Education
B.S. Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, 2009.
M.Eng. Energy Systems Engineering, Lehigh University, 2010.
Supervisor: Andrew Coleman, PhD
Ph.D. Materials Engineering, McGill University, current.
Supervisor: George P. Demopoulos, PhD
Technical Skills
Synthesis Techniques
Synthesis of anatase, rutile and brookite TiO2 using forced hydrolysis
Fabrication of nano-TiO2/carbon composite laminates for lithium ion battery anodes Fabrication of LiFePO4/Carbon composite laminates for lithium ion battery cathodes Synthesis of multi-phasic silicate glasses using sol-gel method
Synthesis of multi-phasic silicate glasses using melt-quench method
Synthesis of carbon nanofiber-filled extruded polymer composites
Laboratory Techniques
Design and construction of three-electrode cell for cyclic voltammetry testing Extensive work with X-Ray Diffraction and Peak Intensity Model Analysis Design, construction and operation of electrical conductivity tester
Adept at construction of coin cells inside of glovebox for electrochemical testing Extensive work with Mercury Porosimeter
Extensive work with optical microscopy fort all material samples Extensive work with scanning electron microscopy and EDS techniques Proficient at performing thermogravimetric analysis
Proficient at performing melt rheology using various rheometers
Electrochemical Skills
Extensive work with Bio-Logic VSP potentiostat/galvanostat/EIS for various electrochemical tests Extensive work with Arbin cycler for rate capability testing and ASI determination
Proficient at performing electrical impedance spectroscopy
Research Experience
McGill University (Montreal, Quebec)
Graduate Researcher, Seprtember 2011 to present
Novel Mesoporous Nano-Titania/Carbon Composite Electrodes for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Various phases of nanotitania were synthesized using forced hydrolysis in a high yield process. The nanoparticles synthesized were characterized physically and electrochemically to determine viability for low cost active material synthesis. A novel formulation of nanotiania/carbon electrode pastes and their utilization in building mesoporous electrodes was developed. The research provided a novel, binder-free electrode fabrication method that increases conductivity and enhances electrochemical properties.
Illinois Institute of Technology (Chicago, Illinois)
Graduate Resarch Assistant, August 2010 to July 2011
Novel Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Optimization of physical parameters of electrode materials in order to obtain power and capacity combi- nations for various operating conditions. The research involves synthesis of electrode laminates of varying active and passive material compositions, examination of the changes in conductivity based on the com- position of the laminate tested, and the creation of modeling equations for the conductivity of the samples as well as relating these equations to power and capacity.
Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Graduate Researcher, August 2009 to April 2010
Non-destructive Evaluation of Concrete Structures in Nuclear Power Generation Facilities
Performed an analysis of the degradation mechanisms in concrete structures at nuclear power stations in the United States. The research involved examining the climatic regions in which each power station was located and categorizing the plants by climate, then determining the environmental effects in each region and the degradation mechanisms attributed to them, then building a rating system for life extension based on monetary cost, environmental risk, and community value of each plant.
Lehigh University (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania)
Undergraduate Researcher, June 2008 to April 2009
Melt-Quench Biphasic Glass Ceramic for Viral Load Test Appatus
Created a protocol for the synthesis of biphasic glass ceramics based on specifications for viral load test- ing by synthesizing nano-/macro-porous melt-quench derived glass-ceramic samples. After synthesis, the pore size distribution and overall porosity of the glass-ceramic was determined using mercury porosime- try and pore interconnectivity was characterized using optical and electron microscopy techniques.
Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center (Green Belt, Maryland)
Undergraduate Researcher, June 2007 to August 2007
Cross-link Oriented Carbon Nanofiber Filled Extruded Polymers (C.L.O.N.E.)
Performed Synthesis and characterization of carbon filled nano-composites. Using a polymer extruder, samples were created at varying weight percents of carbon. The sample compositions were verified using hermogravimetric analysis. The samples were then characterized using microscopy, rheology, and elec-
trical conductivity testing.
Scholarships and Awards
Illinois Institute of Technology Dean’s Fellowship—Chemical Engineering Fellow Ilinois Institute of Technology Graduate Scholarship
McGill Engineering Doctoral Award
Graduate Excellence Award in Engineering
J. W. McConnell Memorial Fellowship - Engineering
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Publications and Presentations
Peer Reviewed Publications
Sussman, M. J., Brodusch, N., Gauvin, R., D...
Login or Register to view the full resume.
