David Stilwell

PhD Candidate in Physics at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

About

Currently a graduate student pursuing a PhD in physics. My research is focused on optical techniques for 3D printing process monitoring, specifically during laser based powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF-LB/P). I also enjoy my work as a teaching assistant in the UNC-CH Department of Physics and Astronomy. I love sharing my excitement for the physical sciences and helping students overcome common fears of physics classes to recognize that they're capable of learning and understanding these new ideas!

Experience

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (5 yrs 11 mos)
    • Chancellor's Science Scholars Program Physics Tutor
      Nov 2024 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Graduate Research Assistant
      Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 6 mos

      PhD Research: Polymer Physics and 3D Printing Master's Research: Nuclear Structure Theory

    • Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2020 - Present · 5 yrs 11 mos

      Introductory and advanced undergraduate lab courses

  • Project Engineer / Engineering and Physics Analyst at Piasecki Aircraft Corporation
    Jun 2019 - May 2020 · 1 yr

    R&D and project planning in unmanned aerial systems/vehicles (UAS/UAV) and renewable energy

  • Villanova University (2 yrs)
    • Physics Tutor
      Aug 2018 - May 2019 · 10 mos

    • Research Assistant
      Jun 2017 - May 2019 · 2 yrs

      Astrophysics instrumentation: prototype calibration target fabrication and characterization