Curriculum Vita

Benjamin Young

Here’s the current version in pdf form as of October 2023. If you have RIC login credentials, the (possibly more) current version is persistently available here.

600 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Office: Clarke Science 102
Lab: Clarke Science B8 (Surface Laboratory)
Providence RI 02908
401.456.9644
bennyyoung.com

Preparation

Doctor of Philosophy: Physics
University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI

Bachelor of Arts:   Physics and Literature
Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
Also completed the secondary education coursework

Teaching Experience

Rhode Island College (RIC), Providence, RI

  •  PSCI103                      Physical Science (lab)
  • CHEM105*                 General, Organic and Biological Chemistry I (lab)
  • PHYS101*                   Physics for Science and Mathematics I (workshop)
  • PHYS102                     Physics for Science and Mathematics II (workshop)
  • PHYS104                     Calculus Applications in E&M (lecture)
  • PHYS110*                   Introductory Physics (workshop)
  • PHYS200                     Mechanics (workshop)
  • PHYS201                     Electricity & Magnetism (workshop)
  • PHYS311*                   Thermodynamics (lecture)
  • PHYS312                     Mathematical Methods in Physics (lecture)
  • PHYS313                     Junior Laboratory (lab)
  • PHYS403                     Classical Mechanics (lecture)
  • PHYS409                     Solid State Physics (lecture)
  • PHYS413*                   Senior Laboratory (lab*)
  • PHYS450                    Topics (lecture & lab)
  • PHYS491,2,3       Independent Study (student research 1-3 credits)
    *experience with online course development and delivery 
Associate Professor of Physics (tenured): 2019-Present

Served as chair of the College Traffic and Parking Committee.  Additional service on College Academic Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) and departmental technology committee during COVID-19 transition into/out of campus wide remote course delivery.  Developed fully online courses for asynchronous and hybrid delivery, including a new computational physics course.  Mentored four undergraduate student researchers, two of whom are journal co-authors and APS meeting contributed talk presenters.  

Assistant Professor of Physics (tenure-track):  2015-2019

Added algebra-based introductory courses as well as thermodynamics, classical mechanics, and topics courses in nuclear physics at the advanced level to teaching load.  Planned and led implementation of Mathematica requirements in upper-division coursework – wrote extensive open-source tutorials with introductory exercises and created a computational physics lab to support that end.  Service on dept. curriculum committee and as undergraduate research and honors committee chair, as well as departmental rep. to the RIC Faculty Council and member of ATAC. Mentored nine additional undergraduate student researchers, one of whom is an APS meeting contributed talk presenter.

Assistant Professor of Physics (term):  2014-2015

Teaching calculus-based physics and a general education lab course in workshop format at the introductory level as well as math methods, solid state (first at College), and two advanced laboratory courses at the junior/senior level.  Advising, service on RIC Faculty Council, and performing original research with an undergraduate student as non-requisite responsibilities for one-year term.

University of Rhode Island (URI), Kingston, RI

Co-developer & Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA):  2011-2014

PHYS203/MTH141
Development and execution of a pilot program in which introductory Physics and Calculus courses are collaboratively designed and cooperatively taught featuring Mathematica exercises, interactive computer simulation, and clicker technology.

Graduate Teaching Assistant:  2010-2014

AST108, 118;  PHY185, 186, 273, 274
Up to ten contact-hours per week supporting algebra and calculus-based general physics offerings of Classical Mechanics, Electricity & Magnetism, Waves & Optics lecture courses with typical class sizes of 20 students and astronomy courses with up to 150 students per section  Author revisions and new experiments for lab manuals of five general physics courses.

Butler Junior High School (BJHS), Butler, PA

Student Instructor, Honors English:  2007

Design and implement content and assessment in local high school in accordance with PA core-curriculum standards. Remediation planning for students with special needs and those identified as core curricula deficient by No Child Left Behind.

Physics Research Experience

023-Present: URI

Principal Investigator (PI) of National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) EPSCoR subaward to perform basic and applied studies of the allotropic transition and its reversibility in tin under space-like conditions using radioisotope Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low energy electron diffraction (LEED), and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) techniques.  The work is being hosted in my collaborators’ labs on the URI main campus while my lab at RIC is under renovation.  One RIC undergraduate student researcher as well as several URI graduate students have been involved so far.

2018-2023: Advanced Photon Source (APS), Lemont, IL         

PI for Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored collaboration with researchers at URI and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) to develop time-resolved synchrotron radiation Mössbauer spectroscopy (TRSRM) as a novel experimental technique to study ultra-fast photon-stimulated processes in various materials, primarily concerned with photochemical and photo-catalytic processes.  Included multiple undergraduate researchers in X-ray transient absorption (XTA) and radioisotope Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) experiments at URI in preparation for synchrotron-based measurements at the APS.

2018-2020: National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS-II), Upton, NY

Co-Principal Investigator (PI) for hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) experiments on Li-ion battery materials at new synchrotron on Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) campus.  Continuation of previous effort at two other synchrotron facilities, 36 shifts of beamtime granted through 2020.

