Diplomas/Degrees
Diplomas/Degrees
Ph.D. in Optics, University of Rochester (2004)
M.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla (1997)
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla (1995)
Professional Experience
Professional Experience
茄子视频, Department of Physics
-Associate Professor, September 2009-Present
-Assistant Professor, September 2003-August 2009
Stony Brook University, Department of Physics & Astronomy
-Mentor, Laser Teaching Center, Summer 2016; designed and implemented research and educational program in optics for eight undergraduates
American Institute of Physics
-Director, Society of Physics Students & Sigma Pi Sigma, July 2014-January 2016
• Directed activities of national physics student society (~6000 members) and national physics honor society (~1500 annual inductees and ~60,000 active members)
• Worked closely with leadership and staff of AIP Member Societies (a network of ten major scientific societies totaling ~120,000 members)
• Wrote six editorials for The SPS Observer: “My Successful Null Result” (Winter 2015); “The Physics-Engineering Debate” (Fall 2015); “SPS is Your Village” (Summer 2015); “Physics Needs Research and Balance” (Spring 2015); “Freedom and Physics for All” (Winter 2014); “SPS, Diversity, and You” (Fall 2014)
• Wrote four editorials for Radiations: “Impacting Lives” (Spring 2016); “A Few Good Mentors” (Fall 2015); “A Force for Good” (Spring 2015); “You are a Physicist” (Fall 2014)
• Wrote five guest columns for AIP Matters: “Student leaders aim for impact at SPS Council Meeting” (11/2/2015); “SPS internships shape future leaders” (9/14/2015); “SPS goes to Washington” (4/13/2015, with Aline McNaull); “Light and inspiration for a better world” (2/23/2015); “Beyond the walls of classrooms” (9/22/2014)
• Wrote a book review for Physics Today: Networking for Nerds by Alaina Levine (December 2015; portions reprinted in “Five books that stood out in 2015” segment)
• Led staff of seven full-time, two part-time, and twelve summer interns
• Planned and managed $2M annual budget and worked actively on development
• Liaised between elected leadership, membership, and staff
• Developed and implemented strategies for memberships, communications, programs, and all aspects of operations to promote undergraduate physics education
Personal Statement
Personal Statement
I am dedicated to promoting and advancing undergraduate physics and engineering education. To this end, I am active with IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (the electrical engineering honor society). From 2018-2020, I served as the Region 1-2 Governor of IEEE-HKN. Since 2021, I have been serving on the editorial board of IEEE-HKN's magazine, The Bridge. I am currently (2024) IEEE-HKN President-Elect.
I was also previously active with the Society of Physics Students. From 2003-2014, I was the advisor for the 茄子视频 chapter of SPS (and have been co-advisor from 2016-present); from 2010-2014, I was the Zone Councilor for SPS Zone 2 (NY, Ontario, & Quebec); and from August 2014-January 2016, I served as Director of SPS & Sigma Pi Sigma (the physics honor society).
Since 2003 I have worked at 茄子视频, where I am a tenured associate professor in physics. I lead the Laboratory for Quantum & Nonlinear Optics. I have a patent on nonlinear optical lithography and was project director of SMART (Science & Math Applied Real-problem Teaching), an innovative NSF-funded program partnering museums and high schools to offer problem-based freshman physics courses. I am also completing a text on quantum imaging.
