Pete Schwartz, Abridged Scholarship CV

 

Peter V. Schwartz For more information, please see my complete CV.

 

1) Educational Preparation:

2) Employment History:

  • 2017-present Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Physics Department, Full Professor
  • 2007-2017 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Physics Department, Associate Professor
  • 2006-2007 University of California at Berkeley Energy and Resources Group, Sabbatical study of Sustainability, Technology, and Policy
  • 2003-2007 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Physics Department, Assistant Professor
  • 2000-2003 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Physics Department, Lecturer
  • 1999-2000 Northwestern University, Post Doctoral Research Scientist
  • Summer 1998, 1999 Collaborative Research at Columbia University
  • 1998-1999 Colorado College, Physics Department, Visiting Assistant Professor
  • 1993-1998 Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Ph.D. Graduate Student, Research and Teaching Assistant.
  • 1991-1993 Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, Princeton University, Graduate Student, Research Assistant
  • 1989-1991 Bakersfield High School, Bakersfield, California, Physics Teacher
  • 1986-1989 United States Peace Corps, Fiji, South Pacific High School Science, Math Teacher; Science Head of Department

3) Teaching Related Innovations

  • Fall 2014 – present. Developed and implementing “Parallel Pedagogy” open online curriculum for PHYS-141, Introductory Mechanics, where students learn concepts simultaneously. Results published in The Physics Teacher, indicate students learn to think more like experts.
  • Fall 2014 – present. Developed “flipped classroom” instruction for PHYS-141, with ~100 10-minute instructional videos on YouTube.
  • Fall 2016 – present. Authored a concise open, online textbook following the parallel pedagogy for Introductory Mechanics, PHYS-141.
  • Fall 2014 – present. Introduction of two group projects for Introductory Mechanics, PHYS-141: one analyses data collected via students’ videos, one is a project of the students’ choice, producing a video, such as measuring the speed of a bullet two different ways.
  • Winter 2016 – present. Physics Department Learning Assistants (LAs) collaborator. Extending LAs to PHYS-141 (three classes)
  • Fall 2012 – present. Interdisciplinary Collaboration with Mechanical Engineering: Co-advising Mechanical Engineering students and “Appropriate Technology” class instruction.
  • Spring 2012 – present. Developed open online “flipped” curriculum for Energy, Society, and the Environment (PSc-320, and PHYS-310), with ~50 videos (10 – 15 minutes) on YouTube. The curriculum (as for all my classes) is publicly available.
  • 2016. Developed labs for PHYS-132 (waves, optics, thermal), whereby most of the instructions are removed leaving room for student mistakes, exploration, and discussion.
  • SUSTAIN (2009 – 2013). Developed the SUSTAIN Initiative with an interdepartmental team of professors, students, and community volunteers. SUSTAIN is an interdisciplinary, activity-based, community coordinated curriculum for 50 freshmen from all departments for winter and spring quarters. I taught Introductory Physics for mixed classes of scientists and nonscientists (PHYS-121/131, and PHYS-122/132).
  • 2010 – 2012. Designed (with students and partner community, San Pablo, Tacaná, Guatemala) and directed “Guateca” a 2-month collaborative, appropriate technology summer school in San Pablo. Three trips to San Pablo with a total of 37 Cal Poly students and approximately the same number of Guatemalan students.
  • 2008-2012. With the Academic Senate Sustainability Committee, design of university wide learning, freshmen experience objectives, and development of curriculum for sustainability minors.
  • 2007. Introduced two “Appropriate Technology” classes (UNIV-391, UNIV-392) for collaborative development with the global poor.
  • 2006 Designed curriculum to prepare students for future study or employment in nanotechnology.
  • 2000 – 2006 Developed course materials for classes, lower division laboratories, and Quantum Lab. Introduced “conference style” presentations for Quantum Lab, PHYS-340, 341, and 342, such as this electron q/m ratio from 2007.

