UROP Project

Applied Superconductivity, Cryogenic Engineering, and AI-Assisted Scientific Instrumentation

superconductivity; cryogenic engineering; magneto-optical imaging; scientific instrumentation; artificial intelligence
DSemenov.jpg
Research Mentor: Dmitry Semenov, Dmitry Semenov
Department, College, Affiliation: ASC NHMFL, N/A
Contact Email: dsemenov@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 3
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors. Especially relevant areas include Mechanical Engineering,
Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics,
Materials Science, Chemistry, and Applied Mathematics.
Project Location: Applied Superconductivity Center, Frank Shaw Building, 2031 E. Paul Dirac Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32310
Research Assistant Transportation Required: No personal vehicle required; FSU/StarMetro public transportation serves the Innovation Park area. Students must verify the schedule and maintain reliable transportation for agreed laboratory hours.
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6-8 hours per week, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
  • Day: Monday, August 31
    Start Time: 12:00
    End Time: 12:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/2596128724
  • Day: Wednesday, September 2
    Start Time: 12:00
    End Time: 12:30
    Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/2596128724

Project Description

The Applied Superconductivity Center (ASC) at the National High Magnetic Field
Laboratory develops materials, measurement methods, and specialized cryogenic
hardware for superconductivity research. This umbrella project is designed for
three undergraduate research assistants with complementary interests in
physics, materials, mechanical design, scientific computing, and experimental
engineering. Each student will receive a clearly defined sub project after an
initial skills-and-interests interview while participating in a shared research
team.

Track 1 - REBCO magneto-optical diagnostics: The student will help study REBCO
coated-conductor tapes using magneto-optical imaging. Possible work includes
literature review, safe sample preparation and precision cutting under
supervision, indicator-film handling and application, optical alignment, image
calibration, controlled data collection, image processing, and comparison of
flux-penetration features among samples or preparation methods.

Track 2 - Cryostat and cryogenic-component development: The student will
support engineering research on LBC cryostat tails and direct-flow
liquid-helium cryostats. Possible work includes requirements definition, CAD
models and drawings, tolerance analysis, materials and joint research,
dimensional inspection, assembly documentation, vacuum or leak-test planning,
thermal and mechanical calculations, and analysis of controlled prototype
tests.

Track 3 - Programming and responsible AI-assisted research: The student will
develop or improve tools for image analysis, instrument communication, data
organization, experiment planning, or engineering documentation. Work may use
Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or approved AI tools. AI-generated output
will be treated as a draft and checked against primary sources, calculations,
experiments, and laboratory requirements. Proprietary, unpublished,
export-controlled, or personally sensitive information will not be entered
into unapproved systems.

All tracks emphasize a testable question, traceable documentation,
uncertainty-aware analysis, and communication of results. Students will not
independently handle cryogens, energized magnets, machine tools,
vacuum/pressure systems, or other hazards. Hands-on work occurs only after
required training and under appropriate supervision. Expected outputs may
include a characterized data set, a validated experimental procedure, a design
package, a prototype/test report, documented analysis code, and a UROP poster.

Research Tasks: The research assistant will: (1) complete required laboratory and task-specific
safety training; (2) review scientific and engineering literature and maintain
an annotated source list; (3) define a focused question and measurable
deliverables with the mentor; (4) perform supervised sample preparation,
imaging, dimensional inspection, CAD, calculations, programming, or controlled
testing appropriate to the assigned track; (5) record procedures, settings,
data, uncertainties, failures, and revisions in a shared research log; (6)
process and visualize data using documented methods; (7) present brief progress
updates and incorporate feedback; and (8) prepare an abstract and spring UROP
poster. Students may also help create calibration, inspection, or maintenance
records when those records directly support instrument characterization,
reliability testing, or experimental reproducibility.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Reliability; careful attention to safety and instructions; desperate willingness to
learn. basic quantitative reasoning; accurate recordkeeping; respectful
communication; and ability to commit approximately 6-8 hours per week across
the fall and spring semesters. Students must be able to perform scheduled
in-person work at ASC. No prior cryogenic or superconductivity research
experience is required.
Introductory mechanics, electricity and magnetism, materials science, or heat
transfer; CAD and technical drawing; Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW,, or
spreadsheet analysis; microscopy or image processing; electronics or data
acquisition; fabrication and dimensional measurement; and clear technical
writing. Applicants do not need all of these skills. The project is intended
to form a team with complementary strengths.

Mentoring Philosophy

My mentoring approach combines clear expectations, strong safety practices,
and increasing student independence. At the beginning, each assistant and I
will define a focused subproject, required training, a communication plan, and
three SMART goals. I will demonstrate unfamiliar procedures, explain why each
step matters, and use short, supervised practice tasks before a student works
more independently.

Students will have a regular weekly team meeting and an individual meeting
at least every week. They will maintain a concise research log and
provide brief progress updates so that questions, failed approaches, and
changes can be addressed early. I view unexpected results as part of research;
the goal is to identify the cause, document what was learned, and make the next
test more informative.

I will tailor responsibilities to the student's preparation and interests
while maintaining common standards for safety, data integrity, respectful
collaboration, and reproducibility. Students will receive timely feedback on
calculations, code, drawings, experiments, and scientific writing. Each student
will own a defined contribution and will practice explaining it to both
technical and general audiences. My goal is for students to finish the year
with stronger research judgment, practical skills, confidence asking
questions, and a concrete product they can discuss in future classes,
internships, or graduate-school applications.

Additional Information

This listing is intentionally broad because three assistants with
complementary strengths are requested. Each selected student will be assigned a
bounded subproject with an individual deliverable rather than being expected to
cover every topic listed. Most work is in person during staffed business hours;
literature review, coding, data analysis, and documentation may occasionally be
completed remotely by prior arrangement. Scheduling will consider the
student's classes. Access to laboratories or technical tasks is contingent on
required training, supervision, and project readiness.

Link to Publications

https://nationalmaglab.org/staff/?name=DmitrySemenov
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