Physics Student Christopher Henderson Awarded STEM Undergraduate Research Award

In January of this year, physics major Christopher Henderson was awarded the STEM Undergraduate Research Award to work with Jose Lopez, Ph.D., for the study entitled, "Characterizing Novel Dielectric Materials for Use in Low-Temperature Plasmas." Plasma is created by subjecting a gas to an external electric field. The electric field excites electrons in the gas and causes them to move, thus creating plasma, the fourth state of matter. In this energized state the transition of electrons from higher to lower energy states emit light. By using a dialectic material such as glass, the material does not conduct electricity. When dialectic materials are in the presence of an electric field, the glass produces its own electrical field. By preventing the flow of current and producing its own electric field, plasma can be produced on demand for continuous periods of time. Christopher aims to characterize plasmas based on their different interaction with glass. Eventually, he hopes that this research can lead to a better understanding of how plasma can be generated. 

Christopher and Lopez have partnered with Steve Feller, Ph.D., and his research students at Coe College in Iowa. With this partnership, Feller’s students are creating the different types of glass needed for Christopher’s study. As a result of the STEM Undergraduate Research Award, Christopher traveled to Feller’s research laboratory in Cedar Rapids Iowa to combine their research efforts. 

Though Christopher is establishing himself as a physicist and researcher, his presence on this project would not have been possible without the impactful relationship that he has formed with Jose Lopez. Coming to Seton Hall as a transfer student, Christopher was eager to have his passion for physics nurtured. After conversations with Lopez, Christopher was provided the opportunity to join Lopez’s research lab, the Laboratory of Electro physics and Atmospheric Plasmas (LEAP). However, since most undergraduate students are not learning about plasmas, Christopher had to challenge himself to learn the material independently. Lopez even challenged Christopher with the task of building a reactor in such a way that the glass being studied could be swapped out with different dielectric materials. When discussing the importance of undergraduate research, Lopez says, "While some undergraduates spend the entire four years learning about physics, this award allows students to apply learning and make real-world connections," effectively applying physics as engineers. Furthermore, "the advancement of science relies on collaborative contributions." Through Christopher and Lopez’s partnership with Coe College, Lopez hopes that not only will Christopher contribute to the advancement of science but also be ahead of the game by becoming an independent researcher, presenting and publishing his findings and then going on to graduate studies.

Seton Hall has a robust Department of Physics with a wide range of faculty researching in cold plasma, lasers, energy, biophysics, computational physics and other related areas. The Department offers both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and Seton Hall is excited to announce a new 3+2 B.S./ M.S. Program that will enable students to earn a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. in Applied Physics and Engineering in just five years. Generous scholarships are available for the M.S. program, including special fellowships from the New Jersey Space Grant Consortium, a partner of NASA: Apply now for Fall 2024!

Students interested in STEM research should contact Associate Dean Mitra Feizabadi and students interested in STEM graduate programs should contact Associate Dean Michael Dooney.

Categories: Research, Science and Technology