jpmcdona@umich.edu Office: B121 Gerstacker 734-647-9498 BS - Mathematics, Physics, Alma College, Alma MI Ph.D. - Applied Physics - 2007 Joel’s research generally concerns the interaction of ultrashort laser pulses with a variety of materials. In particular, he has studied femtosecond laser induced damage to silicon with oxide films of varying thickness using optical, electron, and atomic force microscopy as well as novel pump-probe imaging techniques. He has also performed work with laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, specifically applied to turbine blade materials as a part of the Hyperspectral and Extreme Light Diagnostics for Defense-Critical Advanced Materials and Processes MURI project.