Valentina Tobos

Biography

Tobos was born in Bucharest, Romania, where she earned a bachelor's degree in physics. Following graduation, she taught middle-school and high-school physics and prepared students for physics Olympiads.

She went back to school for graduate work to further her studies and earned a master's degree and a PhD in Experimental Solid State Physics from Western Michigan University. Her field of study is high-temperature superconductors.

Tobos has been teaching at Lawrence Technological University since fall of 2001 and she has been involved ever since with both introductory and advanced physics classes.

She received LTU's Mary E. And Richard E. Marburger Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2006.

She likes to say that: "Every challenge in learning will exercise your brain."

Education

Ph.D. Physics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan August 2001

Thesis: Vortex-Defect Interactions in High Temperature Superconductors.

Thesis advisor: Dr. L. M. Paulius

M.A. Physics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, December 1997

B. S. Physics, University of Bucharest, Romania, July 1986

Honors, Award, And Memberships

Honors:

Sigma Pi Sigma Honors Society (initiated 2006)

Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society (initiated 2000)

Awards And Certificates:

2011, 2010                      Certificate of Appreciation, LTU Online Service

2010                                 Certificate of Appreciation, Society of Physics Students (SPS), LTU Geek Week 2010

2010                                  Nomination for the 2nd Annual Teaching and Learning with Technology Award

2008                                  Certificate of Appreciation, LTU Online Initiative

2008                                 Dean’s Certificate of Recognition, College of Arts and Sciences, LTU

2006                                 Richard E. And Mary E. Award for Excellence and Accomplishments, 
                                           2006 Faculty Member of the Year, Lawrence Technological University

2004                                  Faculty Tutor Certificate of Appreciation, Lawrence Technological University 

2004                                  Faculty Certificate for Professional Development,Lawrence Technological University 

2002                                  Summer Research Support, National Science Foundation grant DMR-00-72880

2002                                  Faculty Tutor Certificate of Appreciation, Lawrence Technological University 

2001                                  Faculty Tutor Certificate of Appreciation, Lawrence Technological University 

2001                                  Leo R. Parpart Physics Scholarship, Western Michigan University

2001                                  Graduate College Award for Graduate Student Travel,Western Michigan University 

2000                                  Graduate College Dissertation Fellowship, Western Michigan University 

2000                                  Graduate Research and Creative Scholars Award,Western Michigan University  

1999                                  Leo R. Parpart Physics Scholarship, Western Michigan University

1999                                  Graduate College Award for Graduate Student Travel,Western Michigan University 

1998                                  Leo R. Parpart Physics Scholarship, Western Michigan University

1996                                  Leo R. Parpart Physics Scholarship, Western Michigan University

Membership:

American Association of University Women (AAUW 2010)

American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT 2008)

Association for the Education of Teachers of Science (AETS 2003)

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA 2003)

Michigan Science Educators Leaders Association (MSELA 2002)

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS 2001)

Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA 2001)

Metropolitan Detroit Science Teachers Association (MDSTA 2001)

American Physical Society (APS 2000)

