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Janet Tate

OSU Physics » Faculty » Janet Tate.

Distinguished Professor of Physics, Oregon State University
Dr. Russ and Dolores Gorman Faculty Scholar (2016-2020)
OSU Alumni Distinguished Professor (2015)
Fellow, American Physical Society (2015)
Ph. D. Stanford University (1988)
B. Sc. (Hons) University of Natal (1981)
At OSU since 1989
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Research: My research program focuses on the structural, transport and optical properties of a wide variety of electronic materials, particularly thin films. Of current interest are metastable materials, transparent conductors and photovoltaic materials. We have several thin-film deposition systems including two pulsed laser deposition chambers. The program is collaborative and the group works closely with colleagues in Chemistry and Electrical Engineering. I also collaborate with researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, SLAC, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado and UC Berkeley in a DoE-funded Energy Frontier Research Center: Center for Next-Generation Materials by Design: Incorporating Metastability. A list of publications can be found via my Researcher ID.
Teaching: I teach courses in the Paradigms in Physics program as well as the introduction to Solid State Physics for upper division undergraduates and beginning graduate students. In all courses, I incorporate many different teaching methods including integrated labs, research papers, small group discussions, and other interactive techniques. I also lead the senior thesis class, which focuses on writing and oral presentation of research and also incorporates discussion of scientific ethics and responsibility.
Professional Service: I have served on the National Organizing Committee of the APS Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics (CUWiP), and was co-organizer of the 2016 Oregon State University CUWiP. I was the Chair of the American Physical Society Committee on Careers and Professional Development. I moderated and co-organized a tutorial on Careers in Physics in Industry and Government at the March 2010 APS meeting. The slides from that session are here. I also chaired an APS/AAPT-sponsored, NSF-funded conference on graduate education in physics held Jan 31 - Feb 2, 2008 at the American Center for Physics in College Park, MD. Please visit Graduate Education in Physics: Which Way Forward? to see conference presentations and find the Conference Report.