News Article Release

Midshipman's Research Could Revolutionize Tech Industry

May 10, 2012

MC3 Danian Douglas

A Naval Academy midshipman won the Office of Naval Intelligence Harry E. Ward Prize May 4 for his Trident Scholar research project.

Midshipman 1st Class Michael W. Haydell Jr., of Traverse City, Mich., used an advanced material called graphene to fabricate electronic components such as resistors, capacitors and transistors.

This material can potentially replace components in today’s computer electronic technology and revolutionize the computer manufacturing industry. Haydell thinks that silicon will soon be obsolete and that graphene will offer some advantages, he said.

“The ability to write transistors directly into the graphene is extremely powerful and has many applications for future use,” said Haydell.

With more powerful computers, ships and unmanned aerial vehicles will have increased capabilities for tracking and countering electronic attacks, and since graphene is a much lighter material than silicon, it will result in lighter equipment for troops to carry into battle, he said.

These advancements in computer technology could also make computer technology more affordable to more people, said Haydell.

Haydell’s passion for nanotechnology pushed him to drive four days a week during the last two years to complete his work at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Elena Cimpoiasu, assistant professor of physics and Dr. Paul Sheehan from the Naval Research Laboratory were both impressed with his dedication.

“His profound and undeterred interest in the topic of his research and his calm decision making when placed at the cutting edge of research surrounded by many unknowns were most impressive,” said Cimpoiasu.

“I was very flattered to win the prize, however the actual experience of going through the research and the skills I gained were the true reward,” said Haydell.

The Harry E. Ward Trident Scholar Prize is presented to the Trident Scholar who has demonstrated the greatest achievement in independent research in the Trident Scholars Program. The funds for this prize were established by the late Harry E. Ward, Jr., as a tribute to his father and by the Office of Naval Intelligence.