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Benjamin W. Schmidt

Cleanroom Manager
Technical Lead, Industry Partnerships

Overview:

Ben is interested in the development of advanced nanomaterials to further the research needs of the Vanderbilt community and beyond. He has experience with deposition and etching of thin films for understanding and optimizing process-property relationships especially related to gate dielectrics and high-temperature ceramics. As a Staff Scientist at a surface analysis instrumentation manufacturer, he consulted with users worldwide to improve photoelectron spectroscopy methods that can be applied to a variety of materials for contamination control, process development, and chemical composition of interfaces. In VINSE, Ben manages operations in the cleanroom, coordinates testing and maintenance on tools and facility infrastructure, and trains users on processes and safety protocols. He is also eager to engage outside industrial and academic partners for projects utilizing the fabrication and characterization capabilities within VINSE.