Michael H. Bell, PhD

Polymer Scientist

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

About

Experience

  • Associate Scientist at Covestro
    Jun 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 2 mos

    PUR Rigid Foam Insulation Set up and support development and implementation of products and strategies Lead and manage development projects on regional/global levels Organize and develop laboratory staff Timely resolution of customer technical issues

  • Postdoctoral Fellow at US Army Research Laboratory
    Feb 2018 - May 2019 · 1 yr 4 mos

    Polymer physics and processing group Design, synthesis, and characterization of responsive polymers for soldier protection systems

  • Postdoctoral Associate at University of Florida
    Jun 2016 - Jan 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos

    Researcher and team leader within Wagener Research Group High temperature ADMET polymerization of aliphatic polysulfones Well dispersed polyolefin composites via surface initiated ROMP polymerization Managed and mentored graduate and undergraduate research assistants Managed and lectored "Introduction to Polymers" course

  • University of South Carolina (5 yrs 1 mo)
    • Graduate Research Fellow
      Jun 2011 - Jun 2016 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Design, synthesis, and characterization of polymer nanocomposites Investigation into the role of the nanocomposite interface on dielectric properties Synthesis of well dispersed, surface modified nanofillers that are shown to improve dielectric breakdown strength as much as 40% over unfilled polymer Effectively communicating with collaborators to fulfill project objectives Industrial collaborations involving IP, scale up, and early commercialization Skillset includes: RAFT polymerization, free radical polymerization, composite interface modification, organic synthesis Characterization experience includes: NMR, GPC, TGA, FT-IR, UV-Vis

    • Chemistry Tutor
      Aug 2012 - May 2015 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      Effectively assessed students proficiency in course material and formulated structured lesson plans based on assessments Reviewed homework assignments and provided constructive feedback Actively prepared students for tests and in-classroom assignments through interactive review sessions

    • Graduate Teaching Assistant
      Aug 2011 - May 2014 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      Responsibilities of the graduate teaching assistant include: - Creating assignments, quizzes, and tests - Grading assignments, quizzes, tests and providing necessary feedback - Holding office hours - Holding weekly recitations - Performing lectures in the absence of the primary instructor - Supervision of laboratory assignments Courses taught: - Honors organic chemistry II recitation Supervising professor Dr. Brian Benicewicz (Jan 2014 - May 2014) - Organic chemistry II recitation Supervising professor Dr. George Handy (Jan 2012- May 2012) - Organic chemistry lab (I and II) Supervising professor Dr. George Handy (Aug 2011- May 2012)

  • Coim USA Inc. (West Deptford, NJ)
    • R&D Technician
      Feb 2011 - Jun 2011 · 5 mos

      Synthesized aliphatic and aromatic polyurethane engineering materials including: elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, laminating adhesives, and rigid foams Characterized polymer molecular weight, rheology, and adhesion Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment including titrators and viscometers Managed inventory of raw materials, laboratory supplies and equipment

    • Quality Control Technician
      Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 · 11 mos

      Responsible for quality testing of incoming raw materials to ensure compliance with manufacturing specifications Performed routine and non-routine analysis of manufactured polyester and polyurethane chemical products to ensure compliance with customer specifications Performed Instrumentation maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair: GC- FID, HPLC, auto-titrators, and FT-IR Maintained records and documentation in accordance with cGMP Developed method for GC analysis of residual alcohols in polymer curatives per customer request