Jeremy Hieb and Dr. Enrique Izaguirre

Jeremy Hieb Wins Newkirk

This year Jeremy Hieb was awarded the sixth Horace L. Newkirk Assistantship. The holder of a degree in art from UC Santa Cruz, Jeremy expects to receive a B.S. in physics with a concentration in applied physics in December 2002. Here is his story:

Thanks to Nadenia Newkirk and the establishment of the Horace L. Newkirk assistantship, I am helping Dr. Enrique W. Izaguirre, Steve Anderson, John Collins, Nicole Petta, Viviane Pierre-Louis and Sarah Silva research Langmuir-Blodgett Films.

It has been a time of transition for the Department and I am glad to be a participant in the transformations. We have tried to focus the labs to a higher resolving power by updating equipment and dedicating lab space. Though the evolution is time consuming and costly, much progress has been made.

The reorganization would not be as meaningful without a unified goal. Dr. Izaguirre has provided us with such a goal and the potential for development is tangible. He has shown us methods of implementation, while giving us the necessary tools, encouragement and theory. Steve Anderson has provided us with technical wizardry and an insightful knowledge to complement and implement theory. The students are sharing with each other. The neat thing has been the passage of knowledge, in collaboration rather than in competition.

My particular research involves the theory and construction of a scanning near-field optical microscope. This instrument will allow us to resolve images smaller than the wavelength of visible light. It requires a coordinated combination of optics, electronics, and mechanics, coupled with a bit of good fortune.

When I first applied to SSU I distinctly remember reading the short biography of Horace L. Newkirk and the award created in his memory. Now, having such an honor has given me a feeling of a focus and contribution. In remembrance of Horace L. Newkirk, thank you.