Mechanical Characterization Areas: Materials Science, Polymers, Soft Materials, Metals – Expert

Expertise

• Experienced researcher with a demonstrated history of project management in academic and industrial settings.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in chemistry, materials science, data analysis, and polymers.
• Measurement of tensile and compressive properties of biomedical polymers and metals.

Expert Witness Experience 

• Aided in characterization and compilation of results for hernia mesh litigation.
• Prepared data for thesis advisor to serve as expert witness in this litigation.

Experience

K. G. R. G.,  Durham, NC, Independent Consultant, 2019 - Present

• Assessed components of PXG golf clubface through static and dynamic testing.
• Evaluated cleaning of Ethicon Physio mesh Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh for litigation.
• Managed mechanical characterization of Ethicon Physio mesh Composite Hernia Mesh for litigation.

Undisclosed University, Durham NC Ph.D. Candidate, 2019  - Present

• Studied additive effects on hydrogels for articular cartilage replacement.
• Organized data and results for further investigation.
• Exhibited outcomes of project in weekly research updates.

Research Experience

K. G. R. G., Durham, NC, 2019 – Present

Independent Consultant

• Assessed components of PXG golf clubface through static and dynamic testing.
• Evaluated cleaning of Ethicon Physio mesh Flexible Composite Hernia Mesh for litigation.
• Managed mechanical characterization of Ethicon Physio mesh Composite Hernia Mesh for litigation.

Graduate Research Assistant, 2017 - Present

• Studied additive effects on hydrogels for articular cartilage replacement.
• Organized data and results for further investigation.
• Exhibited outcomes of project in weekly research updates.

Research Groups of Dr. Rongchao Jin and Dr. Stefanie Sydlik, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015 - 2017

Carnegie Mellon Undergraduate Researcher

• Aided with the synthesis of gold nanoclusters and block copolymers.
• Conducted experiments to explore catalytic applications of gold nanoclusters.
• Guided a set of tests on the mechanical properties of polymers.

Belcan, Pittsburgh, PA, 2017

Contract Chemist

• Analyzed success of metal catalyst.
• Implemented solutions to improve catalyst performance.
• Displayed results of work to Polyurethane stakeholders.

Covestro, Pittsburgh, PA, 2016

Application Development Intern

• Performed study of resin effects on various floor coatings.
• Organized data and results for further investigation.
• Exhibited outcomes of project to Coatings management team.

Bayer Material Science, Pittsburgh, PA, 2015

Polyether Process Research Intern

• Trained in safety practices and industrial research.
• Contributed to the development of strategies for polyol purification.
• Presented results to Polyurethanes leadership team and stakeholders.

Academic Projects

Study of Homopolymers

Block Copolymers, and Random Copolymers, 2015

• Pursued further study of the mechanical properties of polymers made from n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA).
• Culminated in a graduate-level laboratory course on polymers created from Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP).
• Manuscript completed for the Journal of Chemical Education.

Molecular Design and Synthesis of 4-isopropylaniline, 2015

• Received a target molecule and restraint conditions.
• Designed a procedure that synthesized, purified, and analyzed the target compound.
• Solved unexpected problems and communicated results in a poster format.

Synthesis of Gold Nanoclusters for Understanding CO Oxidation, 2015

• Sought to understand the role of the cerium oxide support in a catalytic reaction.
• Manuscript completed for publication in Elsevier Ltd.

Analysis of Ascorbic Acid Content in Various Fruits and Juices, 2014

• Team of four students analyzed Vitamin C content in natural fruits and juices.
• Collaborated with team members for quantification by titrations and HPLC.
• Demonstrated results of project to professors and fellow classmates.

Honors & Publications

Credentials 

• 3D Printing
• Materials Chemistry
• Biomedical Microsystems
• Nanotechnology Materials Lab
• Theoretical and Applied Polymer Science
• Materials Synthesis and Processing
• Chemistry Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E): Bio-design
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E): Bio-design
• (I&E): Research Technology Translation
• Research Independent Study: Breast Tissue Market Materials
• Research Independent Study: Cervical Myelopathy Study

Languages 

• Spanish - beginner in writing and reading

Academic and Professional Affiliations

• Society of Duke Fellows
• Advanced and Professional Degree Consulting Club
• Duke Materials Research Society

Awards

• Society of Duke Fellows
• Advanced and Professional Degree Consulting Club
• Duke Materials Research Society

Publications

• Author and Co-Author of peer reviewed articles and educational text (graduate level).

Education

• Ph.D.  Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC
• M.S..  Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC
• B.S.   Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA