Work with thought leaders and academic experts from University of California, Davis

Cassondra Brayfield, Ph.D

Plantsville, CT, Connecticut, United States of America
Freshly minted doctor of Material Science and Engineering with industry and lean six sigma experience looking for a role in research and development innovating battery technology.
Education

University of California, Davis

PhD, Material Science and Engineering / September, 2023

Davis, California, United States of America

Arizona State University

M.S., Material Science and Engineering / May, 2030 (anticipated)

Tempe, Arizona, United States of America

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

B.S., Material Science and Engineering / May, 2015

Troy, New York, United States of America
Experience

Intel Corp

Yield Engineer and Metrology Tool Owner / March, 2016July, 2019

Yield Engineer and Metrology Tool Owner: R&D Engineer for Substrate Packaging Technology  Identified root cause of leading defect signatures (optical, SEM/EDS, calipers, interviews)  Recipe creation, management. and troubleshooting for several metrology tools  Created technical DOEs, BKMs, tool specifications, and statistical analyses (in JMP)  Saved enormous costs using Lean 6 across Client, Server, and Low-Cost product platforms

Corning Incorporated

Fractography Intern / June, 2015August, 2015

Research Intern: Characterization Science - Failure Mode Analysis Lab, Fractography  Designed and executed Stress Wave Fractography experiments to measure crack growth  Published novel equation describing crack propagation for a variety of glass compositions  Side project: invented and filed disclosure for new innovative glass composition

Smart Lighting ERC

Research Intern / May, 2014June, 2015

Research Intern  Developed experimental phosphor coating to produce multiphase full-spectra LEDs  Achieved CRI of 90-98 in color temperatures of 4000-6000K (Artificial Sunlight)  Gained a working understanding of Color Science and Spectrophotometry

BESS Tech: Battery Energy Storage Systems Technology

Battery Research Intern / April, 2014November, 2014

Battery Research Intern  Doubled battery lifetime by optimizing deposition of NiSi2 surface of battery anodes  Assembled batteries in vacuum glovebox environment for performance testing  Utilized Arbin tests, SEM imaging, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD for analysis

University of California, Davis

PhD Candidate and Researcher of Material Science and Engineering / August, 2019September, 2023

Electrochemical Methods for Deposition of Sb2Se3 Nanoparticles for Photovoltaics Solar Cell Assembly Production, Davis CA  Treatment of FTO glass and Mo foil substrates for PV layer electrodeposition  Deposited and characterized Sb2Se3 films via CV and Controlled Potential Electrolysis  SEM, EDS, XRD, UV-VIS, Surface Photovoltage tests for compositional and morphological analysis Engineering the Second Coordination Sphere of Iron Organometallic Catalysts for Facile Alternative Fuel Production, Davis CA  Synthesized catalytic clusters and ligand additives  Characterized catalyst via Cyclic Voltammetry, Controlled Potential Electrolysis, etc.  NMR, IR, IR-SEC for catalyst and ligand characterization

