Research Interests:
My research interests are focused on using the capabilities of a unique ion source to 
study the interactions of low energy (0 to 1500 eV) ions and electrons with the surfaces of various materials. We study the development and evolution of surface structures due to ion bombardment and also the changes in various properties of thin films deposited under an assortment of deposition conditions involving concurrent ion or electron bombardment of the growing films. Technological applications include semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication and analysis and property modification of metallic alloys.
Current Project Summer 2006:
Our specific objective for this project is to investigate if electron bombardment during the sputter deposition of thin copper films 
into high-aspect ratio integrated circuit interconnect trenches can change the crystal structure of the deposited films. Integrated circuits are part of virtually every electronic device currently made. To make integrated circuits smaller and more powerful requires that new materials be used in their fabrication. One of the new materials being used is copper. The performance of copper in its specific application in integrated circuits depends on the crystal structure of the deposited thin films. We will use UWEC's scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope to analyze the samples. The students involved in these experiments are currently being trained in the use of these instruments by Dr. Pierson. Read more about this project here.
Opportunities for Students:
Students who collaborate on research projects will become familiar with various scientific research skills including: instrument design and construction using the Department Machine Shop and Electronics Lab, electrical wiring, electronic design and fabrication, computer interfacing equipment with the programming language LABView, general metal working techniques, and the use of Scanning and Transmission Electron Microsc
opes, something few other undergraduates anywhere get to do.
Dr. Pierson has also served as the mentor for three McNair Scholars. The McNair program is designed to provide certain students with the experiences and skills necessary to successfully obtain a Ph.D. Follow this link to explore the McNair program at UWEC.