Professor awarded first federal patent in YSU history

YOUNGSTOWN

Tom Oder, Youngstown State University professor of physics, has been awarded the first federal patent in YSU history for a method he devised that improves the performance and reliability of semiconductor devices.

“This is a huge day,” YSU President Jim Tressel said at a news conference this morning. “This is so important in the history of Youngstown State University. We believe that part of our duty is the discovery of knowledge, and we’re counted upon by the populace to do that.”

Oder’s research focuses on methods to improve the reliability of semiconductors at high temperatures and high voltages and has applications in automotive, aerospace and other industries. Students were instrumental in the research, Oder said.

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator.