The Illinois Science and Technology Coalition named Illinois State University’s Associate Professor of Physics Allison Harris and Associate Professor of Technology Jin Ho Jo to the “Researchers to Know” list for 2019.
Each year, the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition examines innovation and its contribution to the state economy. The list highlights university researchers in their field who have made a significant impact and are driving innovation in the state.
Allison Harris
Harris studies charged particle collisions with atoms in order to understand the fundamental physics of their interactions. Her work focuses on recently discovered electron wave forms, known collectively as vortex beams or twisted particles. In two recent publications, Harris presented the first calculations for ionization using twisted particle projectiles and calculated the recovery time for damaged twisted particles to repair themselves. These unique particles offer new opportunities for rotation and control of nanoparticles, improved resolution in electron microscopy, as well as the study of fundamental atomic properties.
Harris recently received a second consecutive grant from the National Science Foundation for the study of twisted particles and has received numerous research and teaching awards at Illinois State University, including the Outstanding College Researcher Award for 2017-2018. Harris has published 29 peer-reviewed papers, including 13 with undergraduate student co-authors. She has served on the executive committee of the Gaseous Electronics Conference and was recently appointed to the local organizing committee of the International Conference on Photonic, Electronic, and Atomic Collisions.
Jin Ho Jo
Jo’s research focuses on the use of renewable energy systems and sustainable building strategies to reduce negative impacts of urbanization. In collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Jo has developed a research framework that allows colleges and universities to determine the best sustainable energy alternatives that can be implemented. He participated in the U.S Department of Energy’s Visiting Faculty Program at NREL in Golden, Colorado, in 2016. Jo’s research with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association has been awarded grants from the Department of Energy, allowing for further interdisciplinary research on sustainable energy optimization.
Jo has received several research awards including the ISU Cross-disciplinary Team Research Award (2016) and the ISU Research Initiative Award (2014). Jo’s research has been published and presented in a variety of energy and sustainability journals and conferences including 24 peer-reviewed journal articles, 11 peer-reviewed conference proceedings, and 19 conference presentations. Jo serves as associate editor on the editorial board of the International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development. He strongly supports undergraduate level research and has advised more than 40 undergraduate student research groups. Their research work has been presented at the Illinois State University Research Symposium.
