Objective
To obtain a full time research and development position at a company that emphasizes innovation and collaboration.
Education
• Material Science Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Ph.D., May 2012
• Material Science Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL B.S., May 2007
Research Experience
DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
Investigated cement-epoxy interactions in the solid state; research funded by NSF and FDOT. Explored chemical analysis of the interfacial bonding using surface and bulk techniques. Performed long term exposure of epoxy to environmental conditions at the FDOT State Materials Lab. Demonstrated hydrogen bonding between epoxy and cement paste, which can be displaced by water and result in degradation of infrastructure repaired with FRPs.
Collaborated with staff scientists and principal investigators at Sandia National Labs in Albuquerque, NM and UPMC Universite in Paris, France to conduct Solid State 1D and 2D NMR experiments on laponite/epoxy and cement/ epoxy systems.
Designed experiments and authored publications of novel findings under the guidance of Dr. Elliot Douglas, Associate Chair Materials Science Department.
Managed laboratory operations by coordinating equipment and consumables, purchasing, safety standards/audits, and hazardous chemical disposal.
Led undergraduate student research projects. Directed and mentored students from start to completion on studies of: chemical degradation of wood fibers, contact angle measurements of polished cement paste, and environmental degradation of epoxy resins.
DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
– DR. PAUL BRAUN
Synthesized colloidal photonic crystals using silica nanoparticles for applications in lasers, solar energy, and LEDs.
Verified % reflection of the self-assembled colloidal crystals to determine the efficiency of the synthesis using FTIR.
DEPARTMENT OF MATERIALS SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
– DR. JAMES ECONOMY
Developed and tested new antibacterial system consisting of Silver and Copper nanoparticle impregnated glass fibers utilized in water disinfection.
Conducted fieldwork using custom prototype devices on well waters at the Tshawne University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. Prototypes showed greater than 50% success, which led to further international collaboration by PhD candidate, Gordon Nameni in 2009.
Employment History
BOVIS LEND LEASE – Chicago, IL
May-August (2006) – 845 N. Kingsbury, 600 Fairbanks
o Assistant Project Manager / Intern
o Coordinated trade contract procurement (bid solicitation/review/award)
o Construction/structural/architectural conflict resolution
May-August (2005) – One Museum Park, 630 N. Franklin
o Assistant Project Manager / Intern
o Unit completion and punch-list
May-August (2004) – Chicago Regional FBI Headquarters (2111 W. Roosevelt Rd.)
o Assistant Superintendent / Intern
o On-site trade supervision and coordination (excavation, pile foundations, concrete substruction)
Skills and Techniques
Thermal - Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Imaging...
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