Faculty Logan | Physics
JR Dennison

Physics
Professor
Professor
Contact Information
Office Location: SER 222D
DialPhone: 435-797-2936
SendEmail: jr.dennison@usu.edu
Educational Background
PhD, Physics, Virginia Tech, 1985 Dissertation
(e,2e) Spectroscopic Investigations of the Spectral Momentum Densities of Thin Carbon Films
Awards
College of Science Nominee for Graduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2021
USU College of ScienceDepartment of Physics Nominee for Graduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2020
Department of PhysicsGoldwater Fellowship Mentor, 2020
GoldwaterDepartment of Physics Nominee for Graduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2019
Department of PhysicsCollege of Science Researcher of the Year, 2015
USU College of ScienceNASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) Mentor, 2014
NASANASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) Mentor, 2012
NASANational Academies Senior Research Fellow, 2012
National Research Council-Air Force Research LaboratoryGoldwater Fellowship Mentor, 2011
GoldwaterCollege of Science Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2009
College of Science, USUGoldwater Fellowship Mentor, 2009
GoldwaterAIAA Senior Member, 2007
Department of Physics Nominee for College of Science Researcher of the Year, 2007
Department of Physics, USUDepartment of Physics Nominee for College of Science Researcher of the Year, 2006
Department of Physics, USUUtah State University Department Teaching Excellence Award, 2005
Utah State UniversityDepartment of Physics Nominee for Graduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2004
Department of PhysicsDepartment of Physics Nominee for Graduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2003
Department of PhysicsNASA Group Achievement Award, 2003
NASA Space Environment and Effects BranchNASA Software Author Award, 2003
NASA Inventions and Contributions BoardCertificate of Merit by the AIAA Plasmadynamics and Laser Technical Committee for Best Paper of 2000, 2000
AIAA Plasmadynamics and Laser Technical CommitteeNASA Rocky Mountain Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship Mentor, 2000
NASANASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) Mentor, 2000
NASAAlumni Professorship Award, 1999
College of Science Teacher of the Year, 1999
College of ScienceNomination for NASA Award for Research Excellence, 1999
NASA Space Environment and Effects BranchGraduate Student Poster Presentation award Mentor, 1998
Council on Undergraduate Research 7th Annual Poster Session on Capitol HillAmerican Physical Society Four Corners Sectional MeetingNASA Space Technology Research Fellowships (NSTRF) Mentor, 1995
NASANASA Rocky Mountain Space Grant Consortium Graduate Fellowship Mentor, 1993
NASAPublications - Abstracts
Publications - Books & Book Chapters
- Dennison, J.R, Riffe, D., Call, R., Everett, A., Briggs, J., Pearson, T., Nickels, N., Burns, T., (2018). Introduction to Scientific Computing: On-Line Edition, Ver. 5.1. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Briggs, J., Dennison, J.R, Riffe, D., Nickels, N., Burns, T., (2004). Introduction to Scientific Computing: Modern Physics Handbook. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Nickles, N., Dennison, J.R, Riffe, D., Porter, B., (1998). Problem Solving Tutorial. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Nickles, N., Dennison, J.R, Riffe, D., (1997). Introduction to Scientific Computing: Introductory Physics Handbook. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Riffe, D., Dennison, J.R, Nickels, N., Burns, T., (1997). Introduction to Scientific Computing: Modern Physics Handbook. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Dennison, J.R, Bingham, L., (1997). Roller Coaster Physics with K’NEX: Student Workbook. works.bepress.com *
- Dennison, J.R, (1996). Amusement Park Physics Curriculum Manual. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
- Dennison, J.R, Riffe, D., Howell, J., (1996). Schaum’s Electronic Tutor: College Physics. digitalcommons.usu.edu *
Books
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Fact Sheets
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Curriculum
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Journal Articles
- Dennison, J.R, (2020). Strategies for Determining Electron Yield Material Parameters for Spacecraft Charge Modeling. Space Weather, doi: 10.1029/2019SW002346
- Diaz-Aguado, M.F, Bonnell, J.W, Bale, S.D, Dennison, J.R, Gruntman, M., (2020). Experimental Investigation of the Secondary and Backscatter Electron Emission from New Spacecraft Surface Materials,. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 1-20. doi: 10.2514/1.A34655
- Andersen, A., Dennison, J.R, (2019). Physics-Driven Dual-Defect Model Fits of Voltage Step-Up to Breakdown Data in Spacecraft Polymer. IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 4.
