Department at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. The candidate will be mentored by Prof. Siddha Pimputkar and will perform work within his Materials for Advanced Technologies & Sustainability (MATS) Group. The position is looking to be filled immediately.
Position Details:
A successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with Prof. Siddha Pimputkar and collaborators on developing a new high-pressure spatial chemical vapor deposition tool (HPS-CVD). This position will focus on analyzing and improving upon the current mechanical design and computational fluid dynamic model of this new equipment using COMSOL/SOLIDWORKS. This tool is being developed as part of an awarded NSF MRI Grant. The candidate’s contribution will aid in developing a successful prototype that will be manufactured and used to grow thin films of nitrides. The candidate will also have the opportunity to engage with the experimental team to gain exposure to the needs and use-cases of this tool and our industrial partner. Furthermore, candidates will have the opportunity to be exposed to ongoing research in the MATS group related to the single crystal growth and extended research happening in the Center for Photonics and Nanoelectronics as part of the Institute of Functional Materials and Devices at Lehigh.
Minimum qualifications:
1. Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, or related engineering field
2. Strong background in computational fluid dynamic modeling of systems
3. Experience in using COMSOL and SOLIDWORKS
4. Strong written and oral communication skills
The position is for one year, with a possible extension depending on funding and performance. This position is open until a suitable candidate is identified. The ideal candidate would be able to start immediately, though a negotiated start date within Q1 2022 is also possible.
Application:
To apply, please submit a CV, cover letter (no more than two pages, 12 pt. font, 1-inch margin) and contact information of three references (name with position title, phone, and email address). In your cover letter, please summarize your relevant research experience.
Questions regarding this position and applications materials should be directed to Prof. Siddha Pimputkar (siddha@lehigh.edu). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Siddha recognized with Lehigh Early Career Award for Distinguished Teaching
Siddha Pimputkar receives Lehigh University’s Lehigh Early Career Award for Distinguished Teaching award for his innovative teaching methods and curriculum development he implemented in multiple courses he has taught since joining Lehigh.
PI is Program co-Chair for next ACCGE
Siddha Pimputkar is excited to serve as the ACCGE Program co-Chair with Prof. Balaji Raghothamachar and Conference co-Chairs Profs. Michael Dudley and Partha Dutta for the American Conference for Crystal Growth and Epitaxy in 2023 in Tucson.
PI recognized with Young Scientist Award
Siddha Pimputkar is the recipient of the 2021 American Association for Crystal Growth (AACG) Young Scientist Award! As winner of the professional association’s Young Scientist Award, Pimputkar will give a plenary talk on “Enhancing and Enabling Single Crystal Growth of Group-III and Novel Nitrides” at the 22nd American Conference on Crystal Growth and Epitaxy (ACCGE-22) and 20th US Workshop on Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy (OMVPE-20), which will be held virtually August 2-4, 2021.
PI elected to Executive Committee of AACG
Siddha Pimputkar has been elected for a four-year term to the American Association for Crystal Growth (AACG) Executive Committee. Excited and grateful for the opportunity to better service the crystal growth community!