Student Opportunities/Research Assistantships & Fellowships

"Using excellent basic research methods, the CDS is a quite effective organization in providing important information on industrial related processes. One very good example that helped our integrated LTCC program was the 'characterization and modeling of Camber due to sintering mismatch between individual components'. " Masahiko Okuyama, General Manager, R&D Dept. No. 2, NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Plug Co., Ltd.

The Center for Dielectric Studies provides a strong research environment for students, technical staff, and faculty participants. During the past 18 years, CDS has supported more than 50 student research projects in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Ceramic Science, and Materials Science and Engineering. Research topics have ranged from new materials synthesis to device design and characterization. Penn State faculty and Industrial Advisory Board representatives select projects that answer fundamental scientific questions and provide technical relevance to electronic component development.

Students in the CDS have opportunities to work with state-of-the-art equipment within the Materials Research Institute, and at several other facilities on the Penn State campus. In addition, students interact closely with experienced technical staff to design and fabricate experimental apparatus for their research.

The CDS provides a unique opportunity for students to interact with industrial representatives within the Center. These representatives lead their company's research and development efforts and guide future research directions for the dielectric components industry. Several CDS graduates are employed by these member companies.

In addition to providing an excellent atmosphere for thesis research, the CDS provides financial assistance to students. If you are interested in research assistantships or fellowship opportunities, please contact Clive Randall or Mike Lanagan at Penn State University, or Fatih Dogan or Harlan Anderson at the Missouri University of Science and Technology.