Faculty + Staff
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
- Abstract, Valentina Tobos, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2008, “Science Education Graduate Program and Online-Onground (Hybrid) Delivery”
- 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”
- 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”
- Abstract, Christopher K. Cartwright, Guang-Chong Zhu, Scott D. Schneider, Valentina Tobos, 27th International Lilly Conference on College Teaching, No. 15-18, 2007, Oxford, OH
- 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”
- Abstract, Valentina Tobos, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2006, “Science and Educational Technology Graduate Programs with Lawrence Tech”
- Abstract, Valentina Tobos, National Science Teachers Association Meeting Catalog, ”e-Learning and Science”, April 2005
- Abstract, V. Tobos, “The E in Learning Science: e-Learning and Science”, NSTA Convention Program, Dallas, TX, March 2005.
- 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
- Abstract, V. Tobos, “Keeping Up With Times: Master of Science Education With LTU”, MDSTA Conference Program, LTU, Fall 2004
- 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
- Abstract, V. Tobos, “The Multimedia Advantage: Enhancing Teaching Experience”, NSTA Convention Program, Philadelphia, Pa, March 2003.
- Abstract, V. Tobos, “Teaching and Learning With Technology”, MDSTA Conference Program, LTU, Fall 2002
- 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.
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 YBa2Cu3O7-d“ Proceedings of the Workshop on Vortex Dynamics, Netherlands, 2000.
- 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.“ Proceedings of the Workshop on Major Trends in Superconductivity for the New Millennium, Switzerland, 2000.
- 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.
- 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 YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals.” Bulletin of the American Physical Society - vol. 45, no. 1, 2000.
- 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 YBa2Cu3O7-d.” Research Report 1998-1999, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
- V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, “Vortex Lattice Melting in a Twinned YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystal.” Research Report 1998-1999, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
- 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 YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals.” Research Report 1997-1998, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
- 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 YBa2Cu3O7-d.“ Research Report 1997-1998, Physics Department, Western Michigan University.
- V. Tobos, L. M. Paulius, A. M. Petrean, S. Ferguson, J. W. Snyder, R. J. Olsson, W. -K. Kwok, “Magnetic Measurements in Proton Irradiated YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals.” Bulletin of the American Physical Society, 1999.
Scholarly Activities (Includes, Grant, Conference Presentations, Etc.)
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE, PRESENTATIONS AND POSTERS
- Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association and Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics Fall Meeting, MI, Nov. 2011
- Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, MI, Nov. 2010
- Attended, Lawrence Technological University, “Peak Performance Practices of Highly Effective and Engaged Faculty: Living Well While Doing Good”, November 13, 2009
- Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2009
- Group Presentation, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2008
- Attended, National Science Teacher Association April, 2008 Convention, Boston, MA
- Attended, National Science Teacher Association and The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Detroit, MI, October 2007
- Attended, “Solving Instructional Issues with Technology”, Lawrence Technological University, April 18, 2007
- Attended, Center for Teaching & Learning, "Creativity Exercises with a Moral" workshop, Lawrence Technological University, April 13, 2007
- Attended, “Classrooms of the Future” Lecture and Workshop, February 15, 2007, Lawrence Tech University
- Attended “Collaborative Opportunities in Research and Education with William Beaumont Hospital Symposium”, Beaumont Hospital, January 30, 2007
- Attended, “Arts and Sciences Seminar Series”, Lawrence Tech University 2006-2007
- Attended, “Learn All About It Lunch” sessions, Lawrence Tech University 2006-2007 luncheons
- Attended, Educational Innovation Collaborative "Using Hybrid Strategies to Enhance Classroom Instruction" Lecture and Workshop, January 10, 2007, Lawrence Tech University
- Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2006, “Science and Educational Technology Graduate Programs with Lawrence Tech”
- Presenter, miBUG 2006 Conference, “MSE/MET Hybrid Delivery Model”, Lawrence Technological University, September 29, 2006
- Presenter, Lawrence Technological Assessment Day, “Active Collaborative Learning; University Physics 1: Trial Run”, Lawrence Technological University, September 15, 2006
- Presenter, 3rd Annual LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference “MSE and MET Hybrid Model”, August, 2006, Lawrence Technological University
- Attended, A License to Lead – Modules I and II, January to April 2006, Lawrence Tech University
- Attended, Emerging Educational Technologies: Trends and a Look Ahead; March 27, 2006, University of Detroit Mercy
- Attended, Spring 2006 LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference, January 6, 2005, Lawrence Tech University
- Attended, Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association, October 29, 2005, Lawrence Technological University
- Attended, Michigan Science Education Leadership Association Fall Meeting, October 19 2005, Detroit Zoological Park, Detroit
- Attended, 2nd Annual LTU Faculty e-Learning Conference “Using VITRC e-Learning Tools to Improve Efficiency and Productivity”, August, 2005, Lawrence Technological University
- Presented student lecture, Exploration Day, physics presentation for high school students, October 2005, Lawrence Tech University
- Presenter, National Science Teacher Association March 2005 Convention, Dallas, TX, March 2005 , “e-Learning and Science”
- Attended, 2005 Hybridization of Student Learning Conference, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2005
- Presenter, Best Practices Session, VITRC, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, February 2005, “Using Blackboard Cartridges and Collaboration Tools for Promoting Hybrid Learning”
- Presenter, Women Career Day, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2005, “Physics is Natural”
- 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
- Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2004, “Keeping Up With Times: Master of Science Education With LTU”
- Presenter, Best Practices Session, VITRC, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, February 2004, “Applying Simple Software, Internet and Blackboard Cooperative Tools”
- 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
- Presenter, Women Career Day, Lawrence Tech University, Southfield, MI, March 2004, “Physics: the Natural Thing to Learn”
- Attended, The Detroit Area Council of Teachers of Mathematics Annual Mathematics Conference, November 8, 2003
- Attended, The Michigan Association of Non-public Schools 2003 Convention, October 23-24, 2003
- Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting; October 27, 2003
- Presenter, The National Science Teacher Association March 2003 Convention, Philadelphia, PA, March 2003, “The Multimedia Advantage: Enhancing Teaching Experience”
- Presenter, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting, Southfield, MI, October 2002, “Teaching and Learning With Technology”
- Attended, Learning and the Brain, Fall Meeting, Cambridge, Ma, November2002
- Attended, The American Vacuum Society-Michigan Chapter Conference; June 3, 2002
- Attended, Michigan Science Education Leaders Association Spring Meeting: June, 2002
- Attended, The Michigan Science Teacher Association 49-th Meeting; March 1-2, 2002
- Attended, The Metropolitan Detroit Science Teacher Association Fall Meeting; October 27, 2001
- Presenter, The American Physical Society March 2001 Meeting, Seattle, WA, March 2001, “Effects of Columnar Defects on the Phase Diagram of YBCO Single Crystals"
- 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
- Presenter, The American Physical Society March 2000 Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, March 2000, “Peak Effect Evolution in Successive Proton Irradiated YBa2Cu3O7-d Single Crystals"
- Presenter, The Ohio Section of the American Physical Society Spring 1999 Meeting, Flint, MI, May 1999, “Magnetic Measurements in Proton Irradiated YBa2Cu3O7-d. Single Crystals"
- Poster, The Ohio Section of the American Physical Society Spring 1999 Meeting, Flint, MI, May 1999, “First Order Vortex Melting Transition In YBa2Cu3O7-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