- Wilson, G., Shen, T., Dennison, J.R, (2019). Secondary Electron Yield Measurements of Carbon Nanotube Forests: Dependence on Morphology and Substrate. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 47, 3801-3809. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2019.2921505
- Dennison, J.R, (2019). Wireless Detection of Electrostatic Discharge Events. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 47:8, 3867-3871. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2019.2907587
- Dennison, J.R, (2017). Dependence of Electrostatic Field Strength on Voltage Ramp Rate for Spacecraft Materials. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 45:8, 2036-2039.
- Andersen, A., Dennison, J.R, (2017). An Enhanced Operational Definition of Dielectric Breakdown for DC Voltage Step-up Test. IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 4.
- Dennison, J.R, (2017). PEA System Development for Volume Charge Distribution Measurement in Thin Dielectric Films. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 45:8, 1955-1960. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2016.2632627
- Dennison, J.R, Perspectives on the Distributions of ESD Breakdowns for Spacecraft Charging Applications. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 45:8, 2031-2035. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2017.2655885
- Dennison, J.R, Dekany, J., Christiansen, J., Jensen, A.E, Wilson, G., Schneider, T., Bower, C.W, Meloy, R., (2015). Variations in Cathodoluminescent Intensity of Spacecraft Materials Exposed to Energetic Electron Bombardment. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 43:11, 3948-3954. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2015.2480086
- Dennison, J.R, Evans, A., Meloy, R., (2015). Electron Beam Induced Luminescence of SiO2 Optical Coatings. Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena (CEIDP) 2012 Annual Report, IEEE-CEIDP, 479-482. doi: 10.1109/CEIDP.2012.6378824
- Andersen, A., Dennison, J.R, (2015). Mixed Weibull Distribution Model of DC Dielectric Breakdowns with Dual Defect Modes. IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 4.
- Dennison, J.R, Andersen, A., (2015). Pre-breakdown Arcing as a Proxy for DC Dielectric Breakdown Testing of Polymeric Insulators. IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 4.
- Dennison, J.R, Jensen, A.E, (2015). Defects Density of States Model of Cathodoluminescent Intensity and Spectra of Disordered SiO2. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 43:9, 2925-2932. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2015.2461164
- Dennison, J.R, Andersen, A., Sim, A.M, Sim, C., (2015). Electrostatic Discharge and Endurance Time Measurements of Spacecraft Materials: A Defect-Driven Dynamic Model. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 43:9, 2941-2953. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2015.2428258
- Dennison, J.R, (2015). The Dynamic Interplay Between Spacecraft Charging, Space Environment Interactions and Evolving Materials. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Physics, 43:9, 2933-2940. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2015.2434947
- Ferguson, D., Krezan, J., Barton, D.A, Dennison, J.R, Gregory, S., (2014). Feasibility of Detecting Spacecraft Charging and Arcing by Remote Sensing. Journal of Spacecrafts and Rockets, 51:6, 1907-1913. doi: 10.2514/1.A32958
- Dennison, J.R, Andersen, A., (2014). Pre-breakdown Arcing and Electrostatic Discharge in Dielectrics under High DC Electric Field Stress. IEEE Conference on Electrical Insulation and Dielectric Phenomena, 4.
- Jensen, A.E, Dennison, J.R, Wilson, G., Dekany, J., (2014). Low-Temperature Cathodoluminescence in Disordered SiO₂. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 42:1, 305-310. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2013.2291873
- Hodges, J., Sim, A.M, Wilson, G., Jensen, A.E, Dennison, J.R, (2014). In Situ Surface Voltage Measurements of Layered Dielectrics. IEEE Trans. on Plasma Sci.,, 42:1, 255-265. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2013.2291862
- Dekany, J., Johnson, R., Wilson, G., Jensen, A.E, Dennison, J.R, (2014). Ultrahigh Vacuum Cryostat System for Extended Low Temperature Space Environment Testing. IEEE Trans. on Plasma Sci.,, 42:1, 266-271. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2013.2290716
- Wilson, G., Dennison, J.R, Jensen, A.E, Dekany, J., (2013). Electron Energy-Dependent Charging Effects of Multilayered Dielectric Materials. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 41:12, 3536-3544. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2013.2288356
- Dekany, J., Sim, A.M, Brunson, J., Dennison, J.R, (2013). Electron Transport Models and Precision Measurements With the Constant Voltage Conductivity Method. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 41:12, 3565-3576.