Undergraduate Research and Senior Projects: 48 since 2000, 32 since 2007. Two Masters Thesis

  • 2019: 6 senior projects: Three are ME group senior projects related to Solar Electric Cooking and Solar Electric Cooling. Three more are anticipated: two related to solar electric cooking and one to Physics Education Research. Three weeks spent in Ghana with four research students, founding a company to produce solar electric cooking, summarized in this video.
  • 2018: 1 senior project (on energy policy), considerable student research in developing diode heating, working with many research students and a Malawi NGO.
  • 2017: 4 senior projects in Energy Efficiency, Insulation, and Direct Consumption of Photovoltaic Electricity for Cooking and Ice Production. 17 students and 3 professors.
  • 2016: 4 senior projects in Direct Consumption of Photovoltaic Electricity: Summer Research: 18 students, 4 professors and 4 companies work together to study alternative photovoltaic implementation, 4 students go to Uganda with AidAfrica to implement PV stoves.
  • 2015: 2 senior projects: 1 in ME (solar concentrators), 1 in Physics Education Research, Summer Research: 3 students (ME, EE, and ME grad student) develop Photovoltaic Cooking
  • 2014: 0 senior project: Summer Research: 3 Physics majors and 3 ME majors: alternative solar concentrator with inexpensive tracking
  • 2013: 3 senior projects and 1 ME masters thesis: thermal storage capacity for improved solar concentrator
  • 2012: 0 senior projects: 3 physics majors and 6 other students develop inexpensive solar concentrator
  • 2011: 2 senior projects: 1 Life Cycle Analysis, 1 Thermal Modeling
  • 2010: 3 senior projects: 3 Urban Solar Concentrators
  • 2009: 2 senior projects: 1 Solar Concentrators, 1 Electric Car Analysis
  • 2008: 4 senior projects: 1 Electric Car Analysis, 2 energy modeling, 1 Nanotechnology
  • 2006: 2 senior projects: 1 AFM-based lithography; 1 biological surfaces
  • 2005: 8 senior projects: 4 DNA guided self-assembly; 2 AFM-based lithography; 2 molecular surface order
  • 2004: 5 senior projects: 2 DNA guided self assembly; 3 AFM-based lithography
  • 2003: 1 senior project: AFM based lithography, 1 masters thesis: Plasma Physics
  • 2002: 1 senior project: DNA guided self-assembly

Senior Projects / Thesis, unless otherwise stated, student is a physics major. Masters thesis: student also has primary advisor in their own department.

