United States
PhD graduate from the UCLA Scifacturing Lab headed by Professor Xiaochun Li. My research involved arc welding dissimilar aluminum alloys using nanoparticle-enhanced filler material and the reduction of residual stress in arc-welded aluminum alloy joints. My target industry is aerospace, and I believe my experience in metallurgy can benefit aluminum-based construction. Furthermore, I can utilize my metallurgical skills to investigate other aerospace-grade metals. I am also interested in other sectors that utilize metal construction to gain an understanding of other industrially relevant alloy systems.
• Investigated arc welding of dissimilar high-strength aluminum alloys using nanoparticle-enhanced filler materials • Validated microstructure (SEM, XRD, etc.) and evaluated mechanical properties (tensile testing, microhardness) of welds under different processing conditions (as welded, naturally aged, artificially aged) • Studied the influence of nanoparticles on weld-induced residual stress (thermal analysis and digital image correlation) • Published 7 papers as lead author and 11 as co-author in peer-reviewed journals • Presented findings at 3 conferences • Reported results and progress in weekly meetings with advisor
• Solely responsible for installation of critical materials testing equipment by interfacing with facilities management and testing equipment manufacturer to coordinate necessary calibration and parts upgrades
Superalloy Heat exchangers Optimized for Temperature Extremes and Additive Manufacturability (SHOTEAM) - in collaboration with Honeywell Aerospace and sponsored by Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) under the United States Department of Energy (DOE) • Investigated transient liquid-phase bonding of Haynes 282 superalloy microtubes for potential application in heat exchanger fabrication • Completed high-temperature oxidation and microstructural study showing comparable behavior of microtubes to conventionally processed Haynes 282 • Presented manufacturing research progress to ARPA-E during quarterly review meetings • Reviewed manufacturing research progress in weekly internal meetings with Honeywell Aerospace and other UCLA collaborators to help secure continued funding
• Performed material property study on proprietary resin and resin-coated sand samples to include mechanical testing, calorimetry, rheology, and cure-plate studies • Compiled databases of measured properties and presented findings to Supervisor and R&D Executives • Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for wettability and surface tension experiments
• Focused on evaluation of wetting properties of sand and resin-coated sand samples in water, oil, and organic liquids • Designed an enclosure for wetting angle tensiometer to improve experiment reliability and assisted technician in enclosure construction • Processed data using the R programming language and presented findings to Supervisor
• Studied synthesis of nitrobromoanthracene for attachment to Si(111) surface for solar cell applications under graduate student supervision • Presented results alongside relevant literature reviews in research group meetings; got initiated into tasks performed by graduate students
• Collaborated with Dr. Lauren De Pue (research educator) and fellow mentors to introduce over 30 freshmen to scientific research in an academic setting • Interacted with freshmen to answer questions about assignments and demonstrate proper use of equipment • Assisted in maintaining lab cleanliness and upholding safety culture
• Selected for admission into FRI during freshman year and learned general research methodologies • Conducted focused research into lanthanide coordination complexes with Schiff-based ligands using slow-cooling crystallization technique during sophomore year • Continued research while serving as peer mentor to newly admitted undergraduate students during sophomore year