Honors and Accomplishments
Honors and Accomplishments
2022 David Halliday and Robert Resnick Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Physics Teaching from the American Association of Physics Teachers (highest national award for undergraduate physics teaching)
Elevated to Senior Member status in the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers in 2020
Academy of Electrical & Computer Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2016)
Adelphi Teaching Excellence Award, 2013 (Nominee: 2008 & 2009)
Adelphi Excellence in Faculty Service Award Nominee, 2010, 2011, 2019, & 2020
Adelphi Excellence in Faculty Scholarship & Creative Work Award Nominee, 2010
Professional Activities
Professional Activities
IEEE-Eta Kappa Nu (International Honor Society for Electrical & Computer Engineering):
-President, 2025 (Presidential cycle, 2024-2026)
-The Bridge, Editorial Board Member, 2021-
-Regions 1-2 Governor, 2018-2019
-Pathways to Industry Conference: Committee, 2024-; Chair, 2025
-Strategic Planning Committee, Chair 2024
-Student Leadership Conference: Committee, 2024-
-TechX Conference: Committee, 2024-
-Faculty Advisor Support Committee, Chair 2018-2020
IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers):
-Educational Advisory Board Member, 2025
-GLOBECOM (International Conference of IEEE Communications Society), Student Activities Chair, 2005
IEEE Foundation:
-Ex Officio Board Member, 2025
American Association of Physics Teachers:
-Lotze Scholarship Committee, 2016
-Executive Planning Committee, 2014-15
Association of College Honor Societies, Nominating Committee, 2015
Society of Physics Students:
-Zone 2 Councilor, 2010-13
Reviewer for the following academic journals (review ~6 papers/year total on average):
• Physical Review Letters (a journal of the APS)
• Applied Physics Letters (a journal of the AIP)
• Physical Review A (a journal of the APS)
• Optics Express (a journal of the OSA)
• Optics Letters (a journal of the OSA)
• The Physics Teacher (a journal of the AAPT)
• IEEE Transactions on Education
University Service
University Service
University:
Faculty Committee on Retention, Tenure, and Promotion (FCRTP) (2017-2020)
Laser Safety Officer (2017-2018; 2024-)
Pre-Medical Council (2006-14; 2016-)
STEP Steering Committee (2009-14; 2016-)
Adelphi Research Conference Organizing Committee (2004-2014); Co-Chair (2006-2011)
Faculty Senate Academic Affairs Committee (Spring 2008-Fall 2009)
Faculty Senate, Physics Departmental (Sp 2004; Sp 2009; Sp 2010; 2017)
University Safety Committee (2016-2017); Laser Safety Sub-Committee (2017)
Senate Mapping Learning Goals Task Force (2011-2013); Chair (8/12-12/13)
Intellectual Property Committee (2006-14)
Quantitative Reasoning General Education Assessment Committee (2006-14)
Faculty Senate Admissions & Retention Committee Member (Spring 2004)
College:
College of Arts & Sciences Academic Affairs Committee (2007-14; 16-17; 19-); Chair (1/10-8/13); Co-Chair (8/19-5/20)
Chemistry Unit Peer Review Committee* (2021-22)
Search Committee for Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Initiatives (2020)
College of Arts & Sciences Assessment Committee (2018-19)
Math/CS Unit Peer Review Committee* (2016)
Environmental Studies Unit Peer Review Committee* (2010-14)
College of Arts & Sciences Strategic Planning Committee (2010-13)
NSF TOP Mentor (2007-12)
Bettlelheim Award Review Committee (2010-14)
* while department-level service, these are UPRCs in other departments/units in the college
Department:
Faculty Advisor, Adelphi Physics Club (2003-2014); Co-Advisor (2016-)
-Outstanding Chapter of the Society of Physics Students (06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
Physics Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Task Force (2020-; Chair, 2023-)
Physics Unit Peer Review Committee (2009-14; 2016-); Chair (2024-)
Took lead on total curricular overhaul for BS & BA (approved, with launch in Fall 2025)
Academic advisor to large number of students (consistently advise between 1/3 and 1/2 of all physics majors, equal to ~25-40 advisees for most years (currently down to 12 due to reduce enrollment); with students on several academic tracks, including 3-2 engineering, STEP, and graduate prep, this is a time-consuming role)
Organized outreach to secondary school science classes (2005-14)
Various recruitment & promotional activities—Update and development of departmental website; assistance in creation and regularly updating of departmental flyer and brochure; participation in university & departmental open houses and accepted student days (on average, participate in ~6 major recruitment events/year).
Recent Courses
Recent Courses
Basic Science Behind The Headlines
Optics
Physics For Science Majors Lab I
Physics For Science Majors II
Physics For Science Majors II Lab
Quantum Mechanics
S/T: Quantum Engineering
Courses Previously Taught
Courses Previously Taught
Summer 2024:
0156-390: Special Topic: Quantum Engineering (Pre-College Program, 5 students)
Spring 2024:
0156-112: College Physics II (lab; 12 students)
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (lecture & lab; 12 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Developing an Analog Computer for Simulations (1 student)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Intro to Quantum Electrodynamics (1 student)
Fall 2023:
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture: 39 students; lab: 11 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (45 students)
Spring 2023:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lab: 13 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (44 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 9 students)
Fall 2022:
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (lecture & lab; 5 students)
0156-264: Optics (7 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Nonlinear Optics (1 student)
Summer 2022:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 19 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 25 students)
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (lecture & lab; 1 student)
Spring 2022:
0156-112: College Physics II (lab; 14 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture: 20 students; lab: 8 students)
Spring 2022 (continued):
0156-112/114 Lab Coordinator (3 credits to create new labs and coordinate all lab sections)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (46 students)
0156-421: Undergraduate Physics Project I—Super-resolution Optics (1 student)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Optics (2 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Digital Circuits (2 students)
Fall 2021:
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (lecture & lab; 13 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 15 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Signals & Systems (1 student)
Summer 2021:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 20 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 9 students)
Spring 2021:
0156-112: College Physics II (two sections totaling 57 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (25 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (25 students)
0156-264: Optics (12 students)
Fall 2020:
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 18 students)
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (lecture & lab; 15 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 8 students)
Summer 2020:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 29 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 8 students)
Spring 2020:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (two sections totaling 40 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (47 students)
0156-422: Undergraduate Physics Project II—Quantum Magnetic Sensor (1 student)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Quantum Imaging (3 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Analog Circuits (2 student)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Digital Circuits (1 student)
Fall 2019: [3 credits release for FCRTP]
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 12 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 13 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Quantum Entanglement Research (1 student)
Summer 2019:
0156-111: College Physics I (lecture & lab; 18 students)
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture & lab; 7 students)
Spring 2019:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (two sections totaling 36 students)
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (22 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Lasers (2 students)
Fall 2018: [3 credits release for FCRTP]
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (48 students)
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 16 students)
0156-421: Undergraduate Physics Project I—Quantum Eraser (2 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Quantum Entanglement (2 students)
Summer 2018:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 11 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 5 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (5 students)
Spring 2018:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (two sections totaling 59 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (46 students)
0156-456: Quantum Mechanics II (7 students)
Fall 2017:
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (45 students)
0156-243: Intro. to Electrical Engineering (10 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 18 students)
Summer 2017:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 8 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 4 students)
Spring 2017:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (two sections totaling 63 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (46 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Semiconductor Physics (4 students)
Fall 2016:
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (42 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (43 students)
0156-243: Analog Circuits (15 students)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (4-credit; 11 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Thought Experiments (1 student)
Summer 2016:
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture & lab; 4 students)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture & lab; 5 students)
Spring 2016:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (31 students)
0156-244: Digital Circuits (lecture & lab; 6 students)
Fall 2013:
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (29 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (57 students)
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 17 students)
0156-243: Analog Circuits (lecture & lab; 13 students)
Summer 2013:
0156-111: College Physics I (lecture & lab; 12 students)
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture & lab; 10 students)
Spring 2013:
