During his time at Simon Fraser University, Dr. Michael Steger worked on novel research in the field of semiconductor spectroscopy and quantum computing. His thesis contained surprising discoveries which have overturned results that have been widely quoted for decades, and revolutionized our understanding of the behavior of transition metals in silicon.

As a testament to the impact of his work, Dr. Steger has presented at major conferences, including the International Conference in the Physics of Semiconductors and the International Conference on the Defects of Semiconductors. Even more impressive was the invitation to convert his thesis results into a journal publication which was featured on the front cover of the Journal of Applied Physics.

After joining Dr. Mike Thewalt's group in 2005, Dr. Steger has published over 25 papers in refereed journals, with the latest being an article in Science reporting a breakthrough in silicon-based quantum computing.

While maintaining an impressive 4.33 CGPA, Dr. Steger was actively involved in the Physics Graduate Student Society and was awarded numerous scholarships and fellowships. He also attributes his success at SFU to the excellent support of his senior supervisor Dr. Mike Thewalt, who provided and fostered an amazing research environment at SFU to do some of the best physics in the world.

Dr. Steger has recently started his career in research and development at Carl Zeiss Semiconductor Metrology Systems in Germany.

On behalf of SFU, we congratulate Dr. Steger on his outstanding achievements which are being recognized with an award of the Dean of Graduate Studies Convocation Medal as SFU's most outstanding graduate student from the Faculty of Science.

• Thesis: Photoluminescence of deep defects involving transition metals in silicon — new insights from highly enriched 28Si
• Science: "Quantum Information Storage for over 180 s Using Donor Spins in a 28Si “Semiconductor Vacuum"
  
• Journal of Applied Physics: "Photoluminescence of deep defects involving transition metals in Si: New insights from highly enriched 28Si"
  
• SFU News: "Tangling with semiconductors"
• LinkedIn: Michael Steger
• Michael Steger student profile
• Convocation Medal Winners 2012

Tags: achievements; science; physics