EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering
North Carolina State University
May 9, 2015
Minor in Electrical Engineering
Dissertation Topic: Functionalization of III-V Materials for Modulated Opto-Electronic Properties
• GPA: 3.65/4.00
M.Eng. in Materials Science and Engineering
North Carolina State University
Aug. 6, 2013
• GPA: 3.60/4.00
B.S. Materials Science and Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology
May 8, 2011
Certificate in Nanomaterials
• GPA: 3.28/4.00
WORK EXPERIENCE:
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
May 7, 2012-present
Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Designed, planned, and executed more than 120 scientific research experiments to develop a sustainable and green approach to semiconductor processing via a rapidly deployed beaker chemistry system utilizing organic self-assembling molecules (thiols and phosphonic acids). Characterized chemical, electrical, optical, and topographical properties via microscopy (atomic force-AFM, kelvin probe force-KPFM, scanning electron-SEM, optical), spectroscopy (energy-dispersive-EDS/EDX, inductively coupled plasma-mass-ICP-MS, photoluminescence-PL, Raman, ultraviolet-visible-UV-Vis, X-ray photoelectron-XPS, X-ray dispersive-XRD), and other techniques (Hall effect, water goniometry).
• Increased environmental stability while altering the optical and electrical properties of III-V materials by controlling surface chemistry:
Inhibited leaching from GaN by 10x within physiological conditions (from 182.4 ppb to 17.8 ppb of gallium in solution)
Enhanced environmental photo-stability of GaN morphologies by as much as 160% relative intensity
Reduced surface potential by half (from 11.2 mV to 4.6 mV)
• Extracted qualitative and quantitative data by examining over 10,000 chemical and 700 optical spectra via mathematical software (Excel, Origin, SAS) to draw statistical significance to establish reproducible conclusions.
• Collaborated with researchers at North Carolina State University on III-V material properties as well as scientists at the Eastman Chemical Corporation to troubleshoot and solve interfacial challenges of a commercial multi-material thin film stack product.
• Spearheaded new projects in the fields of dye-sensitization, surface functionalization, and nanolithography that provided future funding ($420,000) for additional personnel and laboratory equipment.
• Presented findings to technical and non-technical audiences with presentations, publications, and reports. Developed illustration skills with ChemDraw, Crystal Maker, Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketchup and Visio software.
• Published 8 technical manuscripts on physical chemistry and surface properties of functionalized III-V semiconducting materials.
Science and Math Interactive Learning Experience Camp, Raleigh, NC
Oct. 20, 2012-present
Camp Mentor
Introduced middle and high school students to college level curriculum with interactive demonstrations and experiments to develop skills in math and science. Lectured more than 144 hours on Saturdays to groups of 9-58 students, 6 hours each day. Utilized design of experiment skills (DOE) to develop unique lectures outside of current field of study. Managed undergraduate mentors to enhance learning experience for students. See: smilecamp.org.
• Presented more than 24 unique laboratory demonstrations and experiments, including 45-60 minute lectures per group.
• Experimental topics included:
Chemistry: chromatography, corrosion, electroplating, hydrophobicity, non-Newtonian fluids, reaction rates
Materials Science: characterization, crystallization, failure analysis, mechanical deformation, phase transitions
Physics: dynamics, electrical circuits, electromagnetism, electrophoresis, optics, plasma, pressure, statics, torque
Math: linear algebra, regressions, standard deviation, trigonometry
• Managed more than 30 different undergraduate mentors.
North Carolina State Univeristy, Raleigh, NC
Aug. 22, 2011-May 7, 2012, Jan. 20, 2014-May 9, 2014
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Taught 3 Materials Science laboratory sections in addition to assisting 3 lecture courses. Instructed 75 undergraduate students in materials processing and testing with personalized equipment training in groups of 3-5 students. Reviewed, graded, and commented more than 210 homework assignments, 250 exams, and 225 laboratory reports while taking classes and performing research. Filled in for missing teaching assistants when needed.
• Presented more than 45 scientific lectures of 30-60 minutes in length in addition to personalized hands-on experimentation following lectures.
• Trained 75 undergraduate students on the scientific method, experimental design, equipment operation, and teamwork.
• Demonstrated and employed safe laboratory working practices in addition to taking more than 1000 unique quantitative and qualitative measurements of metal and polymer samples via chemical, optical, and physical testing methods.
• Characterization techniques covered include: EDS/EDX, hardness testing, optical microscopy, SEM, UV-Vis
• Processing techniques covered include: annealing, metallic sputtering, quenching, roll milling, and spin coating
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
May 10, 2010-Aug. 12, 2011
Undergraduate Research Assistant, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Conducted chemical, structural, and thermal analysis of carbon nanotube (CNT) and silicone composites through a Department of Energy funded Age Alert sensor system. Simultaneously delivered working samples of conductive paper via graphene and high K dielectric thin films. Performed 40+ hours of work each week during the summer and 10-15 hours a week while in classes. Contributions resulted in 3 published technical manuscripts and a proceedings paper to IEEE Electronic Components and Technology Conference.
• Identified cobalt as leading degenerative transition metal catalyst from CN...
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