Jeff Terry

Welcome

As the Vice Provost for Research (VPR) at Illinois Tech, I provide strategic leadership to advance the university’s research mission, foster interdisciplinary collaborations, and drive innovation across diverse academic disciplines. In this role, I guide the university’s research enterprise, ensuring it aligns with Illinois Tech's vision for impactful scholarship and external engagement.

Previously, I served as the University Liaison to the National Laboratories, where I worked to build strong connections between Illinois Tech and major research institutions, fostering collaborations that created valuable opportunities for students and faculty. Additionally, as Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research in the Lewis College of Science and Letters, I led initiatives to strengthen graduate programs and establish partnerships with other institutions, driving academic growth and research innovation.

I am a pioneering leader in synchrotron science, specializing in chemical physics and employing advanced synchrotron radiation techniques to push the boundaries of materials physics research. Over the course of my career, I have worked across a range of fields, with a recent focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for materials characterization, demonstrating my commitment to advancing scientific inquiry. My research journey began at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, where I developed chemical-shift, scanned-energy photoelectron diffraction, significantly advancing semiconductor sensor technology.

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, I explored radiation damage in nuclear materials, leading groundbreaking experiments such as the first photoemission measurements of plutonium. I also developed systems for analyzing neutron-irradiated samples, expanding research accessibility at major facilities, including the Advanced Photon Source and the Nuclear Science User Facility.

My passion for improving materials characterization has driven me to create AI-based tools that enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of research data. My research group has developed open-source AI tools for analyzing Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) and Nanoindentation data, with ongoing efforts focused on tools for X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).

Beyond my research, I have held leadership roles such as Scientific Director of the Nuclear Science User Facility and Chair of the Prairie Chapter of the American Vacuum Society (AVS). I actively organize conferences and workshops to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community. I remain dedicated to advancing materials science through innovation, education, and collaboration.

Research

1. Synchrotron Radiation and Photoelectron Spectroscopy: Focus on understanding the electronic structure of materials.
2. Environmental Chemistry and Radioactive Materials: Researching the behavior and immobilization of radioactive elements.
3. Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology: Studying nanomaterials and surface structures.
4. Neurodegenerative Diseases and Metal Compounds: Exploring metals in Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Surface Science and Catalysis: Investigating the reactivity of silicon surfaces.
6. Photocathodes and Thin Films: Developing materials for photoinjectors.
7. Fission Products and Nuclear Materials: Investigating nuclear fuel safety.
8. Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence: Implementing AI for materials characterization.

Classes I've Taught

My courses utilize a significant amount of experiential learning. This is fairly easy to ensure during laboratory courses, but even my more conventional lecture-style courses involve a great deal of student participation. I have discussions with students during upper-division courses to assess their understanding and adjust the course direction accordingly, which greatly enhances student learning.

1. PHYS 200: Basic Physics For Architects – Introduction to the fundamental concepts of physics with a focus on applications in architecture.
2. PHYS 221: General Physics II (Electricity and Magnetism) – Study of electricity, magnetism, and circuits with practical applications.
3. PHYS 304: Kinetic Theory and Thermodynamics – Explores the principles of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics.
4. PHYS 348: Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers – Covers quantum mechanics, relativity, and atomic theory for scientists and engineers.
5. PHYS 361: Observational Astrophysics – Hands-on study of astrophysical objects using observational techniques.
6. PHYS 427: Advanced Physics Laboratory I – Advanced experiments in classical and modern physics with a focus on data analysis.
7. PHYS 437: Solid State Physics – Introduction to the properties of solids, including crystal structures and band theory.
8. PHYS 440: Computational Physics – Application of computational methods to solve physical problems.
9. PHYS 537: Solid State Physics I – In-depth study of solid materials, focusing on electronic and lattice structures.
10. PHYS 538: Solid State Physics II – Continuation of Solid State Physics I, focusing on advanced topics in solid-state theory.
11. PHYS 539: Physical Methods of Characterization – Techniques for characterizing the physical properties of materials.
12. PHYS 770: Instrumentation for Health Physics – Study of instruments and techniques used in health physics and radiation detection.
13. CHEM 321: Instrumental Methods of Analysis – Methods and instruments used for analyzing chemical compounds.
14. CHEM 344: Physical Chemistry II – Explores quantum mechanics and molecular spectroscopy in chemistry.
15. CHEM 509: Physical Methods of Characterization – Techniques for characterizing materials in physical chemistry.
16. CHEM 510: Electronics and Instrumentation – Study of electronic systems and instruments used in chemistry labs.
17. CHEM 512: Spectrochemical Methods II – Advanced spectrochemical methods used in chemical analysis.
18. IPRO 497: Design and Construction of a 0.6 m Newtonian Telescope – Interdisciplinary project focused on building a telescope.
19. IPRO 497: Galilean Test of the Einstein Principle of Equivalence – Experimental project testing fundamental principles of physics.
20. IPRO 497: Implementation of a Remote Observatory for Interconnected Telescopes Using IBM Watson – Development of a remote-controlled observatory using AI technology.

Contact

Illinois Institute of Technology
3101 S. Dearborn St.
Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: 312-567-3021
Email: terryj@iit.edu