- Johnson, R., Montierth, L., Dennison, J.R, Dyer, J.S, Lindstrom, E., (2013). Small Scale Simulation Chamber for Space Environment Survivability Testing. IEEE Trans. on Plasma Sci.,, 41:12, 3453-3458. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2013.2281399
- Dennison, J.R, Evans, A., Wilson, G., Dekany, J., (2013). Nanodielectric Properties of High Conductivity Carbon-Loaded Polyimide Under Electron-Beam Irradiation. Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE International Conference on Solid Dielectrics (ICSD), 730-735. doi: 10.1109/ICSD.2013.6619849
- Wilson, G., Dennison, J.R, (2012). Approximation of Range in Materials as a Function of Incident Electron Energy. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 40:2, 305-310. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2011.2176515
- Dennison, J.R, Evans, A., Fullmer, D., Hodges, J.L, (2012). Charge Enhanced Contamination and Environmental Degradation of MISSE-6 SUSpECS Materials. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 40:2, 254-261. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2011.2178104
- Hoffman, R.C, Dennison, J.R, (2012). Methods to Determine Total Electron-Induced Electron Yields Over Broad Range of Conductive and Nonconductive Materials. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 40:2, 298-304. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2011.2178251
- Evans, A., Dennison, J.R, (2012). The Effects of Surface Modification on Spacecraft Charging Parameters. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 40:2, 254-261. doi: 10.1109/TPS.2011.2179676
- Koeln, J.P, Boulware, J.C, Ban, H., Dennison, J.R, (2011). Observations on Braided Thin Wire Nucleate Boiling in Microgravity. International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 32, 973-981. doi: 10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2011.05.005
- Donegan, M.M, Sample, J.L, Dennison, J.R, Hoffmann, R., (2010). Spacecraft Coating-Induced Charging: A Materials and Modeling Study of Environmental Extremes. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 47:1, 134-146.
- Donegan, M.M, Sample, J.L, Dennison, J.R, Hoffman, R., (2010). Coating-Induced Charging of the Solar Probe Spacecraft: A Materials and Modeling Study of Environmental Extremes. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 47:1, 134-146.
- Dennison, J.R, Gillespie, J., Hodges, J., Hoffman, R.C, Abbott, J., Hunt, A.W, Spaulding, R., (2009). Radiation Induced Conductivity of Highly-Insulating Spacecraft Materials: Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry. American Institute of Physics Conference Proceedings Series, American Institute of Physics, 1099, 203-208.
- Green, N.W, Dennison, J.R, (2008). Deep Dielectric Charging of Spacecraft Polymers by Energetic Protons. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 36:5, 2482-2490.
- Hoffman, R., Dennison, J.R, Thomson, C.D, Albresten, J., (2008). Low-fluence Electron Yields of Highly Insulating Materials. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 36:5, 2238-2245.
- Dennison, J.R, Brunson, J., (2008). Temperature and Electric Field Dependence of Conduction in Low-Density Polyethylene. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 36:5, 2246-2252.
- Green, N.W, Frederickson, A.R, Dennison, J.R, (2006). Experimentally derived resistivity for dielectric samples from the CRRES internal discharge monitor. Ieee Transactions on Plasma Science, 34:5, 1973-1978.
- Dennison, J.R, Brunson, J., Swaminathan, P., Green, N.W, Frederickson, A.R, (2006). Methods for high resistivity measurements related to spacecraft charging. Ieee Transactions on Plasma Science, 34:5, 2191-2203.
- Green, N.W, Frederickson, A.R, Dennison, J.R, (2006). Charge Storage Measurements of Resistivity for Dielectric Samples from the CRRES Internal Discharge Monitor. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 34:5, 1973-1978.
- Dennison, J.R, Sim, A., Thomson, C., (2006). Evolution of the Electron Yield Curves of Insulators as a Function of Impinging Electron Fluence and Energy. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 34:5, 2204-2218.
- Dennison, J.R, Brunson, J., Swaminathan, P., Green, N., Frederickson, A.R, (2006). Methods for Resistivity Measurements Related to Spacecraft Charging. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 34:5, 2191-2203.
- Clerc, S., Dennison, J.R, Hoffman, R., Abbott, J., (2006). On the Computation of Secondary Electron Emission Models. IEEE Transaction on Plasma Science, 34:5, 2219-2225.
