By Doris Faltys
“Our modern day, information age world relies upon an understanding of solid-state physics and semiconductor physics to develop all of the technologies that we use on a daily basis,” says Don Li, a Capital High School (CHS) senior. “Many academic institutions lack a comprehensive curriculum in solid-state physics and semiconductor physics, especially for undergraduate students.”
Li intends to do something about this missing link. He has developed his own curriculum in these fields and his first step toward implementing this is by guest lecturing this month at Saint Martin’s University. “The title of my guest lecture is The Physics of Today’s Electronic World,” says Li. “The lecture deals with the fields of solid-state physics and semiconductor physics.”
Li hopes to attend Stanford University next fall where he would double major in electrical engineering and theoretical physics. “I am interested in working in the field of Quantum Information Theory and in turn, working toward developing a quantum computer. The theoretical physics major would allow me to work on a more comprehensive theoretical framework for quantum computation, while the electrical engineering major would allow me to work on the actual physical implementation of quantum computation.”
Describing himself, Li says, “I am laid back and reserved. Not much of a talker. I guess you could say reticent.” He notes that in a group he is usually a listener. Sounding very sure of himself, however, Li states, “One reason I like science is that I enjoy analytical thinking.” At CHS, Li is currently the president of the CHS Science Club and has been for the last two years. He is an International Baccalaureate (IB) Full Diploma candidate with a 4.0 GPA. In addition, he is a member of the CHS Knowledge Bowl Team and plays the euphonium in the band.
Music is an important part of Li’s life, particularly the piano. He has taken lessons for 11 years and participates in local and state piano competitions at the advanced level. His favorite composer is Chopin, noting that he likes Chopin’s polonaises and etudes.
“Chopin is from the romantic period, expressive and emotional,” he says. He tries to play every day.
Rounding out his interests, Li also enjoys playing basketball at the Y and has started to learn acrylic painting. He recently completed a painting of Mount Rainier.
Interested in electronics and fascinated with physics at a young age, Li collected electronic parts, and through trial and error built circuits. Li began taking these fields of knowledge seriously in the 10th grade. Regarding the high school science program, Li states, “CHS has provided a lot of opportunity to be prepared for college, especially in the IB Program. The rigor of the IB Program has prepared me to be ready for what is ahead.”
Mr. Steve Bove, CHS physics teacher, says, “Don comes in after school and asks me if I want to solve some physics equations for fun! Helping him solve his complex physics problems helps me be a better physics teacher. Don is a wonderful young man who will undoubtedly do wonderful things.”
When asked which scientist from present or past he would like to sit and talk with, Li responds, “William Shockley. He is thought of as the father of modern-day semi-conductor physics.”
Li will present his lecture, The Physics of Today’s Electronic World, on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6:00 p.m., at Saint Martin’s University, Harned Hall, Room 110. The lecture is open to students and the general public and will include the following topics:
- Band Theory of Solids
- Semiconductor Doping
- Diodes and LED’s
- Transistors and Integrated Circuits
- Applications of Semiconductor Devices
Li’s goal is to introduce undergraduates to aspects of solid-state physics, to which they might not otherwise be exposed, and possibly create an avenue for interested physics undergraduates to connect and learn from each other.
Li expects to earn a Masters – and possibly a Doctorate – of Electrical Engineering and Theoretical Physics. His first choice of schools is Stanford, mostly in part because of its proximity to Silicon Valley.
In the meantime, Li will complete the second half of his CHS senior year and see if he can schedule a few more physics lectures here in the Northwest.
