Jet Propulsion Lab
E-mail: april_jewell @ avs.org

APRIL JEWELL is a member of the Advanced Detectors, Nanomaterials, and Imaging Instruments Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She has degrees from George Washington University (B.S., Chemistry) and Tufts University (Ph.D., Chemistry). Her work is focused on post-fabrication processing and optimization techniques for silicon-based photodetectors. Specifically, she uses molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for band structure engineering and passivation as well as atomic layer deposition (ALD) to engineer new coatings for advanced optics or detectors. This research has included application of MBE and ALD processes for the customization of detector response over a broad wavelength range. The performance objectives for these sensor technologies are defined to meet the objectives of a variety of NASA research programs, ultraviolet remote sensing, electrochemical systems, high-energy physics, and plasmonics.

April first joined the AVS as a Student Member in 2009 and has continued her involvement as a Full Member since earning her Ph.D.; she regularly attends and presents at AVS’s annual International Symposium & Exhibition, as well as various Topical Conferences. Dr. Jewell joined the AVS Thin Film Division (TFD) Executive Committee in 2022, Program Committee in 2020, and currently serves as the TFD Promotions Chair, a role which includes promoting AVS’s thin film related symposia, awards, and webinars on social media.