  • Nate Christler, Marcus Strutz, Justin Unger, Matthew Weeman, Insulated Solar Electric Cooker with Thermal Storage, June 2019
  • Brady Banks, Emily Burnside, Kaeley Dicks, Josh Stevens, ISEC Immersion Heater, June 2019
  • Ben Larson, Cooper Gibson, Cody Volk, Eilbron Younan, Vaccine Cooler for the Global Poor, June 2019 (coadvised with Nathan Heston)
  • Zachary Shockley, Rental Property Energy Efficiency in San Luis Obispo, March 2018
  • Madison Fleming (IT), Introducing Insulated Solar-Electric Cooking in Rural Uganda, Dec. 2017
  • Tyler Batchelder (ME), Luke Holmes (ME), Johnathan Lo (ME), Solar Ice, Dec. 2017
  • Spencer Davis (ME), Amanda Gyokery (ME), Kyle Smit (ME), Thermal Storage for an Insulated Solar Electric Cooker, anticipated Dec. 2017
  • Evan Drake, Investigation of Peltier Devices for Refrigeration, July 2017
  • Garrett O’Neill, Processing, Controlling, and Recording of Energy Flows with an Arduino, December 2016
  • Omar Arriaga (EE), Chris O’Day (ME), Tyler Watkins (ME), Photovoltaic Cooking in Developing Countries, December 2016
  • Jeff Reeves (ME), Pablo Arroyo (ME), Sam Beasley (ME), Photovoltaic Cooker for Camping, December 2016
  • Alex Little, Direct Consumption of Photovoltaic Electricity in a Direct Current Water Heater, 2016
  • Devin Mast (ME) and Ian Davidson (ME), Heliostat-Concentrator Solar Cooker, 2015
  • Adam LeFaive, Physics141, Novel Teaching Concepts, 2015
  • Taylor Frostholm, Constructing and Testing a Thermal Storage Device, 2014
  • Josh Fernandes, Modeling a Thermal Storage Device, 2013
  • Mike Kim, An Inexpensive Solar Concentrator for Developing Nations, 2013
  • Simo Alberti (MS thesis, ME), Constructing a Reflective Dish for a Solar Concentrator, 2013
  • Kyle Reynolds, Guateca: A Carbon Footprint Viability Analysis, 2011
  • Tim Hider, Python Modeling of Heat Flow In a Thermal Storage Device, (coadvised with Brian Granger), 2011
  • Jason Rapp, Construction and Improvement of a Scheffler Reflector and Thermal Storage Device, 2010
  • Kyle Clark, Financial Analysis of Urban Concentrated Solar Electricity Generation, 2010
  • Trevor Davis, Design and Construction of Thermal Storage for Concentrated Solar for Cooking, 2010
  • Steve Rogers, Solar Concentrator Designs, 2009
  • Matthew Werber, Comparison of Life Cycle Costs: Gasoline Engines Versus Electric Motors, 2009
  • John Ross, Automobile Environmental Impact Comparison: Biofuels Versus Solar Electric, 2008
  • Michael Fisher, Comparison of Effective Energy: Gasoline Engines Versus Electric Motors, 2008
  • Robert Lawson, Life Cycle Analysis of Primary Energy Sources, Technology Substitution, 2008
  • Amber Bowen, Extension of Past 3 Summers’ Research in Self Assembly, 2008
  • Grant Gallagher, Thermodynamic and Structural Behavior of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane, 2006
  • Gregory Tucker, Surface Tethered DNA Provides a Template for Subsequent Positioning of Nanostructures, 2006
  • Tim Arlen, Measuring the Temperature Dependence of 2-D Vapor Pressure of Dodecane on a Au(111) Surface, 2005
  • Josh West, Identifying the Surface Debye Temperature of a Self Assembled Monolayer, 2005
  • Matt Leyden, ESEM Observation of a Water Meniscus and Dependence on Surface Condition, 2005
  • Daniel Hansen, Quantifying DNA Coverage on a Microsphere Surface, 2005
  • Steve Vanderet, Melting temperature dependence in DNA Derivatized Microspheres, 2005
  • Carl Bauer, Annealing of DNA Derivatized Microspheres, 2005
  • Phil Rogers, DNA Assembly of Microspheres, 2005
  • Jamie Romnes, Investigation of Molecular Displacement in a Self Assembled Monolayer with an AFM tip, 2004
  • Erik Peterson CHEM, The Effect of Environmental Conditions on Dip-Pen Nanolithography of Mercaptohexadecanoic Acid, 2004
  • Ivan Hromada, Direct observation of the water meniscus between an Atomic Force Microscope Tip and Substrate Using Scanning Electron Microscopy, 2004
  • James Kwok On Lau, MATE, Quantification of DNA Coverage Density and Hybridization Efficiency of Fluorescence-Labeled Oligonucleotides on Polystyrene Latex Microspheres, 2004
  • Jackson Crews, Directed Self-Assembly of Polystyrene Micro-Particles through DNA Linkage: Constructing a Template for a Full Photonic Bandgap Crystal, 2004
  • Cheuk H. Tang, MATE, The Role of Water during Dip-Pen Nanolithography: Effects of Relative Humidity and Time on Water Meniscus Formation, 2003
  • Kristina K. Jameson (Masters Thesis in Aero Eng), Development and Testing of a 13 cm XIPS Thruster (2003)
  • Bradly Roberts, MATE, Directed Self Assembly of Polystyrene Microsphere Structures through DNA Hybridization, 2002

4) Scholarship (asterisk * indicates Cal Poly Student) Unless otherwise stated, I supervised the research and writing.

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

Book (Editing and Chapter Contribution)

  • Driving to Net Zero, Stories of Hope for a Carbon-Free Future. Edited by David Hrivnak. I wrote chapter 8 about our house: Ten Years with a Bucket of Shit, and My Efforts to Live Consistent with My Values.
  • What Does it Mean to Open Education? Perspectives on Using OER from the Field at a U. S. Public University, L. Vanasupa, A. Wiley, L. Schlemer, D. Ospina, P. Schwartz, D. Wilhelm, C. Waitinas, K. Hall; Chapter in P. Blessinger and T. J. Bliss (Eds), Open Education: International Perspectives in Higher Education, Cambridge, UK: OpenBook Publishers, Dec. 2016. I significantly contributed to the discussions and writing. Abstract. Complete book can be downloaded for free here.
  • The Co-Created Guatemalan Field School: Carbon Reduction with Appropriate Technology, Peter V. Schwartz, invited talk and contributed chapter in Physics of Sustainable Energy, American Institute of Physics Press, College Park, MD, edited by D. Hafemeister, B. Levi, and P. Schwartz, 2011, I researched and wrote this chapter alone.
  • Physics of Sustainable Energy, American Institute of Physics Press, College Park, MD, edited by D. Hafemeister, B. Levi, M. Levine, and P. Schwartz, 2011. Most of the editing was done by D. Hafemeister. I provided minor support.
  • Physics of Sustainable Energy, American Institute of Physics Press, College Park, MD, edited by D. Hafemeister, B. Levi, M. Levine, and P. Schwartz, 2008. Most of the editing was done by D. Hafemeister. I provided minor support and was responsible for making the presentations accessible online.