Publications

ARTICLES AND ABSTRACTS

1. Abstract, Valentina Tobos, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2008, “Science Education Graduate Program and Online-Onground (Hybrid) Delivery”
2. Abstract,  Lisa Paulius, Lucian Undreiu, Andra Petrean, Valentina Tobos, Wai-Kwong Kwok, Ulrich Welp, Goran Kapapetrov, Thierry Klein, and Christophe Marcenat, July 9-11, 2008, Korean Superconductivity Symposium which is July 9-11 “Effects Varying Defect Geometry on the First Order Vortex Melting Transition in YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals”
3. Abstract, Andra Petrean-Troncalli, Lisa Paulius, Heather Quantz, Valentina Tobos, Wai –K. Kwok, March 10-14, 2008, The American Physical Society, New Orleans, Louisiana; “Investigation of Vortex Pinning Anisotropy in the  High Temperature Superconductor YBa2Cu3O7-d”
4. Abstract, Christopher K. Cartwright, Guang-Chong Zhu, Scott D. Schneider, Valentina Tobos, 27^th International Lilly Conference on College Teaching, No. 15-18, 2007, Oxford, OH
5. Abstract, Heather Quantz, Andra Petrean-Troncalli, Lisa Paulius, Valentina Tobos, Wai-K. Kwok; 2007 Joint Spring Meeting of the Texas Sections of APS, AAPT, and SPS , Abilene, Texas, March 22–24, 2007; “Vortex Dynamics in the High Temperature Superconductor YBa$_{2}$Cu$_{3}$O$_{7-\delta }$ with In-plane Columnar Defects”
6. Abstract, Valentina Tobos, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2006, “Science and Educational Technology Graduate Programs with Lawrence Tech”
7. Abstract, Valentina Tobos, National Science Teachers Association Meeting Catalog, ”e-Learning and Science”, April 2005
8. Abstract, V. Tobos, “The E in Learning Science: e-Learning and Science”, NSTA Convention Program, Dallas, TX, March 2005.
9. Abstract, Undreiu, Lucian, Marcenat, Christoph, Tobos, Valentina, Kwok, Wai, “Study of the universal behavior of the vortex phase diagram in proton irradiated YBCO single crystals”, American Physical Society, APS March Meeting, March 21-25, 2005, #C1.114
10. Abstract, V. Tobos, “Keeping Up With Times: Master of Science Education With LTU”, MDSTA Conference Program, LTU, Fall 2004
11. Abstract, Undreiu, Lucian, Paulius, Lisa, Tobos, Valentina, Marcenat, Christophe, Kwok, Wai, Klein, Thierry, “Investigations of the Vortex Phase Diagram in Proton Irradiated YBa_2Cu_3O_7-delta Single Crystals”, American Physical Society, March Meeting 2004, March 22-26, 2004, Palais des Congres de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, MEETING ID: MAR04, #U12.012
12. Abstract, V. Tobos, “The Multimedia Advantage: Enhancing Teaching Experience”, NSTA Convention Program, Philadelphia, Pa, March 2003.
13. Abstract, V. Tobos, “Teaching and Learning With Technology”, MDSTA Conference Program, LTU, Fall 2002
14. Abstract, L. M. Paulius, C. Marcenat, V. Tobos, L. M. Undreiu, W. K. Kwok, T. Klein, G. W. Crabtree, "Irradiation Induced Changes in the Vortex Phase diagram of YBCO." LT23 Scientific Program, 2002.
15. Abstract, Kwok, Wai-K., Mazilu, Ana, Olsson, Robert J., Crabtree, George W.,  Paulius, Lisa M, Tobos, Valentina, “Behavior of the Vortex Liquid State near the Upper Critical Point in YBCO”(American Physical Society, Annual March Meeting, March 12 - 16, 2001 Washington State Convention Center Seattle, Washington Meeting ID: MAR01, abstract #C28.003)
16. Article, V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, S. Ferguson, R. J. Olsson, W. K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree “Peak Effect Evolution in YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals” (Applied Phys. Lett. 78, 3097, 2001)
17. Article, G. W. Crabtree, W. K. Kwok, R. J. Olsson, G. Karapetrov, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, V. Tobos, and W. G. Moulton “Disordered Vortex Phases in YBa2Cu3Ox“ (Journal of Superconductivity 13, vol.5, 741, 2000)
18. Article, G. W. Crabtree, W. K. Kwok, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, R. J. Olsson, G. Karapetrov, V. Tobos, and W. G. Moulton “The Effect of Disorder on the Critical Points in the Vortex Phase Diagram of YBCO “  (Physica C 332, 71, 2000)
19. Article, L. M. Paulius, W. -K. Kwok, R. J. Olsson, A. M. Petrean, V. Tobos, J. A. Fendrich, G. W. Crabtree, C. A. Burns, S. Ferguson,  “Evolution of the Vortex Phase Diagram in YBa2Cu3O7-d with Random Point Disorder” (Physics Review B 61, 18, 2000).

