Summary Research Portfolio

Pursuing: Material Scientist - Advanced Technology at Voyager Technologies

This position is an application of that of my PhD studies. From the post, I would highlight two things,

(1) The Material Scientist is a hands-on research role responsible for advancing materials research and computational modeling in support of novel space applications. The role combines scientific rigor with applied machine learning to develop predictive tools and support mission-driven research programs.

(2) Essential Functions Includes

  1. Assemble, curate, and analyze datasets from simulations, experiments, and scientific literature.

  2. Collaborate with internal engineering teams and external research partners to advance materials knowledge and capabilities.

  3. Translate research findings into actionable guidance for space mission applications.

Over the last 5 years, I planned and executed a series of material science characterization experiments and simulations, focused on microparticles and their interfaces. I used a force-based technique to probe coatings, including polyethylene glycol (PEG) and zwitterionic coatings. To that end, I collaborated with NASA engineers to design space experiments.

  • Collaborated with chemists to design new polymer coatings

  • Measured these material layers with high resolution techniques, including DLS, XPS, and TGA

  • Collaborated with NASA engineers to design micro-gravity experiments

  • Designed resilient systems that could still perform precise experiments in the vibratory environment of the ISS

  • I learned simulation techniques to guide interpretation of experimental results

    • Molecular Dynamics (MD) as applied to microparticles and polymer chains

    • Density Functional Theory (DFT) to inform solute interactions with surface layers

  • For more details, see my resumé or have me in for a research presentation