2015-2017: Canadian Light Source (CLS), Saskatoon, Canada

Perform Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) experiments in continuation of RI DOE EPSCoR statewide battery initiative.

2014-Present: RIC

Develop instrument-specific curve fitting parameters for XPS analysis at URI while building experimental UHV chamber in-house at RIC for surface analysis. Collaborate with staff at RI Nuclear Science Center to build out neutron detectors for scattering experiments. Undergraduate researcher participation in all of the above.

2013-2015: URI and National Synchrotron Light Source, NY

Collaboration with NIST and Brown University, supported by DOE-EPSCoR.  Conduct HAXPES experiments on Li-ion battery materials at NSLS with URI chemistry group and NIST at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Beamtime proposals constantly active until NSLS closure in 2015.

2009-2014: URI

Investigate electronic properties of metallic surfaces under ion bombardment using Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy (IPES), Low Energy Electron Diffraction (LEED), and work function measurements. Correlate observed changes with degree of surface damage. Write field-deployable experimental control program in LabVIEW including robust user controls, common logging procedures, and the ability to collect LEED data as CCD photos. Also wrote extensive analysis and simulation programs in Mathematica.

Technical Skills

  • All aspects of vacuum (low through ultrahigh) system design, construction, and maintenance
  • Atomically clean surface preparation
  • Geiger-Muller tube and fast pulse counting circuit fabrication
  • Characterization: IPES, LEED, XPS, HAXPES, XANES, NMR, FTIR, GCMS, TRSRM, AES, work function measurement, cryogenic techniques, PID temperature control, RGA mass spectroscopy.
  • Machine shop: wood and metal lathe; drill press; mill; tap and die; band, chop, jig, reciprocating, mitre, and circular saws; belt and wheel sanding; stick welding; brazing
  • Software: NI LabVIEW, Wolfram Mathematica, CasaXPS, MossWinn, Wavemetrics IGOR Pro, Python
  • Student response and learning management: iClicker, Top Hat, Blackboard, Starfish
  • Video and web editing: Elgato, iMovie, iDVD, WordPress

Professional Memberships and Activities

Council on Undergraduate Research                                    2015-Present
Materials Research Society                                                        2013–Present
American Physical Society                                                          2007–Life

Peer-Review

Department of Energy grant funding reviewer                 2020-2022
Journal of the Electrochemical Society article reviewer               2017, 18
Materials Research Society proceedings reviewer   2013, 14

Awards

NASA EPSCOoR Seed Grant 2023
DOE EPSCoR PI Award 2018
DOE EPSCoR Implementation Award Subaward 2016
Center for Research and Creative Activity Award 2016
RIC Faculty Research Grant Award 2015, 16, 17, 22, 23
Beamtime Allocations, 216, 8-hour shifts 2013-present

Publications

  1. Antolini, C., Spellman, C.D., Otolski, C.J., Doumy, G., March, A.M., Walko, D.A., Liu, C., Zhang, X., Young, B.T., Goodwill, J.E., Hayes, D. (2022). Photochemical and Photophysical Dynamics of the Aqueous Ferrate(VI) Ion. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 144 (49), 22514-22527  (2022).  DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c08048.
  2. Jayasekara, G., Antolini, C., Smith, M., Jacoby, D., Escolastico, J., Girard, N., Young, B.T., Hayes, D. (2021). Mechanisms of the Cu(I)-Catalyzed Intermolecular Photocycloaddition Reaction Revealed by Optical and X-ray Transient Absorption Spectroscopies. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 143 (46), 19356-19364  (2021).  DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07282.
  3. Young, B., Nguyen, C.C., Lobach, A., Heskett, D., Woicik, J.C., Lucht, B. (2019). Role of binders in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation in lithium ion batteries studied with hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES). J. Mater. Res., 34 (1), 97-106. DOI: 10.1557/jmr.2018.363
  4. Young, B.T, Heskett, D.R., Woicik, J.C., Lucht, B. (2018) X-Ray-Induced Changes to Passivation Layers of Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes. Journal of Spectroscopy, vol. 2018, Article ID 1075902, 7 pages, 2018. DOI: 10.1155/2018/1075902
  5. Dong, Y., Young, B., Zhang, Y., Yoon, T., Heskett, D. Hu, Y., Lucht, B. (2017). Effect of Lithium Borate Additives on Cathode Film Formation in LiNi5Mn1.5O4/Li Cells.  ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 9, 20467-20475. DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b01481
  6. Young, B., Warner, J., Heskett, D. (2016). Ion Bombardment Of Ni(110) Studied With Inverse Photoemission Spectroscopy And Low Energy Electron Diffraction. Surface Science, 644, 64-68. DOI: 1016/j.susc.2015.09.020
  7. Young, B., Heskett, D., Nguyen, C., Nie, M., Woicik, J.C., Lucht, B. (2015). Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (HAXPES) Investigation of the Silicon Solid Electrolyte Interphase (SEI) in Lithium-Ion Batteries. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 7 (36), 20004-20011. DOI: 1021/acsami.5b04845
  8. Nie, M., Demeaux, J., Young, B., Heskett, D., Chen, Y., Bose, A., Woicik, J.C., Lucht, B. (2015). Effect of Vinylene Carbonate and Fluoroethylene Carbonate on SEI Formation on Graphitic Anodes in Li-Ion Batteries. Electrochem. Soc., 162 (13), A7008-A7014. DOI: 10.1149/2.0021513jes
  9. Seo, D., Nguyen, C., Young, B., Heskett, D., Woicik, J.C., Lucht, B., (2015). Characterizing Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Sn Anode in Lithium Ion Battery. Electrochem. Soc., 162 (13), A7091-A7095. DOI: 10.1149/2.0121513jes
  10. Young, B.T. (2014). Electronic and chemical properties of surface and interfacial zones. Dissertations and Master’s Theses (URI Campus Access). Paper AAI3632146.

