Society Awards and Honors
2008 Elected Positions and Offices
Theva Thevuthasan Appointed Chair of AVS Short Course Committee
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory researcher Theva Thevuthasan was appointed Chair of the Short Course Executive Committee for AVS: Science and Technology of Materials, Interfaces, and Processing. Through this committee, the international society provides scientists, engineers, and technicians with classes in vacuum and equipment technology, materials and interface characterization, and materials processing.
A frequent volunteer and long—time mentor, Thevuthasan served on the Short Course Executive Committee for about 10 years in different capacities. As the committee chair, Thevuthasan ensures the quality of more than 60 courses, such as "Comprehensive Course on Surface Analysis" and "Fundamentals of Vacuum Technology."
During his 3-year appointment, Thevuthasan is eager to continue the society's work to increase short course participation, which began to decline in 2001 based on changes in the semiconductor business. He is leading the committee in developing four focused educational programs this year, based on input from potential and past students.
At EMSL, Thevuthasan is well known for his design and development of experimental instruments with new capabilities. He is a recognized leader and author in ion beam modification and analysis of oxide materials with applications in resolving energy and the environmental issues. (announced 2/1/2008)