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (31 students)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (46 students)
0156-244: Digital Circuits (lecture & lab; 11 students; one registered as 490)
0156-301: Mathematical Methods in Physics II (8 students)
Fall 2012:
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (41 students)
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 12 students)
0156-243: Analog Circuits (lecture & lab; 14 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—MATLAB Applied Programming (4 students)
Summer 2012:
0156-111: College Physics I (lecture & lab; 13 students)
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture & lab; 2 students)
Spring 2012:
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (18 students)
0156-244: Digital Circuits (lecture & lab; 10 students)
0156-301: Mathematical Methods in Physics II (4-credit; 21 students)
0156-390: Special Topic—Quantum Mechanics II (5 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Particle Physics & QFT (1 student)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Applied Nonlinear Optics (1 student)
Fall 2011:
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (4-credit; 21 students)
0156-243: Analog Circuits (lecture & 2 sections of lab; 13 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Solid State for Chemists (1 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Applications of Quantum (1 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Quantum Information (1 students)
Summer 2011:
0156-111: College Physics I (lecture & lab; 10 students)
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture & lab; 1 students)
0156-490: Ind. Study—Physics Internship (1 student)
0801-550: Special Topic—Science and Math Applied Real-problem Teaching (7 students)
Prior to Summer 2011:
0156-111: College Physics I (lecture x 7; lab x 8)
0156-112: College Physics II (lecture x 3; lab x 5)
0156-113: Physics for Science Majors I (lecture x 4; lab x 6)
0156-114: Physics for Science Majors II (lecture x 3; lab x 4)
0156-123: Basic Science Behind the Headlines (x 2)
0156-211: Mathematical Methods in Physics I (x 8; 4-credit)
0156-216: Modern Physics (x 1)
0156-243: Analog Circuits (lecture & lab; x 6 each)
0156-244: Digital Circuits (lecture & lab; x 7 each)
0156-301: Mathematical Methods in Physics II (x 7)
0156-302: Theoretical Physics (x 1)
0156-322: Advanced Physics (lecture x 1; lab x 2)
0156-390: Special Topic—Quantum Mechanics II (x 1)
0156-428: Quantum Mechanics (x 3; 4-credit)
0156-490: Ind. Study (topics: Quantum Mechanics; Experimental Quantum Optics; Quantum Mechanics II; Analog Circuits; Intro. to Nonlinear Optics; Intro. to Quantum Entanglement; Partial Differential Equations; Experimental Nonlinear Quantum Dots; Solid State Physics; Optics; Experimental Quantum Physics; Intro. to Quantum Physics; Engineering Mathematics; Intro. to Thermodynamics, Electronics, and Optics Lab; Intro. to Quantum Optics; Experimental Optical Physics; Modern Optical Physics)
0801-550: Special Topic—Science and Math Applied Real-problem Teaching (x 1)
Specialization/Interests
Specialization/Interests
Mathematical Methods of Physics; Quantum Mechanics; Circuits; Optics.
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Philosophy
Effective teaching in science and engineering can be broken down into three basic components. The first is the transfer of important concepts, not details, to the students. Too often, students, particularly those new to a field of study, spend most of their study time trying to memorize facts and formulas without being able to separate the key ideas from details. It is paramount upon an instructor to emphasize these concepts, because a student who truly understands the basis of a subject will always be able to find and apply the needed formulas, while students who lack this basic understanding will leave the course with zero gain. To help towards that end, I give the students an equation sheet so that memorization is removed from the picture, requiring them to focus on how to apply the key concepts (with the help of the given equations) to solving the problems.
The second component of effective teaching is showing the students how to solve problems. Once they have been equipped with the needed concepts and the resources to find the needed details of the problem, they must learn how to apply this knowledge. This can be a very challenging task, because there is no single way to approach real problems. A teacher must therefore be able to present problems and their solutions in a variety of ways to account for the different learning styles of the individual students.
In many cases, if an instructor succeeds in not only teaching their students the important concepts but also enables them to apply those concepts to solve problems, they would be justified in being satisfied. Ultimately, however, I feel that there is a third element of teaching that is crucial, especially at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels. For the students to be able to fully appreciate the field, they must be taught to ask the new and important questions. It is vital for them to be able to solve problems posed by others, but I feel that the greatest result of effective teaching is a student who is able to successfully continue study in the field on their own. Many of the students I work with in my research lab and in advanced special topic and independent study courses reach this mark, and then go on to successful careers in graduate school and beyond.
Research Interests
Research Interests
Nonlinear optics; fundamentals & applications of quantum entanglement; physics & engineering education.
Articles
Articles
Steve E. Watkins, Marcus A. Huggans, and Sean J. Bentley (2009), Pre-college outreach at a technical conference. International Journal of Engineering Education, 25 (3), 436-443.
Sean J. Bentley (2008), Nonlinear Interferometric Lithography for Arbitrary Two-Dimensional Patterns. Journal of Micro/Nanolithography, MEMS, and MOEMS (JM3), 7, 013004.
Sean J. Bentley, Charles V. Anderson, and John P. Dooher (2007), Three-photon absorption for nanosecond excitation in cadmium selenide quantum dots. Optical Engineering, 46, 128003.
Sean J. Bentley, John E. Heebner, and Robert W. Boyd (2006), Transverse Instabilities and Pattern Formation in Two-Beam Excited Nonlinear Optical Interactions in Liquids. Optics Letters, 31, 951-953.
