Brandon Zink

Accomplished researcher with extensive experience at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, specializing in in-memory computing and advanced fabrication techniques, specifically of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Proficient in MATLAB and LabVIEW, I hold a patent on a stochastic computing method and have published numerous peer-reviewed papers, demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Post-Doctoral Research Associate, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 10/23, Present, Hired with the University of Maryland through the professional research experience program (PREP). I work on the NIST campus, but I am not a federal employee. I am currently attempting proof-of-concept experimental work on in-memory computing and stochastic computing using magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs). Using Python API and LabVIEW, I designed experiments to demonstrate the potential for AI algorithms to be implemented on a 20 k-bit crossbar array with integrated CMOS + MTJ cells. I fabricated ReRAM devices using the Nanofab center at NIST using a process involving sputter deposition, photolithography (ASML tool at NIST), ion milling, reactive ion etching, and electron beam deposition. I published 4 papers as a first author so far (Physical Review Applied, Nature Electronics, Scientific Reports, and IEEE International Conference on Rebooting Computing). I presented my work at 5 international conferences including GOMACTech, CIRMS, MMM, and ICRC.
• Post-Doctoral Research Associate, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 09/22, 09/23, Electrical and Computer Engineering. I fabricated MTJs at the Minnesota Nano Center using a process involving e-beam lithography, photolithography, ion milling, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and e-beam evaporation. The MTJs fabricated were used for the first hardware demonstration of an in-memory computing scheme called computational random-access memory (CRAM). I invented a method of utilizing the CRAM array to perform stochastic computing operations. Process was called SC-CRAM, which was patented and published. I published 4 peer-reviewed journals as a first author, plus several additional co-authorships. I presented my work in 6 conferences, including MAGCAN, TMRC, Intermag, Non-volatile memory technology symposium, IEDM, and MMM (received best poster award).
• PhD Research Assistant, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 09/16, 09/22, Electrical and Computer Engineering. I fabricated nano-sized MTJs using a similar process described in my post-doctoral research. The MTJs were tested on a microprobe station placed on top of a 3-D projected electromagnet. Source measurement units and pulse generators were used to apply signals to the MTJs and oscilloscopes were used to acquire the readout signals. All experiments were programmed through LabVIEW using GPIB commands and DAQ systems. Data was then analyzed primarily through MATLAB. I published 11 peer-reviewed papers and presented my work in 12 conferences and meetings.
• Graduate Intern, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 06/18, 09/18, I investigated the influence of ionizing radiation on MTJs with perpendicular anisotropy. I tested the device properties of MTJs fabricated by Everspin Technologies using a B1500A semiconductor device analyzer before and after being exposed to various levels of radiation doses. This was done to test their ability to perform in high-radiation environments. I presented my work at the Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference and published my results in IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science.
• Graduate Research Assistant, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, 09/14, 07/16, Physics. I constructed and programmed a scanning tunneling microscope that could obtain images of graphite surfaces at atomic resolution. The tip height was controlled through an operational amplifier feedback loop and lateral directions were programmed through LabVIEW by sending voltages to a piezoelectric tube.
• Undergraduate Research Assistant, University of Wisconsin La Crosse, La Crosse, WI, 01/13, 05/14, Physics. I deposited and characterized stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric zinc tungstate thin films via spray pyrolysis for potential applications in next-generation solar cells. I analyzed the properties of the zinc tungstate films using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, and ellipsometry.