NICK JOHNSON

Performed prototype Linear Accelerator Swaps for Research and Development testing purposes.

After the Accelerator swap was completed, I performed beam alignments using ionization chambers and electrometers to ensure the beam was in the correct location relative to the machine.

After the swap and alignments were made I would then validate the beam to ensure that the new prototype Linear Accelerator can adequately produce a treatment quality beam. Then any adjustments were made to the beam such as electron gun current or the Pulse Amplitude Control voltage (Voltage Pulsing the Magnetron) in order to get the beam to pass. This was then documented and moved to manufacturing where the prototype would be used in production.

I also assisted in various other projects. In particular one involved getting a new prototype Magnetron controller and configuring its PID loop weights. I then tested these weights and retrieved the data to be evaluated by a Senior Physicist. The Senior Physicist would then check if the beam was within specification and if any adjustments should be made. Once this process was completed I performed radiation testing on the controller by irradiating with up to 10 years of treatment level beam while performing scheduled tests on it to ensure it was working properly. After this process concluded the controller was able to be used in production.

Researched less complex and smaller detection systems for Cherenkov Radiation emitted by medical radioisotopes in blood stream. Looked through many data sheets on Short Wave Infrared Cameras and various light-electrical transducers. Major challenge was the low intensity level of the Cherenkov Radiation emitted. Many of the Short Wave Infrared detectors had noise floor levels orders of magnitude above intensity of emitted Cherenkov. Focal lensing was one of the potential solutions. This project is being continued currently by the lab.

• Worked closely alongside the Manufacturing, Science, and Technology (MSAT), as well as the Manufacturing Support group.
• With MSAT, I used drawings and took measurements to calculate the internal surface areas of plant reactors and equipment used in manufacturing.
• With these calculations, came report writing to support and explain the calculations.
• This project was done for cleaning validation purposes.
• With the Manufacturing support group, I wrote Standard Operating Procedures to submit to Process Safety and filtered through large data sets using Python.

• Took on a second job as a tutor.
• This job allows me to teach courses outside of mathematics that I also enjoy.
• These include: electricity and magnetism physics, circuit analysis, signals information and computation, and computer science courses.

• Work as a Course Assistant for Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations.
• In this role, I facilitate small group sessions that focus on key concepts each week.
• I then assist students with any gaps in their understanding.
• As a Calculus Tutor, I must think on my feet, as any student from any of the Beginner through Intermediate Math Courses can come in with homework questions.
• I must be able to remember things I've learned from past courses, or often relearn them very quickly, so I can teach the student the concept.