Knowledge Conductor
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Research Tied to Intel’s Semiconductor Manufacturing
Name: Niladri Deb ’25
Hometown: Mumbai, India
High school: Dhirubhai Ambani International School
Majors: Astrophysics and Computer Science
Minor: Mathematics
OWU Connection Experience: Working as a student research assistant at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio
Deb spent his summer working on Intel-related nanotechnology research through the Ohio 5-OSU Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program at The Ohio State University. Intel is building a $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing site in central Ohio, which is expected to open in 2025.
In addition to Deb, Ohio Wesleyan students Gia Hailu ’24, Coleman Kegler ’25, and Spencer Yates ’24 also completed independent summer research at Ohio State. It was Deb’s second consecutive summer working at OSU, having completed a 2022 summer research internship in Bioinformatics and Statistical Physics.
My Job Duties
“I was working on one of the Intel projects that were going on at OSU – mine was on quantum materials and magnetism. … My first responsibility was to learn and operate the Raman microscope as well as the Capping Chamber independently. Additionally, I had to exfoliate multiple samples of Tungsten Diselenide. My final responsibility was to assist my mentor, a graduate student, with research and projects.”
Deb used a laser-based Raman microscope to collect images using nondestructive and noncontact methods and a Capping Chamber to deposit bismuth and gold on silicon/silicon dioxide chips that already had thin layers of Tungsten Diselenide on them.
“My research was to study the contact resistance between bismuth and Tungsten Diselenide in an attempt to learn more about Tungsten Diselenide and with the hope of using Tungsten Diselenide as the next generation of semiconductors. It would replace silicon that is being used very commonly in the world.”
I learned a lot of laboratory skills from this experience, including operating sophisticated equipment. ... I also gained the experience of working in a large group of researchers and how to collaborate with them on projects.
My Favorite Moment
“My favorite moment of the experience was whenever I had to use the Capping Chamber. I enjoyed using this machine because I helped in its assembly process, and there were a lot of developments taking place while working with this machine.”
Lessons Learned
“I learned a lot of laboratory skills from this experience, including operating sophisticated equipment. ... I also gained the experience of working in a large group of researchers and how to collaborate with them on projects. Additionally, I learned some hands-on skills by helping the other members of the group when the machines were broken or malfunctioning.”
My Campus Involvements
“I am on the school’s Esports team. I am a part of Phi Delta Theta. I am currently also a member of Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Honors Society), president of the Society of Physics Students, chair of the Physics Student Board, and a member of the Math, Computer Science, and Data Analytics Student Board. Additionally, I am a member of the Astronomy Club.”
Why I Chose Ohio Wesleyan
“I first heard about OWU when Kristen Crosby (director of international admission) came to my school and told me about the university. I chose to come to OWU because I heard a lot of great things about its academics, especially from my friend’s father, Joydeep Singapuri, who is a ’95 alum. Furthermore, I received a good scholarship which further motivated me to pursue my studies at OWU.”
My Plans After Graduation
“I plan to get into the industry for a few years before I pursue graduate school. I have learned a lot in so many courses from so many great professors, and I feel like that has helped me a lot to acquire skills and knowledge in my fields of interest. Furthermore, the Career Connection office at OWU helped me a lot in developing my resume and skills related to searching for jobs/internships.”