Research Expertise
Electrochemistry
Alternative Fuels
Catalysis
Battery Technology
Energy Harvesting and Storage
About
I have waited my whole life to write a cover letter like this. I have reached a time in my life where I feel I can suddenly see my path illuminate and the future course of my career come into focus. Since beginning my career working on a Material Science and Engineering Bachelor’s degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), I felt that I have been getting a sense for what areas in the field of materials engineering are important, which I am interested in, which are progressing excitingly, and which could use more focus. I have worked on many different projects and materials throughout my diverse career including engineering phosphors for use in lighting applications, a 3.5-year stint at Intel, working as a yield engineer for the production of a wide variety of semiconductor chip technologies, and a brief time as a fractography intern for Corning glass. It was not, however, until I worked with a little battery startup called BESS Tech in upstate New York that I really felt my career click into place. Hired as the fifth employee of a nascent battery-tech startup, I was, like everyone else, wearing a lot of hats. While the premise of the project seemed simple; test new anode morphologies to ascertain if performance can be improved, it sent me on many little journeys such as learning to chemically vapor deposit thin films, building coin cells in a glovebox, and analyzing cycle, efficiency, capacity, charge time and lifetime. This also led me to have the life-changing realization that the improvements we were observing in the data could have an incredible ripple effect of worldwide improved energy and environmental impact. This was when I decided I would get a PhD and dedicate the rest of my career to tackling the energy storage crisis that our planet finds itself in. At the University of California, Davis I once again furthered my education in Material Science and Engineering and focused my research on electrochemistry for energy harvesting and storage. Though, during my degree, I was not building battery cells per say, I *was* using three-electrode systems to either produce alternative fuels like hydrogen gas or liquid formate in the presence of an iron-based catalyst or to electrochemically deposit antimony selenide films onto a substrate for use as the absorber layer in PV solar cell devices. As I worked to perfect these electrochemical bench-top sized experiments, I kept in mind how these systems would scale up. I felt that the technology can be incredibly promising as small lab-sized batches, but it won’t make a difference to the public if it can’t be elegantly scaled-up to commercial manufacturing scale. Even at the academic lab scale, I utilized the lean six sigma yellow belt training I received at Corning and Intel to optimize my processes to save time, resources, waste, etc. I have developed a skill for optimizing systems as a whole and I use these tools to better my everyday life. With my newly acquired PhD knowledge and credentials I hope to spend the next 10 to 30 years of my career working toward greener, cleaner battery technologies. I believe that new battery and energy storage capabilities in general hold the secret to healing our environment and utilizing the incredible amounts of solar and wind energy that we have become so good at harvesting. I hope to experiment on and perhaps invent novel energy storage solutions such as easier-to-recycle batteries with longer lifetimes, greater capacity, and greener manufacturing methods because I believe that it is the best way to use my material science talent and passion to help the greatest amount of people. I hope that my passions align well with the goals of your company and that together we might truly leave a positive impact on the market, society, and the environment overall. We have the ability to save the planet and I would like to help. Sincerely, Dr. Cassondra Brayfield *Material Science and Engineering*            *[Cassie.brayfield@gmail.com                            ](mailto:Cassie.brayfield@gmail.com)* *(860) 620-7042*

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Dr. Ekaterina Ponizovskaya Devine

University of California, Davis
Experience

University of California, Davis

Consultant / October, 2018Present

W&Wsens Devices Inc

Principal Scientist / October, 2014Present

Montana State University

Research Scientist / November, 2020July, 2022

NASA Ames Research Center

20092015

Hewlett-Packard Inc

20052009

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas

PostDoc / 20002005

Research Expertise
Physics
Photonics
Optics
Quantum communication
About
I am interested in new technology in optics, photonics, and quantum systems. I am motivated to find new solutions and develop new applications, constantly learning and improving my skills. I have a strong background in Physics and experience solving Multiphysics problems numerically with commercial software and using in-house code. I have experience with experimental equipment and automation. • Optics and Photonics. Design, modeling, and theoretical simulations and experiments for photonics components from UV to IR (high-speed photodetectors, metasurface structures, APD, SPAD, laser, VCSEL, lenses, interconnectors, sensors, fibers) for communications, sensors, image sensors, and quantum applications. Signal and image processing, temporal and special noise, stochastic process, stochastic resonance. Digital holography, wavefront reconstruction. Digital holography. Multi-physics simulation, non-linear optics. • Numerical methods (Monte-Carlo, FDTD, FEM, FFT, RCWA, BPM, TMM) for modeling complex multi-physics simulations, sparse matrices, ordinary and partial differential equations. Signal processing algorithms, machine learning, optimization, modeling probability distribution, time-dependent density functional theory, non-equilibrium Green’s functions. C++, Python, Matlab , Commercial software: Lumerical, Comsol, Zemax, Silvaco, LabVIEW, computer clusters parallel coding with CPU, parallel programming with CUDA and GPU. • New materials: quantum dots, photonic crystals, 2D materials, negative index materials, chirality, broken RT-symmetry, and non-Hermitian structures. Si, Ge, and III-V semiconductors. Turbulence, Mie and Raman scattering. • Quantum communication and quantum computing. Quantum to a classical interface. Quantum networks and Quantum Key Distribution system with noise and crosstalk. Quantum communication protocoles. • Experience with optical lab equipment, experiment automation, experimental setup, and alignment, data processing. Electrical and optical testing and data analysis. • Automation of a variety of systems, optical, cryogenic fuel loading, and storage systems. Physics-based models for a variety of physical systems (optics, photonics, fluid and gas dynamics, two-phase flow, cavitation). Prognostics for automated systems for NASA, using machine learning in combination with physics-based models. • Patents and publications in peer-reviewed journals: over 150 publications, conferences presentations at IEEE, APS, Optics https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wpEXwjwAAAAJ&hl=en • Supervising students