- Burns, T.E, Dennison, J.R, Kite, J., (2004). Extended BEG Model of Monhalogenated Methanes Physisorbed on Ionic Crystals. Surface Science, 554, 211-221.
- Dennison, J.R, Frederickson, A., (2003). Measurement of Conductivity and Charge Storage in Insulators Related to Spacecraft Charging. IEEE Transaction on Nuclear Science, 50:6, 2284-2291.
- Burns, T.E, Dennison, J.R, Ehrlich, S.N, (1999). Synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies of multilayer nitrogen physisorbed on porous graphite foam. Langmuir, 15:4, 1423-1428.
- Burns, T.E, Dennison, J.R, (1998). Physisorbed CO on ionic crystals: an extended BEG spin-lattice model of adsorbed dipolar molecules. Surface Science, 395:1, 46-59.
- Dennison, J.R, Doyle, T.E, (1997). An embedded ring approach to the vibrational dynamics of low-dimensional amorphous solids with applications to graphitic carbon materials. Carbon, 35:10-11, 1465-1477.
- Davies, R.E, Dennison, J.R, (1997). Evolution of secondary electron emission characteristics of spacecraft surfaces. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 34:4, 571-574.
- Dennison, J.R, Ritter, A.L, (1996). Application of (e,2e) spectroscopy to the electronic structure of valence electrons in crystalline and amorphous solids. Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena, 77:2, 99-142.
- Dennison, J.R, Holtz, M., Swain, G., (1996). Raman spectroscopy of carbon materials. Spectroscopy, 11:8, 38-46.
- Doyle, T.E, Dennison, J.R, (1995). VIBRATIONAL DYNAMICS AND STRUCTURE OF GRAPHITIC AMORPHOUS-CARBON MODELED USING AN EMBEDDED-RING APPROACH. Physical Review B, 51:1, 196-200.
- Hansen, F.Y, Frank, V.L, Taub, H., Bruch, L.W, Lauter, H.J, Dennison, J.R, (1990). CORRUGATION IN THE NITROGEN-GRAPHITE POTENTIAL PROBED BY INELASTIC NEUTRON-SCATTERING. Physical Review Letters, 64:7, 764-767.
- Larese, J.Z, Zhang, Q.M, Passell, L., Hastings, J.M, Dennison, J.R, Taub, H., (1989). LAYER-BY-LAYER GROWTH OF SOLID ARGON FILMS ON GRAPHITE AS STUDIED BY NEUTRON-DIFFRACTION. Physical Review B, 40:7, 4271-4275.
- Wang, S.K, Newton, J.C, Wang, R., Taub, H., Dennison, J.R, Shechter, H., (1989). MULTILAYER STRUCTURE OF NITROGEN ADSORBED ON GRAPHITE. Physical Review B, 39:14, 10331-10341.
- Gao, C., Wang, Y.Y, Ritter, A.L, Dennison, J.R, (1989). NATURE OF CARBON-CARBON BONDING IN EVAPORATED AND ION-SPUTTERED (DIAMONDLIKE) AMORPHOUS-CARBON FROM (E,2E) SPECTROSCOPY. Physical Review Letters, 62:8, 945-948.
- Dennison, J.R, Taub, H., Hansen, F.Y, Shechter, H., Brener, R., (1988). ANOMALOUS LAYERING OF FE(CO)5 ADSORBED ON GRAPHITE. Physical Review B, 37:4, 2266-2269.
- Gao, C., Ritter, A.L, Dennison, J.R, Holzwarth, N.A, (1988). SPECTRAL MOMENTUM DENSITY OF GRAPHITE FROM (E,2E) SPECTROSCOPY - COMPARISON WITH 1ST-PRINCIPLES CALCULATION. Physical Review B, 37:8, 3914-3923.
- Ritter, A.L, Dennison, J.R, Dunn, J., (1984). (E, 2E) SPECTROMETER FOR INVESTIGATING THE SPECTRAL MOMENTUM DENSITY OF THIN-FILMS. Review of Scientific Instruments, 55:8, 1280-1286.
- Ritter, A.L, Dennison, J.R, Jones, R., (1984). SPECTRAL MOMENTUM DENSITY OF AMORPHOUS-CARBON FROM (E,2E) SPECTROSCOPY. Physical Review Letters, 53:21, 2054-2057.