Published Abstracts and Professional Presentations

  1. Escolastico, J., Girard, N., Antolini, C., Smith, M., Young, B., Hayes, D., (2021). Mössbauer Analysis of S-Doped Nickel Nitroprusside for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.  Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting, March 15-19, 2021, Nashville, TN.
  2. Young, B. T. (2019). Time Evolution of Li-ion Battery Electrode Passivation Layer Modification by Synchrotron Radiation.  Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting, March 4-8, 2019, Boston, MA.  
  3. Young, B. (2018). Zen and the Art of Li-Ion Battery Failure. Invited talk presented at Smith College, 28 September 2018, Northampton, MA.
  4. Lucht, B.L., Chandrasiri, D.K., Jurng, S., Parimalam, B.S., Nguyen, C.C., Young, B., Heskett, D. (2018). Surface Functionalization of Silicon Nanoparticles with Citric Acid for Enhanced Performance As Lithium Ion Battery Anodes. Poster presented by D. Chandrasiri at the 233rd Electrochemical Society Meeting, May 13, 2018, Boston, MA. 
  5. Young, B., Facilitating Li-Ion Battery Advancement With Hard X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Invited talk presented by B. Young at the Fall meeting of the APS New England Section, October 21, 2017, Kingston, RI. 
  6. Young, B., Heskett, D., Nguyen, C., Woicik, J.C,. Lucht, B. (2017). Toward better Li-ion batteries: hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of binder materials for Si-based anodes. Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting, March 15, 2017, New Orleans, LA.
  7. Rivard, S., Young, B., Heskett, D., Dong, Y., Hu, Y., Lucht B. (2017). Novel borate additives for lithium-ion battery cathode passivation investigated with hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting, March 15, 2017, New Orleans, LA. 
  8. Caldera, C. and Young, B.  (2015). X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Peak Deconvolution for Lithium-Ion Batteries. Poster presented by C. Caldera at Honors Program – Sigma Xi Poster Session at Rhode Island College, April 27, 2015, Providence, RI. 
  9. 9)     Young, B. (2014). Li-Ion Batteries: Probing Deeper with HAXPES and the Case of the Missing Phosphorus. Invited talk presented at Washington and Jefferson College, March 9, 2014, Washington, PA
  10. Young, B. (2014). Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Advanced Materials for Li-Ion Batteries.  Invited talk presented at Randolph-Macon College, May 22, 2014, Ashland, VA
  11. Young, B., Nguyen, C., Heskett, D., Lucht, B., Woicik, J.C. (2014). Role of Substrate Material Binders in Solid Electrolyte Interphase Development in Lithium-Ion Batteries: HAXPES Insights. Poster presented by B. Young at the NSLS/NSLS-II and CFN Joint Users’ Meeting, May 19, 2014, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY.
  12. Young, B., Heskett, D., Nie, M., Lucht, B., Woicik, J.C. (2014). Investigation of the Silicon Solid Electrolyte Interface in Lithium Ion Batteries using the Technique of Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting, March 14, 2014, Denver, CO. 
  13. Young, B., Heskett, D., Lucht, B., Woicik, J.C. (2013). Investigation of the Silicon Solid Electrolyte Interface in Lithium Ion Batteries Using the Technique of Hard X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Poster presented by B. Young at Materials Research Society Fall Meeting & Exhibit, December 2, 2013, Boston, MA.
  14. Young, B., Warner, J., Heskett, D. (2013). Ion bombardment of Ni(110) studied with inverse photoemission, LEED, and simulations. Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting. March 18, 2013, Baltimore, MD. 
  15. Young, B., Warner, J., Heskett, D., (2012). Inverse Photoemission and LEED investigation of the ion-bombarded Ni(110) surface. Talk presented by B. Young at the American Physical Society March Meeting. March 1, 2012, Boston, MA.

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