White Papers (articles)

Educational Materials

  • ~ 200 videos accessible from my YouTube Channel
    • Introductory Mechanics, Energy Technologies and Society, Permaculture, and Bicycle advocacy
    • 530 subscribers and total of 207,000 views as of Nov. 2019.
  • Introductory Mechanics Textbook following Parallel Pedagogy (see publications).

Selected Contributed External Presentations (* indicates student. Boldface is Presenter) unless otherwise stated, I am the only presenter

  • July, 2019, American Association of Physics Teachers, Provo, Utah, Parallel Pedagogy: Teaching Mechanics Concepts Simultaneously, Owen Staveland,* D. Stoker, P. Schwartz
  • Jan, 2019, ETHOS conference for improved cookstoves, Seattle, Insulated Solar-Electric Cooking, year IV: Progress in California, Uganda, Malawi, Grace Guis*, P. Schwartz, Presentation Slides
  • January, 2018, ETHOS conference for improved cookstoves, Seattle, Insulated Solar Electric Cooking: Third Year Update, P. Keller, P. Schwartz
  • December 15, 2017, MIT Alumni Webinar: Innovations Behind the Meter: Energy Efficiency and Innovations in the Home and Workplace.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, Insulated Solar Electric Cooking: Tomorrow’s Clean, Affordable, Replacement for Burning Biomass.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, My House: Innovations in our Domestic Environment
  • Jan, 2017, ETHOS conference for improved cookstoves, Seattle, Insulated Solar-Electric Cooking and Preliminary Implementation of Prototypes in Uganda, P. Keller, P. Schwartz
  • Oct. 5, 2016, Cal Poly Appropriate Technology Projects for SLO Green Building Alliance
  • July 20, 2016, AAPT Physics Teachers Conference, Sacramento, Focussing on Concepts by Covering them Simultaneously? Abstract
  • March 24, 2016, “Good Morning SLO” address to the SLO Chamber of Commerce on the future of Solar Electricity
  • April 19, 2016, UC Santa Barbara Service Learning Class, Appropriate Technology and Efforts at Cal Poly
  • Jan 31, 2016, ETHOS conference for improved cookstoves, Seattle, Wa, Solar Electric Cooking Coming Soon?, P. Schwartz, D. Mast,* N. Hayes*, J. Sekerak* see presentation slides
  • July, 18, 2015 Regional Conference, Solar Cookers International; Sacramento, Ca, Photovoltaic Solar Cooking, P. Schwartz, D. Mast,* J. Sekerak*, N. Hayes* See video
  • July, 18, 2015 Regional Conference, Solar Cookers International; Sacramento, California, “Dual Mirror, Parabolic Cookers”, D. Mast,* J. Sekerak*, P. Schwartz. See video
  • July, 18, 2015 Regional Conference, Solar Cookers International; Sacramento, California, “Standardized Testing and Consumer Review”, J. Sekerak*, D. Mast,* P. Schwartz. See video
  • July 15, 2015, and Aug. 1. 2014, Permaculture Design Course invited talk, Casitas Family Farm, Santa Barbara, California, “Permaculture Practice inside of Mainstream Society”
  • July 18, 2014 International Conference, Solar Cookers International; Sacramento, California, “Building the Scheffler Concentrators at Cal Poly
  • June 25 – July 8, 2013 Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic guest instructor for Practivistas collaborative appropriate technology summer field school.
  • May 5, 2014, Mini Maker Faire, our solar concentrators are covered by the Tribune
  • April 27, 2014, Cal Poly Earth Day Solar Concentrator Demonstration T. Murphy, P. Schwartz.
  • March, 2014 four-class course “Dealing with Climate Change” for Life Long Learners on the Central Coast for about 50 people, P. Schwartz, D.Hafemeister, R. Weymann, D. Camp, S. Hurt, J. Lindsey, L. Pitelka, off campus at PG&E by Diablo Canyon