- Dennison, J.R, (2019). Dynamic secondary electron emission in rough composite materials. Science Reports, 9, 13967. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-50353-3
- Dennison, J.R, (2017). Cathodoluminescence Studies of Defects in Coated Boron Nitride. Journal of Physics D : Applied Physics, 50:29, 295302-295312. doi: 10.1088/1361-6463/aa78b7
- Dennison, J.R, (2017). Cathodoluminescence Studies of Defects in Coated Boron Nitride. Journal of Physics D : Applied Physics, 50:28, 295302-295312. doi: 10.1088/1361-6463/aa78b7
- Dennison, J.R, (2016). Electrical Properties Study under Electron Beam of Annealed and Coated Boron Nitride. Journal of Spacecrafts and Rockets, doi: 10.2514/1.A33441
Academic Journal
Professional Journal
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Literary Journal
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - MultiMedia
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Technical Reports
* Has not been peer reviewed
Publications - Translations & Transcripts
Publications - Other
Other
* Has not been peer reviewed
Scheduled Teaching
PHYS 6410 - Statistical Mechanics I, Fall 2020
PHYS 1800 - Physics of Technology, Spring 2020
PHYS 5500 - Intermediate Topics in Physics (Topic), Fall 2019
PHYS 3500 - Topics in Physics (Topic), Fall 2019
PHYS 3500 - Topics in Physics (Topic), Summer 2019
PHYS 6530 - Solid State Physics I, Spring 2019
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2018
PHYS 1800 - Physics of Technology, Spring 2018
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2017
PHYS 6530 - Solid State Physics I, Spring 2017
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2016
PHYS 7500 - Advanced Topics in Physics (Topic), Fall 2015
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory, Fall 2015
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2015
PHYS 6530 - Solid State Physics I, Spring 2015
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory, Fall 2014
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory, Fall 2013
PHYS 3880 - Advanced Physics Laboratory, Spring 2013
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2012
PHYS 6970 - Thesis Research, Summer 2012
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory, Fall 2011
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2011
PHYS 3880 - ADVANCED PHYSICS LAB (CI), Spring 2011
PHYS 2500 - INTRO COMP METH PHYS, Spring 2011
PHYS 7970 - Dissertation Research, Fall 2010
PHYS 3870 - Intermediate Physics Laboratory, Fall 2010
PHYS 2500 - Introduction to Computer Methods in Physics, Fall 2010
Graduate Students Mentored
Tom Keaton, Physics, August 2020
Achal Duhoon, Physics, May 2020
Matthew Robertson, Physics, August 2016
Zack Gibson, Physics, August 2016
Jodie Corbridge Gillespie, Physics, January 2014
David Oliphant, Physics, September 2008
Greg Wilson, Physics, August 2015 2021
Phil Lundgreen, Physics, July 2017 - August 2020
Jonh Decena, Physics, August 2018 - March 2019
Allen Anderson, Physics, May 2012 - May 2018
Justin Dekany, Physics, January 2012 - September 2016
Amberly Evans Jensen, Physics, May 2012 - December 2014
Alec Sim, Physics, September 2009 - December 2013
Jodie Gillespie, Physics, December 2011 - November 2013
Greg Wilson, Physics, May 2011 - August 2013
Joshua Hodges, Physics, August 2011 - December 2012
Ryan Hoffmann, September 2007 - August 2010
Ryan Hoffmann, Physics, September 2006 - August 2010
Jerilyn Brunson, September 2005 - October 2009
Jason Kite, Physics, August 2000 - December 2007
Prassanna Swaminathan, Electrical & Computer Engineering, September 2002 - August 2004
Clint Thomson, Physics, May 2001 - March 2004
Tim Doyle, Physics, September 2000 - December 2003
Neal Nickles, Physics, September 1996 - August 2002
Clint Thomson, Physics, September 1998 - April 2001
Robert Davies, Physics, March 1996 - May 1999
Robert Davies, Physics, September 1993 - February 1996
Sang-Joon Lee, Physics, September 1993 - June 1995
Wei Jaing, Physics, September 1992 - June 1995
Teresa Burns, Physics, November 1988 - July 1994
Huichen Chi, Physics, September 1990 - January 1993
Prapassorn Tantiphanwadi, Physics, September 1991 - November 1992
Tim Doyle, Physics, January 1989 - September 1991
Torston Will, Physics, November 1988 - December 1990