Week of August 18, 2008 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Evans lands new NSF grant
A new NSF grant provides $594,000 over three years for a joint theoretical and experimental effort at ISU focused on analysis of "self-assembly processes" during deposition on surfaces. According to Jim Evans, the research will explore both chemisorption of elements like sulphur and oxygen on metal surfaces, and well as the growth of thin metal films.
The theoretical component of the work will develop realistic atomistic and multiscale models and simulation algorithms to describe and interpret the experimentally observed behavior.
The new grant continues previous studies on thin film growth and relaxation at ISU with NSF support of about $2.5M since 1990 which have provided fundamental insight into the evolution of complex film morphologies both during and after deposition.
In the image at right, complex “wedding-cake” like morphology created by depositing 3 layers of Ag atoms on the flat (111) surface of an Ag crystal at 150 K (125x125 nm2 STM Image). Steps separate individual layers of atoms. Our atomistic modeling recovers all aspects of the observed morphology which reflects limited transport of atoms deposited in higher layers to lower layers, and slow diffusion of atoms along steps.
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Mathematics Qualifying Exams
Algebra, Applied Mathematics and Numerical Analysis: Thursday, August 21, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in 305 Carver
Analysis: Saturday, August 23, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in 305 Carver
The "come-and-go" graduate student orientation on Aug. 22 will include a reception, prizes and presentations on numerous topics. The event will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in 1137 Pearson and other rooms.
NEW STUFF on the Web:
Calendar
Departmental photos next week
Wednesday, August 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in 298A Carver Hall. Walk in; no appointments. All new students, visitors and new hires should have their photos taken this day. Returning faculty and students: We will continue using your current photo; those who wish to have their photo retaken (or taken for the first time...) may participate as time permits.
Foreign travel grant requests
Due to the Departmental office on Tuesday, September 2 by 5:00 p.m.
Put this on your CALENDAR:
Annual department meeting on Wednesday, September 10 at 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. in 305 Carver. All faculty and staff members and graduate students are asked to attend.
Web TO DO LIST #1: Course homepages
Please send the links for your Fall semester courses to Sue Ellen so she can link them on our web site at http://www.math.iastate.edu/About/CoursePages.html.
Web TO DO LIST #2: Update personal departmental page
Please review the information on your personal departmental web page (example) and notify Sue Ellen of necessary corrections by August 21. To access your personal department web page, visit the appropriate page from those listed below and click on your name.
http://www.math.iastate.edu/About/aboutFaculty.html
http://www.math.iastate.edu/About/aboutGradstudents.html
http://www.math.iastate.edu/About/aboutStaff.html