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Roger Sparks

Professor of Economics, Mills College at Northeastern University
Education

University of California, Davis

Ph.D, Economics / July, 1984

Davis, California, United States of America
Experience

Purdue University

Assistant Professor / August, 1983June, 1988

Essex University

Visiting Professor / September, 1985June, 1986

University of California at Davis

Visiting Professor / September, 1988June, 1989

Mills College

Professor / June, 1989Present

Research Expertise
applied microeconomics
strategy
environment
finance
Pharmacology (medical)
And 8 more
About
Roger Sparks is a Professor of Economics at Mills College, Oakland, CA. He earned his PhD in Economics from the University of California, Davis and has been at Mills College since 1989. Professor Sparks is currently director of the Master of Applied Economics program at Mills and chair of the Economics Department. He has more than 20 research papers published in economics journals, has refereed many paper submissions to professional journals, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kemper Human Rights Education Foundation. Professor Sparks’ research applies game theory and the economics of information to a variety of topics, including the theory of unemployment, efficiency wages, employee stock offerings, cyclical changes in labor productivity, the determination of mortgage rates, mortgage securitization, environmental policy, utility regulation, psychiatric decision-making, the energy paradox, and the price impacts of low-carbon fuel standards. This research agenda has allowed him to incorporate into his teaching first-hand knowledge about a variety of topics and techniques of analysis, which in turn has enhanced his students’ curiosity and learning.

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Dr. Scott Brooks

Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States of America
Global food safety, quality, and regulatory executive services for businesses and investors
Education

Texas A&M University

D.V.M., Doctor of Veterinary Medicine / May, 1990

College Station, Texas, United States of America

Texas A&M University

B.S., Biomedical Science / May, 1986

College Station, Texas, United States of America

University of California, Davis

M.S., Food Science/Food Microbiology / June, 1996

Davis, California, United States of America

University of California, Davis

M.P.V.M., Preventive Veterinary Medicine/Epidemiology/Food Safety / June, 1996

Davis, California, United States of America
About
Successful, high-capacity global business leadership experience in food quality, food safety, laboratory, scientific and regulatory affairs for manufacturing, distribution, retail and food service. * Global food quality, safety, scientific and regulatory executive leadership and services for businesses and investors.  Services also include expert witness and M&A due diligence. * Expertise in negotiating and executing complex issues with top management, industry vendors, regulators, investors and key decision-makers; fully familiar with P&L, strategic planning, budgeting and cost reductions. * Developed comprehensive risk management strategies for complex farm-to-table food chain issues. * Effective hiring, management, deployment and development of top-notch teams at supervisory, staff and field levels in food manufacturing and food service settings. * National speaker on food safety, food defense and public health topics; appointed by top government officials and industry leaders to special teams and committees.

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Alison Barnard

Sunnyvale , California, United States of America
MA candidate in sociology specializing in data-driven policy development and community impact
Education

UC Davis

BA, Sociology / May, 2017

Davis, California, United States of America

University of Victoria

MA, Sociology / November, 2024 (anticipated)

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Sacramento City College

AA, Liberal Arts- Emphasis on Social Behavioral Science / June, 2015

Sacramento, California, United States of America

Sacramento City College

AA, Social Science / June, 2015

Sacramento, California, United States of America
Research Expertise
Agricultural policy
Sociology
Policy
Animal Welfare
Agriculture
And 4 more
About
I am a sociological researcher with experience in data-driven policy analysis and community impact, particularly in the areas of health, education, and animal welfare. I am completing my Master’s in Sociology this term and currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Information and Data Science as well as a professional certificate in data science. This combination of sociology and data science uniquely positions me to bridge the gap between social research and data analytics, allowing me to apply cutting-edge methods to address pressing social issues. My work spans sectors such as education, healthcare, and agricultural policy, where I have collaborated with stakeholders to develop actionable insights and evidence-based recommendations. I am passionate about using research and data to drive innovation and support organizations in creating meaningful social change.

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Alexa D'Ambra, Ph.D.

PhD in Neuroscience with research experience in motor and motivational learning, neuro-immunology, autism, and attention, and language acquisition
Education

University of California, Davis

PhD, Neuroscience / June, 2023

Davis, California, United States of America

Cornell University

BA, Psychology / May, 2014

Ithaca, New York, United States of America
Experience

University of California Davis

Graduate Researcher / September, 2017June, 2023

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Research Technician

Research Expertise
Cognitive Neuroscience
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Developmental Neuroscience
Behavioral Neuroscience
Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
About
Alexa D'Ambra is a highly dedicated and accomplished neuroscientist with a strong background in both research and academia. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Cornell University in 2014 and obtained her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of California, Davis in 2023. Additionally she has worked in research labs at Cornell University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Throughout her academic career, Alexa has been actively involved in research, with a focus psychology and neuroscience. She has performed experiments to investigate neural underpinnings of learning and motivation, attention, and language acquisition. She has developed analytical tools, performed statistical analyses on large electrophysiology, anatomical, and histological datasets, and is an expert in creating robust and aesthetic visualizations of results. She excels in in-depth literature review, documentation, and developing and editing communications for various audiences. She prides herself on remaining up-to-date on the latest neuroscience technology and keeping her thumb on the pulse of the biotech industry while keeping ties with her academic roots. Additionally, Alexa has had extensive experience advocating for and organizing DEIJ efforts in academia, including engaging in mentorship and developing workshops and seminars.

