Dr. Podowitz-Thomas’s laboratory research focuses on developing materials for more environmentally-friendly (i.e., greener) technologies. His research is grounded in a materials science approach that expands fundamental knowledge on structure-properties relationships in order to improve the functional properties of the materials that he studies. His current research projects involve rare-earth-free phosphor synthesis and characterization for energy-efficient lighting applications. His past work focused on scintillator ceramics for radiological and nuclear detection and thin film structural and nanomechanical characterization. Dr. Podowitz-Thomas’s pedagogical interests include team-based learning and student-faculty partnerships and the effect of these pedagogical practices on student sense of belonging and STEM identity.

PhD - Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 2012

BS - Columbia University, New York, NY, 2005