Graduate Research Assistant / August, 2018 — September, 2025

Discovered a new benign gelation solvent for PEEK that allows the preparation of PEEK aerogels with improved network connectivity and an order of magnitude increase in compressive modulus. Evaluated the relationship between aerogel morphology and the stresses induced on drying to determine the suitability of drying PEEK and PPS aerogels with lower energy cost drying methods such as vacuum drying and freeze-drying. Mastered aerogel characterization techniques including x-ray scattering nitrogen porosimetry SEM DSC and compressive testing in order to improve our characterization capabilities of morphology and physical properties. Managed and mentored 4 undergraduate researchers with a safety-forward focus in support of a senior design project. Included training and supervision in sample preparation and materials characterization in a wet lab environment. Collaborated with numerous interdisciplinary research groups to characterize the morphology of novel polymeric systems using X-ray scattering and other supplemental techniques to better understand system behavior under different stimuli and preparation methods. Investigated the effects of monomer purity light exposure and monomer crystal structure on curing behavior in crosslinked foams using X-ray scattering FTIR and thermal analysis to better inform of material handling procedures for an external industrial sponsor.

Processing and Simulation Trainee / May, 2017 — August, 2017

Correlated the conditions of weld line formation (using Moldex3D simulations) to part mechanical properties for an injection molded bearing cage using a designed experiment.

Undergraduate Research Assistant / November, 2014 — December, 2017

Lead and coordinated a small group of students in molding and testing of developmental PEEK composites with ceramic and carbon fiber fillers for bearing applications. Manufactured PEEK composite parts through twin screw extrusion and injection molding to prepare developmental composites. Analyzed composite performance using mechanical testing DSC and thermal conductivity testing to ensure composite suitability in high temperature bearing applications.

Plastics Engineering Co-op / January, 2018 — June, 2018

Wrote protocols supervised experiments and compiled results on a high-throughput production line to develop new processes and tools to improve productivity for contact lens molding. Improved troubleshooting procedures of tooling installation from trial-and-error to an informed process using a spreadsheet of tooling insert dimensions in order to decrease troubleshooting time and yield parts with dimensions within the specifications of several microns. Troubleshoot injection molding issues by changing process parameters or tool inserts in support of contact lens production.

Plastics Processing Simulation Intern / June, 2015 — December, 2015

Analyzed the filling packing and warpage of a composite overmolded part using Moldflow simulation for an automotive original equipment manufacturer. Created a representative mesh of a plastic part from customer part geometry using modeling software in preparation for mold filling simulation.