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Jose Antonio Gomez

Epigenetics, CRISPR, Cell and Gene Therapy, Education Consulting, DEI, and Inclusion
Education

Stanford University

Ph.D. , Microbiology and Immunology

Stanford, California, United States of America

UC Davis

Postdoc, Developmental and Cancer Epigenetics / July, 2022

Davis, California, United States of America
About
J. Antonio Gomez is a highly educated and experienced microbiologist and immunologist with expertise in epigenetics of development and cancer. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology from Stanford University. His research at Stanford focused on the role of the immune system in inflammatory diseases. After completing his Ph.D., Gomez pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Davis, where he specialized in developmental and cancer epigenetics. During this time, he gained a deep understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in cancer development and how they can be targeted for potential treatments. Following his postdoc, Gomez joined the faculty at Pepperdine University as an Assistant Professor of Biology. Here, he teaches courses in advanced cell biology, the biochemical basis of disease, and genetics while conducting research in cancer immunotherapy. His work has been published in numerous prestigious scientific journals and has received recognition from the scientific community. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Gomez also serves as an independent consultant, offering his expertise to various organizations and companies in biotech, pharmaceutical industries, and higher education. He is known for his innovative thinking and ability to bridge the gap between basic research and its practical applications. Overall, Antonio is a dedicated and accomplished scientist with a strong passion for understanding and combatting diseases, particularly cancer and inflammatory diseases. His education, experience, and contributions to the field make him a highly respected figure in the scientific community.

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Danica Loralyn Taylor

Public health professor with experience in quantitative and qualitative methods
Education

University of California, Davis

PhD, Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership / June, 2020

Davis, California, United States of America

Touro University California

Mph / April, 2015

Vallejo, California, United States of America
Experience

University of California Davis

Lecturer / June, 2020Present

Created and taught 7 courses in the public health sciences undergraduate department

About
Danica Loralyn Taylor is a highly educated and experienced nurse and healthcare leader. She holds a PhD in Nursing Science and Healthcare Leadership from the University of California, Davis, which she earned in 2020. Prior to this, she completed a Master of Public Health degree from Touro University California in 2015. With her extensive education and training, Danica has developed a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and the complex issues that nurses and healthcare leaders face. She has a strong foundation in nursing theory and practice, as well as a solid understanding of healthcare administration, policy, and research. In addition to her academic achievements, Danica has also gained valuable experience in the field. She has worked as a lecturer at the University of California Davis, where she has taught nursing students and shared her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals. Danica is passionate about improving the quality of healthcare and promoting evidence-based practices. She is a dedicated and compassionate leader who is committed to making a positive impact in the healthcare industry. With her strong educational background and practical experience, she is well-equipped to make a difference in the field of nursing and healthcare leadership.

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Kris Vossough

Identified emerging technology trends to generate technical insights and R&D opportunities for business by defining new research visions. Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering/solid state semiconductors, MEMS, sensors and nanotechnology.
Education

University of California, Davis

Electrical and Computer Engineering / June, 1999

Davis, California, United States of America
About
Kris Vossough is an accomplished professional with a strong background in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He earned his degree in 2000 from the University of California, Davis. He joined Sony SEC, about 5 years ago where he served as the R&D Strategy and Planning Manager in the Strategy and Planning Office (SPO). In this role, Kris was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the company's research and development projects. Prior to his time at Sony, he worked at Merck KGaA-Innovation Hub as an Innovation Expert. In this role, he utilized his expertise in electrical and computer engineering to drive innovation and develop biosensing opportunities for the company. In addition to his corporate experience, Kris also has experience as a Principal and Sole Proprietor at Nano and Micro Tech Consultants. In this role, he provided consulting services to various clients in the field of nanotechnology and microtechnology. Kris is a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about using his expertise to drive innovation and make a positive impact in the world of technology. His education and diverse experience make him a valuable asset to any organization.

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