  • Nov. 2, 2012 American Physical Society California invited talk, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA, “Energy, Sustainability, Collaboration: Learning it, Teaching it, and Living it – At Cal Poly, in Guatemala, and at Home”
  • Aug. 31, 2012 Universidad, San Carlos, Guatemala City, Guatemala, “Appropriate Technology, and Guateca, the collaborative summer program in San Pablo,… and you”
  • January 23, 2014, Cal Poly Veritas Forum for Faith, Science, Altruism, I presented the atheist perspective to ~1000 people from Cal Poly’s community
  • June 18 – July 1, 2012 Quail Springs Permaculture Community co-instructor for a two-week permaculture design workshop, specializing in solar power and holistic residential renovation
  • Nov. 7, 2011 Sonoma State University Physics Department invited public lecture, “What Physicists Do”
  • Sept. 1, 2011 CIDATA Appropriate Technology Implementation Station, San Carlos University, Guatemala City, Guatemala, Appropriate Technology at Cal Poly
  • March 5, 2011 UC, Berkeley, invited talk (American Physical Society) Physics of Sustainable Energy Workshop. The Co-Created Guatemalan Field School: Carbon Reduction with Appropriate Technology
  • Feb. 13, 2011 Cal Poly, Bioneers Invited Talk, for Bioneers Fundraising Dinner for Guateca, Guateca
  • June 7, 2009 San Luis Obispo Eco Summit, Cayucos, Ca. Preparing for Solar Energy
  • Feb. 27, 2009 Change the Status Quo presentation, Cal Poly, Transitioning to Renewable Energy
  • Feb. 5, 2009 Focus the Nation presentation, Cal Poly Renewable Energy and Appropriate Technology at Cal Poly
  • Oct. 7, 2008 SLO Chamber’s Economic Development Committee Potential Collaboration Opportunities
  • Nov. 25, 2008. Invited talk addressing the Organization of American States, Washington, DC: Cal Poly Appropriate Technology.
  • Nov. 12, 2008. California Electric Fuel Implementation Workshop, UC Berkeley: The Moderate Range, Full Performance, BEV: High Energy Density and Low Life Cycle Costs, M. Werber*, M Fischer*, P. Schwartz
  • Aug. 10, 2008. Concentrating sunlight from an immobile primary mirror: ray-tracing results, S. C. Rogers*, M. Kinni*, C. Barickman*, G. Chavoor*, N. Glazar*, P. Schwartz, 2008, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 7059 70590A
  • July 24, 2008. SLO Chamber “Good Morning SLO” Solar Energy Potential in SLO County
  • June 17, 2008. SLO Chamber’s Economic Development Committee Carrizo Plane Solar Development
  • May 29, 2008. Tri-county Energy Summit, Santa Barbara, Transition Opportunities to Renewable Energy
  • May 18, 2008. San Luis Obispo Eco Summit, Cayucos, Ca. Preparing for Solar Energy
  • April 25, 2008. Pecha Kucha presentation on Renewable Energy, Stynberg Gallery, SLO, Ca. Calculations and Choices
  • Jan. 31, 2008. Focus the Nation presentation on climate change and renewable energy
  • Aug. 16, 2007. Community Environmental Council, Santa Barbara, “Economic Analysis for Transition to Carbon Neutrality by 2033 for Santa Barbara County”
  • June 21, 2007. Oil Independent Oakland Task Force, Oakland City Hall, Oakland, California, “Economic Analysis for Transition to Carbon Neutrality by 2033 for Santa Barbara County”
  • May 24, 2007. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California, “Economic Analysis for Transition to Carbon Neutrality by 2033 for Santa Barbara County”

Selected External Poster Presentations:

