When looking back at history we quantify time-periods as the Stone Age or Bronze Age. The same is true with the current silicon revolution. We recognize the importance of materials by attributing entire technological time-periods towards them, yet the true gravity of materials science and engineering is not grasped. I entered the field of materials science and engineering to meet the limiting factor in the progression of technology, granting the largest challenges, yet the greatest rewards.
Work Experiences:
Before entering college I knew an internship-intensive schedule would prepare and expose me to the young and rapidly expanding technologies that are necessary to push the technologies of the future. The interweaving of school and work allows the transfer of motivation and information between the two.
My experience is as follows:
SpaceX – Sensors (3 months)
Background: Investigate material vibrational and thermal properties within complex assembly stack-ups. Identify and address material limitations of specific assembly steps, removing critical path status. Skills: Design and review large experimental datasets using Python, Git, and JMP with the device’s physics.
SpaceX – Starship Thermal Protection System (4 months)
Background: Develop new material for use as Starship TPS through testing, development, and qualification. Design, build, and implement double-tank material processing, rinsing, and drying systems. Increase mechanical properties of composite tiles with price as the primary constraint. Skills: Casting, firing, and testing novel fibrous glass and ceramic composites with glass coatings.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center – Chemical Sensors (3 months)
Background: Improved heating and thermal management are necessary for the prolonged operation and cycling of novel chemical sensors. Successful problem identification and implemented solution, allowing for avoidance of original failures of detectors. Skills: Sensor Packaging & Testing, Epoxy, FLIR, SEM, AFM, Raman, Probing.
NASA Glenn Research Center – Pressure Sensors (7 months)
Background: Electrical instabilities seen with high-temperature testing of pressure sensors. Fabrication and preparation of samples for material characterization of current and potential packaging materials to identify leakage current. Presentation of testing data, allowing for extended temperature range and first author JACerS publication. Skills: Sputtering, Lithography, PVD, RIE, Wet Etching, SEM, Probing, Testing.
Battelle Memorial Institute – Thermal Protection Systems (7 months)
Background: Developed technology for conversion of polymer matrix composites with a laser to graphitic top-coat, with converted high-temperature ceramics, acting as a thermal protection system. Contributions led to co-inventorship on pending patents. Skills: Laser Systems, PLM, SEM, EDS, Raman, Ablative Testing, Polishing.”
Undergrad Research / Research Interest
I am currently involved in research here at Purdue with Prof. Titus and Prof. Strachan in developing a low-cost accessible color dye experimental setup to promote the accessibility of machine learning. Additionally, I have performed research under MSE 499 with Prof. Trice and Prof. Youngblood working with additive manufacturing of SiC through a thermoplastic mixture, as well as initial work freshman year with Prof. Titus quantifying dendritic structures using Python.
My expanding interests lie with device fabrication and characterization of multifunction and/or smart materials: the utilization of single-use or purpose materials for additional applications, in addition to the combination of multiple material groups into one system for previously unachievable properties, results, or efficiency. I am willing to expand into new areas of study, pushing myself and my knowledge.
Post-graduation goals:
I intend to eventually lead a research team, leveraging my diverse industry and future PhD graduate research experience. Delivering consistent high-quality results across diverse materials research, I am committed to advancing cutting-edge materials science with attention to detail and heightened curiosity.
Hobbies / Interests / Clubs / Extra Curricular
With internships every other fall and spring semester, I eagerly enjoyed my return to campus and the opportunities that come with that. I compete on the Purdue Club Tennis Team, traveling when available. I am part of Purdue’s Salsa and Bachata Club, after trying salsa for the first time with a group of interns at NASA Glenn. Additionally, I tutored for an MSE course and participated in the FYE Mentoring Core for first-generation students here at Purdue. During my first two semesters at Purdue, I engaged with EPICS and PUMA Blacksmithing, which led to my resume being selected for an initial interview with my first internship.
In my spare time, I enjoy exchanging thoughts, humor, and advice with my roommates and friends, picking up activities such as paddleboarding, roller-skate dancing, and rock climbing. The importance of exercise, well-being, and meditation takes precedence as I have learned the value of taking care of oneself over these past few years. I enjoy the resources that Purdue provides, such as intramural sports, CoRec, Celery Bog, sporting, and student events. The proximity of Chicago and Indianapolis also offers a change of pace for weekend getaways.
Are you in any leadership roles?
My leadership experience revolves around the principle of leading through actions and maintaining a relatively silent influence. Rather than relying on vocal directives, I emphasize the importance of setting a strong example for others to follow. By consistently demonstrating dedication, integrity, and a strong work ethic, I believe in creating a positive and motivating environment that encourages team members to emulate these qualities. However, when vocalization is required I hope to be the first one to speak out when needed, a quality which I admire in the greats of history.