Publications - not referred

1. V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, R. J. Olsson, A. Mazilu, W. K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, "Effects of Columnar Defects on the Phase Diagram of YBCO Single Crystals."  Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 2001.
2. L. M. Paulius, V. Tobos, A.M. Petrean, W. K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, "First Order Vortex Melting in Twinned YBCO Single Crystals." Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 2001.
3. L. M. Undreiu, L. M. Paulius, V. Tobos, W. K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, C. Marcenat, "Critical Points of the First Order Vortex Melting Line in YBCO Single Crystals." Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 2001.
4. L.M. Paulius, A.M. Petrean, V. Tobos, C.A. Burns, S. Ferguson, and W.K. Kwok, R.J. Olsson, G. Karapetrov, W. G. Moulton, G.W. Crabtree, “Disorder Induced Changes in the Vortex Phase Diagram of YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d“ Proceedings of the Workshop on Vortex Dynamics, Netherlands, 2000.
5. G. W. Crabtree, W. K. -Kwok, R. J. Olsson, G. Karapetrov, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, V. Tobos, and W. G. Moulton, “Disordered Vortex Phases in YBa₂Cu₃O_x.“ Proceedings of the Workshop on Major Trends in Superconductivity for the New Millennium, Switzerland, 2000.
6. L. M. Paulius, V. Tobos, A. M. Petrean, W. -K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, “Angular Dependence of the Lower Critical Point of the First Order Vortex Melting Line in YBCO Single Crystals.” Bulletin of the American Physical Society - vol. 45, no. 1, 2000.
7. V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, R. J. Olsson, W. -K. Kwok, S. Ferguson, G. W. Crabtree, “Peak Effect Evolution in Successive Proton Irradiated YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d Single Crystals.” Bulletin of the American Physical Society - vol. 45, no. 1, 2000.
8. L. M. Paulius, W. -K. Kwok, R. J. Olsson, A. M. Petrean, V. Tobos, J. A. Fendrich, G. W. Crabtree, C. A. Burns, S. Ferguson, “Effects of Random Point Disorder on the Upper and Lower Critical Points in the Vortex Phase Diagram in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d.” Research Report 1998-1999, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
9. V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, “Vortex Lattice Melting in a Twinned YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d Single Crystal.” Research Report 1998-1999, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
10. V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, S. Ferguson, J. W. Snyder, R. J. Olsson, W. -K. Kwok, “Critical Current density in Proton Irradiated YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d Single Crystals.” Research Report 1997-1998, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
11. L. M. Paulius, R. J. Olsson, A. M. Petrean, W. -K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, V. Tobos, C. A. Burns, S. Ferguson, “Evolution of the First Vortex Melting Transition as a Function of Point Defect Concentration in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d.“ Research Report 1997-1998, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
12. V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, S. Ferguson, J. W. Snyder, R. J. Olsson, W. -K. Kwok, “Magnetic Measurements in Proton Irradiated YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d Single Crystals.” Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 1999.

Scholarly Activities (Includes, Grant, Conference Presentations, Etc.)

CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE, PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS

1. Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association and Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics Fall Meeting, MI, Nov. 2011
2. Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, MI, Nov. 2010
3. Attended, Lawrence Technological University, “Peak Performance Practices of Highly Effective and Engaged Faculty: Living Well While Doing Good”, November 13, 2009
4. Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2009
5. Group Presentation, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2008
6. Attended, National Science Teacher Association April, 2008 Convention, Boston, MA
7. Attended, National Science Teacher Association and The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Detroit, MI, October 2007
8. Attended, “Solving Instructional Issues with Technology”, Lawrence Technological University, April 18, 2007
9. Attended, Center for Teaching & Learning, "Creativity Exercises with a Moral" workshop, Lawrence Technological University, April 13, 2007
10. Attended, “Classrooms of the Future” Lecture and Workshop, February 15, 2007, Lawrence Tech University
11. Attended “Collaborative Opportunities in Research and Education with William Beaumont Hospital Symposium”, Beaumont Hospital, January 30, 2007
12. Attended, “Arts and Sciences Seminar Series”, Lawrence Tech University 2006-2007
13. Attended, “Learn All About It Lunch” sessions, Lawrence Tech University 2006-2007 luncheons
14. Attended, Educational Innovation Collaborative "Using Hybrid Strategies to Enhance Classroom Instruction" Lecture and Workshop, January 10, 2007, Lawrence Tech University
15. Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2006, “Science and Educational Technology Graduate Programs with Lawrence Tech”
16. Presenter, miBUG 2006 Conference, “MSE/MET Hybrid Delivery Model”, Lawrence Technological University, September 29, 2006
17. Presenter, Lawrence Technological Assessment Day, “Active Collaborative Learning; University Physics 1: Trial Run”, Lawrence Technological University, September 15, 2006
18. Presenter, 3rd Annual LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference “MSE and MET Hybrid Model”, August, 2006, Lawrence Technological University
19. Attended, A License to Lead – Modules I and II, January to April 2006, Lawrence Tech University
20. Attended, Emerging Educational Technologies: Trends and a Look Ahead; March 27, 2006, University of Detroit Mercy
21. Attended, Spring 2006 LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference, January 6, 2005, Lawrence Tech University
22. Attended, Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association, October 29, 2005, Lawrence Technological University
23. Attended, Michigan Science Education Leadership Association Fall Meeting, October 19 2005, Detroit Zoological Park, Detroit
24. Attended, 2nd Annual LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference “Using VITRC  e-Learning Tools to Improve Efficiency and Productivity”, August, 2005, Lawrence Technological University
25. Presented student lecture, Exploration Day, physics presentation for high school students, October 2005, Lawrence Tech University
26. Presenter, National Science Teacher Association March 2005 Convention, Dallas, TX, March 2005 , “e-Learning and Science”
27. Attended, 2005 Hybridization of Student Learning Conference, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2005
28. Presenter, Best Practices Session, VITRC, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, February 2005, “Using Blackboard Cartridges and Collaboration Tools for Promoting Hybrid Learning”
29. Presenter, Women Career Day, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2005, “Physics is Natural”
30. Poster, The American Physical Society March 2005 Meeting, “Study of the universal behavior of the vortex phase diagram in proton irradiated YBCO single crystals”, Lucian Undreiu, Lisa Paulius, Christoph Marcenat, Valentina Tobos, Wai Kwok, Los Angeles, Ca
31. Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2004, “Keeping Up With Times: Master of Science Education With LTU”
32. Presenter, Best Practices Session, VITRC, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, February 2004, “Applying Simple Software, Internet and Blackboard Cooperative Tools”
33. Poster, The American Physical Society March 2004 Meeting, Montreal, Canada, Poster Session: “Investigations of the Vortex Phase Diagram in Proton Irradiated YBa_2Cu_3O_7-d Single Crystals”, Lucian Undreiu, Lisa Paulius, Valentina Tobos, Christophe Marcenat, Wai Kwok, Thierry Klein
34. Presenter, Women Career Day, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2004, “Physics: the Natural Thing to Learn”
35. Attended, The Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Mathematics Conference, November 8, 2003
36. Attended, The Michigan Association of Non-public Schools 2003 Convention, October 23-24, 2003
37. Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting; October 27, 2003
38. Presenter, The National Science Teacher Association March 2003 Convention, Philadelphia, PA, March 2003, “The Multimedia Advantage: Enhancing Teaching Experience”
39. Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2002, “Teaching and Learning With Technology”
40. Attended, Learning and the Brain, Fall Meeting, Cambridge, Ma, November2002
41. Attended, The American Vacuum Society-Michigan Chapter Conference; June 3, 2002
42. Attended, Michigan Science Education Leaders Association Spring Meeting: June, 2002
43. Attended, The Michigan Science Teacher Association 49-th Meeting; March 1-2, 2002
44. Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting; October 27, 2001
45. Presenter, The American Physical Society March 2001 Meeting, Seattle, WA, March 2001, “Effects of Columnar Defects on the Phase Diagram of YBCO Single Crystals"
46. Poster, The American Physical Society March 2001 Meeting_ Poster Session, Seattle, WA, March 11, 2001; “Critical Points of the First Order Vortex Melting Line in YBCO Single Crystals”, L. M. Undreiu, L. M. Paulius, V. Tobos, W. -K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree, C. Marcenat
47. Presenter, The American Physical Society March 2000 Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, March 2000, “Peak Effect Evolution in Successive Proton Irradiated YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d Single Crystals"
48. Presenter, The Ohio Section of the American Physical Society Spring 1999 Meeting, Flint, MI, May 1999, “Magnetic Measurements in Proton Irradiated YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d. Single Crystals"
49. Poster, The Ohio Section of the American Physical Society Spring 1999 Meeting, Flint, MI, May 1999, “First Order Vortex Melting Transition In YBa₂Cu₃O_7-d  Single Crystals in the Presence of Defects”, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, V. Tobos, S. Ferguson, R. J. Olsson, W. -K. Kwok, G. W. Crabtree

 

Courses Taught

PHYSICS

Condensed Matter Physics

Thermal Physics

University Physics 1

University Physics 2

College Physics 1

College Physics 2

Physical Science 2

Integrated Design Studio, Physics Component

College Physics Laboratory

University Physics Laboratory

Physical Science Laboratory

Introductory Astronomy Laboratory

SCIENCE EDUCATION

Weather, Atmosphere, and Climate

Motion, Forces and Energy

Waves, Electricity and Magnetism

Introductory Seminar

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Computer Applications for Education

Multimedia Development I

Contemporary Pedagogies in Education

OTHER

Physics, Technology and Society - grader

Introduction to the Sky and Solar System - grader

Introduction to the Stars and Galaxies - grader

Elementary Physics - grader

General Physics I - grader

General Physics II - grader

Mechanics and Heat - grader

Electricity and Light - grader

HIGH SCHOOL and MIDDLE SCHOOL PHYSICS COURSE

General Physics for High-School

General Physics for Middle School

Quest And Other Student Projects

Quest advisor: LTU Geek Week 2010; Stephanie Shevenock and Levente Dojcsak