  • July, 2019, American Association of Physics Teachers, Provo, Utah, Causal Statements Improve Concept Application, Owen Staveland,* S. Vokos, P. Schwartz
  • November, 2017, C3E Women in Clean Energy Symposium, MIT, Cambridge, Ma, hosted by MIT and US Department of Energy. Madison Fleming*, Madeline Larkin*, Ian Stone*, P. Schwartz, Efficient Solar Electric Cookstoves for the Developing World. Awarded First Prize in Poster Presentations.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, Madison Fleming*, Madeline Larkin*, Ian Stone*, P. Schwartz, Efficient Solar Electric Cookstoves for the Developing World.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, Joshua Dimaggio*, Hunter Herrin,* P. Schwartz, Nathan Heston, Making Ice with Sunlight, Peltier Coolers and Passive Thermal Energy Storage.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, Adeel Ali*, Nick Crawford*, Tyler Batchelder*, Orion Zorich*, P. Schwartz, Nathan Heston, Using Photovoltaic Power in a Low-Cost Thermoelectric Cooling Refrigerator.
  • October, 2017, American Solar Energy Society meeting, Denver, Co, P. Schwartz, Scavenging Free Electricity With Thermal Loads and Load Defecting with Direct DC.
  • Mach 8, 2014. APS Workshop on Sustainable Energy, Berkeley, Ca, “Solar Concentration: Cheap, Simple, High Performance”, T. Murphy,* S. Albreti,* M. Roberts,* E. Johnston,* M. Kim,* D. Sholes,* N. Fuller,* J. Morgan,* A Davol, P. Schwartz
  • April 10, 2009. 2nd Forum on Energy & Water Sustainability, UC Santa Barbara, “Mileage in Terms of Natural Capital: Consumption of our Land, Water, and Air”, J. B. Ross*, P. V. Schwartz
  • Aug. 10, 2008, San Diego, SPIE Conference Proc. of SPIE Vol. 7059 70590A, “Concentrating sunlight from an immobile primary mirror: ray-tracing results”, S. C. Rogers*, M. Kinni*, C. Barickman*, G. Chavoor*, N. Glazar*, P. V. Schwartz

Cal Poly and Local Presentations: We present at the COSAM Spring Science Conference, and at the Fall Frost Scholars Presentations, and I often a guest lecturer for other classes. Additionally:

  • Invited Speaker – Climate Action Rally, Cal Poly Dexter Lawn, Sept. 27, 2019. “Progressive Environmental Policy Increases Economic Vitality”
  • Invited Plenary speaker for Cal Poly’s first Development Showcase. Feb. 20, 2018. Pete Schwartz “Appropriate Technology: Cal Poly, Local Applications, Abroad.
  • Power and Energy Conference (Cal Poly Electrical Engineering), May, 2012 presentation: P. Schwartz, Mike Kim*, C. Fourt*, T. Frostholm*, J. Fernandes*, M. Lee*, J. Tower*, “Optimizing a Solar Concentrator for Cooking and Combined Heat and Power”

Grants and Contracts:
External Grants

  • MECS (Modern Energy Cooking Services), UKAid, Thermal Storage with Phase Change Materials, P. Schwartz, $40,000 (8/19 – 2/20)
  • CA Office of Planning and Research: Education Learning Lab, The Mechanics of Inclusion and Inclusivity in Mechanics, S. Vokos (co-PI), $1.3M (7/19-6/22)
  • Aug. 2016 Contract grant to develop product from Rincon Vitova Insectiaries (coPI) $7,000
  • Feb. 2016 CSU Promising Practices (PI), $10,600
  • Sept 2011 Department of Energy, Solar Concentrator (PI) $20,000
  • July 2011 California Energy Commission, PIER Efficiency Program, Solar Concentrator Facility (coPI) $397,785; Terminated early because of pullout of corporate partner. We returned about 70% of the grant money.
  • Dec. 2010 Private Citizen: Donation to The Corporation for Guateca (PI) $10,000
  • June 2005 Petroleum Research Fund (PI) $50,000
  • Sept., 2002 Raytheon Research Support Grant. (PI) $20,000

