Few-body atomic interactions and their application in plasma science: Echoes of Don Madison's influence as a mentor on a subsequent career of research

Research supporting advances in gaseous electronics, plasma science, and atomic physics has flourished not only due to the efforts and success of individuals and teams but importantly due to the influence of great mentors. Don Madison will be remembered for both his contributions to atomic physics and his value as a team member, mentor, and friend to many students, early career professionals, and colleagues. To contribute to this remembrance, I will illustrate some of Don's influence as a mentor during my formative years as such a student, early career researcher, and colleague that have echoed throughout my subsequent research. Work with Don and other mentors at the beginning of my professional journey spurred my fascination with the study of few-body dynamics for what they can tell us fundamentally about atomic-scale interactions. In addition, work with these mentors helped me develop an equal interest and focus on performing work yielding accurate and comprehensive atomic and molecular data required for applications in plasma science and astrophysics.