Robert W. Boyd and Sean J. Bentley (2006), Recent Progress in Quantum and Nonlinear Optical Lithography. Journal of Modern Optics, 53, 713-718.
R. W. Boyd, R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, and J. C. Howell (2004), Image formation using quantum-entangled photons. Optics & Photonics News, (Optics in 2004 ), 39.
Sean J. Bentley (2004), The Photon Picture of Light. Encyclopedia of Modern Optics, ISBN 0-12-227600-0.
Sean J. Bentley and Robert W. Boyd (2004), Nonlinear optical lithography for ultra-high sub-Rayleigh resolution. Optics Express, 12, 5735.
J. C. Howell, R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, and R. W. Boyd (2004), Realization of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox using momentum- and position-entangled photons from spontaneous parametric down conversion. Physical Review Letters, 92, 210403.
R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, R. W. Boyd, and J. C. Howell (2004), Quantum and classical coincidence imaging. Physical Review Letters, 92, 033601.
Conference Presentations
Conference Presentations
S. J. Bentley, E. de Freitas, and L. Stemkoski (2011). Enhanced Problem-based Freshman Physics through High School-Museum Partnerships. In 2011 American Association of Physics Teachers Winter Meeting. Jacksonville, FL.
Sean J. Bentley (2008). Complementarity, source coherence, and joint uncertainty. In Optical Society of America 92nd Annual Meeting. Rochester, NY.
S. J. Bentley (2008). Quantum optics round-table teaching. In Quantum Optics/Quantum Engineering for Undergraduates Symposium, Optical Society of America 92nd Annual Meeting. Rochester, NY.
Sean J. Bentley (2007). Arbitrary 2-D pattern formation beyond the Rayleigh limit. In Optical Society of America 91st Annual Meeting. San Jose, CA.
Sean J. Bentley (2006). Testing complementarity with quantum entangled photons. In Optical Society of America 90th Annual Meeting. Rochester, NY.
R. Hixon, S. E. Watkins, S. J. Bentley, and M. A. Huggans (2006). Student robotics competition using Robolab and Lego Bricks. In 2006 ASEE Midwest Section Annual Conference. Kansas City, MO.
Sean J. Bentley, Charles V. Anderson, and John P. Dooher (2006). Three-photon absorption in cadmium selenide quantum dots. In Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics (CLEO). Long Beach, CA.
S. J. Bentley, C. V. Anderson, and J. P. Dooher (2005). Third-order nonlinearities of CdSe Quantum Dots. In Optical Society of America Annual Meeting. Tucson, AZ.
R. W. Boyd, R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, M. N. O鈥橲ullivan-Hale, I. Ali Khan, and J. C. Howell (2005). Progress in quantum lithography and ghost imaging. In The Physics of Quantum Electronics XXXV (pp. (Invited)). Snowbird, Utah.
R. W. Boyd, R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, M. N. O鈥橲ullivan-Hale, I. Ali Khan, and J. C. Howell (2004). Image formation using quantum-entangled photons. In Imaging at the Limits (pp. (Invited)). Cargese, Corsica, France.
R. W. Boyd, R. S. Bennink, S. J. Bentley, M. N. O鈥橲ullivan-Hale, I. Ali Khan, and J. C. Howell (2004). Image formation using quantum-entangled photons. In International Quantum Electronics Conference. San Francisco, CA.
M. S. Bigelow, S. J. Bentley, A. M. Marino, and R. W. Boyd (2003). Polarization properties of photons generated by two-beam excited conical emission. In Laser Science XIX. Tucson, AZ.
S. J. Bentley and R. W. Boyd (2003). Coherent control of four-wave mixing gain. In Laser Science XIX. Tucson, AZ.
Other Work
Other Work
Interferometric Method for Improving the Resolution of a Lithographic System (U.S. Patent # 7,859,646; Issued December 28, 2010).
Grants
Grants
MSP-Start: Science and Math Applied Real-problem Teaching (SMART), 2009-11, $299,012, National Science Foundation
Cottrell College Science Award, Research Corporation, 2005-2007, $31,146 (Quantum Dots for Photon Entanglement)
2009 President's Faculty Development Award (Confocal Laser Microscope)
2005 President's Faculty Development Award (Quantum Dots)
2004 President's Faculty Development Award (Classical & Quantum Teleportation)
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