Internal Grants

  • Summer 2019, Frost Summer Stipends (PI) $13,000
  • Summer 2018, Frost Summer Stipends (PI) $16,000
  • Summer 2017, Frost Summer Stipends (PI) $14,000
  • Summer 2016, COSAM internal grant for PV solar research (PI) $15,000
  • May 2016 CSU Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activities Grant (CoPI) $14,000, Open Proposal
  • March 2016 Two Baker/Koob grants to send a total of four students to Uganda (Faculty Manger) $10,000: #1, #2
  • Summer 2015, COSAM internal grant for development of PV solar cooking (PI) $5,000
  • Summer 2014, COSAM internal grant for development of concentrated solar cooking (PI) $16,000
  • October 2013, COSAM internal grant to purchase Solar Concentrator (PI) $4,000
  • Summer 2013, COSAM internal grant for development of concentrated solar cooking (PI) $1,900
  • Dec. 2010, COSAM internal grant to support student participation in development of Guatemala field school (PI) $2,500
  • Sept. 2008 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $44,382
  • Sept. 2008 Office of Naval Research, Grant, C3RP Honors (PI) $4,200
  • Sept. 2007 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $37,130
  • Jan. 2007 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $24,764
  • June 2005 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $40,935
  • April 2004 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $40,500
  • June 2003 Cal Poly Instrumentation, AFM upgrade (coPI) $32,000 With Derek Gragson (Chemistry)
  • Sept., 2003 Cal Poly Start Up Funding (PI) $14,000
  • Oct., 2002 Office of Naval Research Grant, C3RP project (PI) $27,000

Consulting Activities:

  • Public Consultant for Energy (2007 – present): I have been a renewable energy and sustainability advocate and consultant for local community leaders including Heidi Harmon (San Luis Obispo Mayor), and for greater California. Participation includes talks, technical support, publishing YouTube videos for energy-related material, and presenting my house as a permaculture demonstration site
  • San Luis Obispo City Planning Committee Bicycle Advocate (2013 – present) Promote bicycle safe city development, attending city council, planning task force and advocacy meetings as San Luis Obispo updates the general plan for Land Use and Circulation Elements (LUCE).
  • Bicycle advocacy includes partnership with San Luis Obispo Police Department whereby I alert the public and police with YouTube posting of videos representing threats to bicycle safety.
  • SLO MakerSpace (2013 – present) Board member and Chief Sustainability Officer for the 5,000+ ft2 community facility Benefit Corporation dedicated to technical creativity, community collaboration and education, opened January 2014. My primary role is education and connection to Cal Poly students. Disclosure: I am a $10,000 stockholder as are most of the board members.
  • Solar Cookers International, Standardized Testing and Consumer Review (summer 2015), I advised two students (Graduate Student in Mechanical Engineering John Sekerak and Undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering, Devin Mast) in designing an international solar cooker testing facility for Solar Cookers International.

Patent Applications:

  • Add-On Electric Water Heater, Provisional Patent 62394102, Filed Sept. 13, 2016. Abandoned
  • New Electric Switch, Provisional Patent 62274346, Filed January 3, 2016
  • High Efficiency Low Power Cooking/Heating, Provisional Patent US 62/217,000, Filed September 10, 2015. Abandoned
  • Improved Earth Anchor Method and Apparatus, Provisional Patent US 14/483,154, Filed September 11, 2014. Abandoned
  • Redirecting Energy With Simplified Tracking, Provisional Patent 61892937, filed Oct 18, 2013. Abandoned
  • Method and Apparatus for Securing a Child, Patent No. US 8,474,667 B2. PCT filed April 2009. Patent issued Jul 2, 2013, US6241136 B1 see video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N3CmczcyGA
  • Solar Concentrator with Simplified Tracking, PCT filed June, 2008, abandoned, 2012 for lack of industrial interest
  • Molecular Transport from an AFM Tip: a Quantitative Study of Dip-pen Nanolithography Filed June 4, 2001. Application No. 60/295,962. Published as US6737646 B2, patent has been allowed to expire.
  • Meniscus Force Nanografting: a New Molecular Lithography; Nanoscopic Patterning of DNA Filed October 20, 2000 Application No. 60/243,168. PCT Application: Monday Oct 22, 2001: “Nanolithography Methods and Products Therefor and Produced Thereof”. US20040131843 A1 assigned May 2, 2011

5. Service
Physics Department

  • Physics Sustainability Committee, Chair, 2017 – Present
  • Physics Student Advisor: 2012-present. Advising physics majors
  • Course and Curriculum Committee: 2012-2017
  • Regularly support physics department open house activities
  • April 2014, PHYS-121 Textbook Committee
  • GRE Preparation: In 2000 when I came to Cal Poly, I initiated the GRE mentored study program. I continued it until I left for sabbatical in 2006.
  • Dave Hafemeister “Physics and Society” talk organizer: Manage the Hafemeister endowment to host an annual lecture in the physics department and greater community. Embarrassingly, there has only been one talk due to difficulties in scheduling, endowment level due to economic downturn, and scarcity of people willing to travel to San Luis Obispo for $1000.
  • Retention, Promotion, Tenure Revisions (Spring 2013) – organized the physics department to submit revisions to the COSAM Guidelines for RPT that included service to the community, or service that has positive environmental and societal effect outside of Cal Poly as well as inside of the university.
  • Fall Conference – participated every year except when on sabbatical (2006, 2013)
  • Faculty Equity Facilitator (2015 – present) – Provide communication between new and temporary faculty and Department Chair Bob Echols regarding concerns of vulnerable faculty who are reluctant to communicate directly.

Cal Poly

  • Student Experimental Farm (SEF) Facilitator (2013 – 2019) – Supporting student activities at the farm. Consists of weekly meetings / work days with the SEF community. Provide connection between participants and Risk Management to ensure that all activities are allowed and supported.
  • Sustainability advocate and consultant. (2007 – present) – Promote and support Cal Poly’s efforts to be a leader in sustainable practices, infrastructure and education. Activities include consulting, presentations and participation on design committees.
  • SUSTAIN (2009 – 2013) – Representing the physics department and supporting the collaborative teaching and learning effort.
  • Academic Senate Sustainability Committee (unofficial member – each department has only one representative and ours was Bob Echols, but I participated as well): 2007-2011
  • COSAM RPT Revision (2013) – organized, and chaired a physics department meeting to revise the COSAM Guidelines to include societal and environmental contributions, and submitted the results to Dean Bailey.
  • University Communication. I communicate faculty concerns to the administration in an effort to be authentic and inclusive. I’ve attend and participate with listening sessions, Union meetings, students and President Armstrong. I communicate my experiences on a website I established.
  • I responded to a call from students to better understand the nature of the strike conflict and what their options were by establishing a dedicated website. I made this website known to my colleagues, many of whom expressed gratitude and made the website available to their students.
  • 2016 quiet strike protest. I worked with a small faculty group to organize a silent protest, where faculty, students, administrations, and local people could meet during the proposed strike in order express solidarity with faculty while being open to discussion rather than the escalated confrontation that the union was preparing for the demonstration.

Representing Cal Poly to the wider community

  • Through class projects, Cal Poly students have taught a 5 hour (over 5 weeks) to 10-15 Teach Elementary School children. Here is a story about one group.
  • Developing Country Outreach: 2008-present. Through the appropriate technology classes, Guateca collaborative summer school (2010 – 2012), AidAfrica, and Beacon of Hope, we are building collaboration and shared technologies with developing countries.
  • APS Energy Conference Planning: We (with Dave Hafemeister and two non-local physicists) planned and hosted a two-day workshop for the APS dedicated to renewable energy and efficiency, March 1-2, 2008, and then again March 5-6, 2011, at UC Berkeley. The workshop continued in 2014 under new leadership with our support. Our efforts also resulted in two books as indicated under publications.
  • Journal Reviewing: After having reviewed more than 30 nanotechnology-related publications, I no longer review this subject. Since 2007, I have reviewed 6 papers related to energy conversion.
  • Local Education – Two Examples: Co-instructing a March, 2014 four-class course “Dealing with Climate Change” for Life Long Learners on the Central Coast. Presenting June 7, 2014, “Global Warming, is it Here to Stay? Is Nuclear the Answer?” for San Luis Obispo Atheists United
  • Many of my activities listed under consulting could also be considered community service representing Cal Poly.
  • Open-Source Curriculum. Between my YouTube channel, and my public website, I provide curriculum resources to the public. As of Nov. 22 2017, I have 230 subscribers, and ~115,000 videos watched. Presently more than half the views are from outside the US.
  • Practical Instruction. As part of the Maker movement, some of my videos are of practical value and I post them on Instructables.com , such as Straighten your Foundation Stem Wall for $100, or Open Your Skylight.

Community and Other Interests:
Outside interests include biology and the outdoors, sustainability and community building. I enjoy spending time with my family and sharing with my two children my fascination with cultures, energy and nature as well as my love of learning, movement, and community. My family shares in our experimentation of sustainability made public in this video, and actually, my Cal Poly research is an outgrowth of our domestic sustainability efforts. Languages spoken: Fijian, German, and Spanish.

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