Sterling Walker Myers III
SUMMARY Materials and metallurgical engineer with advanced coatings and surface treatment expertise. Has a rigorous academic background combined with hands-on experience in multiple material disciplines. Demonstrates ability to complete multiple, concurrent projects with competing priorities.
EDUCATION Colorado School of Mines Golden, CO
Ph. D. in Materials Science, May 2012
M.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, December 2008
B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, December 2004
KEY SKILLS Disciplines:
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Magnetron Sputtering, Modulated Pulsed Power (MPP), Surface Treatments, Aluminum Die Casting, Tool Steel, Tribology, Corrosion, Oxidation, Fatigue
Characterization:
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffractrometry (XRD), Mechanical Testing (hardness, adhesion scratch test, fatigue), Residual Stress, Resistivity, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectroscopy (GD-OES), Microtribometer, Salt Fog Testing, Potentiodynamic, Metallography, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
PH.D. THESIS Investigation of the β To α Phase Transition of Thick Tantalum Coatings Deposited by Modulated Pulsed Power Magnetron Sputtering
Thick tantalum coatings were deposited for wear and corrosion resistant applications by a relatively new magnetron sputtering technique known as Modulated Pulsed Power. Several MPP deposition parameters were investigated to fundamentally determine α- and β-Ta phase formation and to understand the β→α phase change mechanisms. Characterization techniques used were SEM, XRD, GD-OES, mechanical testing, residual stress, resistivity, metallography, and wear testing. A structure-processing model was proposed to build the connections between key MPP deposition process parameters and the phase and microstructure of the coatings.
MASTERS THESIS Evaluation and Characterization of the Degradation of PVD Coated and Surface Modified H13 Tool Steel Used in Aluminum Pressure Die Casting
Examined die degradation mechanisms, such as washout/erosion, soldering, and thermal fatigue cracking of several commercial PVD coatings and surface modification techniques, by in-plant die casting trials and developed two new laboratory tests known as the ease of release test and multi-mode tester to characterize the coatings. The controlling degradation mechanisms were proposed and promising die coating systems and duplex systems were recommended.
ADDITIONAL
EXPERIENCE Colorado School of Mines
Golden, Colorado Graduate Research Assistant January 2005 – May 2012
September 2011 – November 2011
Delegate for ACSEL (Advanced Coatings and Surface Engineering Laboratory) director during his extended absence. Conducted SiC and nano-crystalline Si coating optimization research. Held teleconferences with customer and consultant. Characterized coating morphology and electronic properties.
June 2005 – December 2011
Laboratory facilitator and teaching assistant for numerous undergraduate and graduate courses, most notably Electron Microscopy and Structure of Materials. Consistently requested by the same professor to assist with these courses over entire graduate tenure.
June 2008 – May 2012
Technology Transfer to North American Die Casting Association (NADCA)
Supported characterization requirements for technology transfer of tribological and oxidation resistant coatings developed in academia for ultimate use in the aluminum die casting industry. Attended monthly meetings with the customer, reporting results in progress. Provided recommendations for implementation of coatings.
July 2011
Project with a heart valve and implant manufacturer
Performed characterization techniques to assist in the producti...
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