Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION SUMMARY • Refereed (Peer Reviewed) Invitational Chapters Published in Technical Books: 5 (all Invitational; 3 as lead author) • Refereed (Peer Reviewed) Journal Articles Published: 140 (over 50% as lead author) • Refereed (Peer Reviewed) Conference Proceedings (Articles Published):126 (over 50% as lead author) • Presentations at National/International Scientific Meetings: 291 (over 50% invitational) • Invited Presentations at National/International Scientific Meetings:>140+ • U.S. Army Research Laboratory Technical Reports (Peer Reviewed): 31 • Citations of M.W. Cole’s “Class A” -Referred (Peer Reviewed) Journal Articles: ~3,700+ • US Patents, Invention Disclosures and Licensed Patents: 12 US patents/1 disclosure/2 licensed patents
I have effectively researched, created and taught the science content (theory & lab) for my STEM courses at CNM using an evidence-based approach. This teaching strategy combines pedagogies garnered from several sources: (1) the current STEM educational literature, (2) Discussions with subject matter experts (SME) in the field (3) Discussions with my CNM colleagues and (4) My participation in STEM educational workshops, conferences, meetings and programs. This method has enabled me to deliver science content to my students that is current, scientifically relevant, understandable as well as kinesthetic such that the students are actively engaged with the content, with one another and with me as their instructor. In addition, I strive to teach my students science by breaking down complex science concepts into their fundamental basic elements. My strong science background has been fundamental for achieving this. The underlying theme of my course curricula is to develop the students science competency, e.g., explore the methods and approaches used in the acquisition of new scientific knowledge, and investigate the impact of science on society. External to the classroom I mentor students and faculty, e.g., one-on-one/group student coaching for research- and work-based internships, and create workshops for faculty professional development. I also create on-site research opportunities for students at CNM and UNM. In both my teaching and mentorship practices I am passionate about supporting a diverse student population, specifically supporting women and underrepresented minorities in STEM.
As a Senior Research Scientist at the ARL I served as the Team Leader of the Integrated Electromagnetic Materials Research Team. My research focused on fundamental and applied research in growth, properties, and processing science of thin film electronic materials/devices for use in the next generation of RF/MW communications, radar and force protection systems. Work centered on advancing basic science concepts to ascertain the complex relationship among materials, process, and design that affects device performance and reliability, and translating these new discoveries into practical applied science and engineering applications. From 1997-2015 my research focused on the development of complex oxide thin films, growth, and processing solutions to enable high Q, temperature stable frequency agile devices. These devices are critical components for the Army’s future On-The-Move electrically scanned phased array antennas, radar, force protection platforms and Joint Tactical Radio System man-portable and embedded radios for dismounted infantry. Prior work (1985-1996) focused on III-V and wide-bandgap semiconductors for high power, high temperature, and MW devices. This research elucidated dry etch induced material defects, and the development of thermally stable metallizations for electrical contacts/interconnects. This work laid the ground work for today’s “low-damage/high performance” dry etch methodologies. In collaboration with ATT Bell Laboratories, I introduced innovative metallization designs and fabrication techniques to enable high performance Ohmic and Schottky contacts for compound semiconductors; GaAs, InP, SiC, and GaN. These research contributions enabled state-of-the-art high-speed compound semiconductor electronic devices, High Electron Mobility Transistors , Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors, and Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors. My work on wide bandgap metallizations had significant impact on hybrid-electric vehicles.