1. Ryan Thorpe
PO Box 237, Lebanon, NJ 08833 | thorper@physics.rutgers.edu | (908) 399-3671
Profile
Ph.D. candidate seeking a position as an analytical scientist in a research and development company. Extensive
experience with surface science characterization techniques. Excellent written and verbal communication skills as
demonstrated by publications and numerous research presentations. Broad background in renewable energy
technology and climate change through Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT fellowship.
Education
Ph.D. in Physics (Experimental Surface Science), October 2014 (expected)
Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
B.S. in Physics and B.A. in Mathematics, May 2009
Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
Professional Experience
XPS Facility Coordinator – Rutgers University (2012 – Present)
Trained 30+ users on state of the art Thermo K-Alpha and Thermo ESCALAB 250Xi XPS systems
Analyzed elemental and chemical composition of organic and semiconductor samples for industrial clients
and prepared written reports
Graduate Assistant – Rutgers University (2009 – Present)
Used ARXPS and STM to obtain surface and depth-resolved information on the phase evolution of oriented
FeF2 and CoO thin film battery materials after exposure to Li in UHV
Identified compounds responsible for poor battery performance (Li2O2, LiOH, Li2-xFexF2) and proposed
methods to improve battery life, e.g. higher temperature during cycling, different Li-salts and electrolytes
Compared cathodes from cycled electrochemical cells to model thin film cathodes using XPS in order to
quantify the effects of electrolytes, binders, etc.
Supervised four undergraduate students, including a research project that received departmental honors
Participated in renewable energy outreach activities with local elementary schools and summer camps
Undergraduate Research Assistant – Rutgers University (2008 – 2009)
Used ultraviolet and inverse photoemission spectroscopy (UPS and IPS) to characterize the electronic
structure and exciton delocalization pathways of Zn-TPP molecules on semiconductor surfaces
Identified crucial differences in bonding geometry of dye molecules in dye-sensitized solar cells
Analyzed elemental composition and thickness of thin film samples for clients using RBS
Professional Skills and Laboratory Techniques
Laboratory techniques: XPS, ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), inverse photoemission
spectroscopy (IPS), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM),
Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), metal evaporation, and ion beam sputtering
Extensive experience with design, maintenance, and repair of ultra-high vacuum equipment
Proficient in Microsoft Office, Igor Pro, Thermo Avantage, Maple, LaTeX, LabVIEW, and Corel Draw
Broad knowledge of renewable energy technology and economic policy from IGERT training
Awards and Fellowships
Claude Lovelace Graduate Fellowship, 2014
Nanotechnology for Clean Energy IGERT Fellowship, 2010
High Honors in Physics (undergraduate), 2009
Phi Beta Kappa, 2009