Using a combined computational and experimental approach, explored the infilling of polymer gyroids with inorganics for the creation of photonic crystals and optical metamaterials.

Conceptualized new studies on the thermal stability of hybrid fabrics created through vapor phase infiltration and the use of vapor phase infiltration for mordanting of natural dyes to synthetic fabrics. Recruited and led a team of undergraduate students for these new studies. Advised on a new lab project in the area of stabilizing hole transport layers of perovskite solar cells. Trained incoming students and postdocs in vapor phase depositions, quartz crystal microbalance measurements, and lab safety.

Earned PhD in Materials Science and Engineering with thesis titled: Vapor Phase Infiltration (VPI): Sorption Thermodynamics, Chemical Entrapment Mechanisms, and Hybrid Material Structure-Property Relations. Investigated thermodynamic and kinetic fundamentals of VPI using quartz crystal microgravimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Discovered the capacity of VPI to stabilize polymer membranes for chemical separations (Organic Solvent Nanofiltration, Organic Solvent Reverse Osmosis) in extreme solvent environments. Explored the industrial applicability of the VPI process for creating hybrid organic – inorganic materials. Designed and constructed custom vacuum equipment for VPI processing.Mentored and supervised undergraduate researchers in both informal and formal roles

Applied knowledge from Tech to Teaching and CIRTL certifications to redesigning and delivering elective course on polymers, fibers, and textiles for non-MSE majors. Used backwards design principles to align course objectives with assessments and course content. Gathered student feedback via mid-semester survey and implemented changes according to student recommendations. Received a score of 4.9/5 on overall teaching effectiveness from end of course student evaluations.

Developed demonstrations and course assignments, provided student feedback, organized office hours and recitations, delivered guest lecturers in the following courses: Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering; Kinetics of Phase Transformations; Polymer, Fiber, and Textile Enterprises.

Served as the first external evaluator for the Fabric Touch Tester (measures textile mechanical properties linked to human comfort). Led the research effort in evaluating the instrument for repeatability, limit of detection, and relation to the traditional Kawabata Evaluation System. Presented findings to the Consortium for Outdoor Materials and Performance Ensembles Testing and Evaluation and a paper is in preparation.Constructed a draft ASTM standard for the Gravimetric Absorbency Testing System (GATS) at the Textile Protection and Comfort Center (TPACC) and advised instrument improvements. The GATS is used weekly in textile moisture management testing for DoD facilities, companies, and research. Authored standard protocols for instruments used in analyzing personal protective equipment including: wear trial protocols for evaluation of gloves for firefighters, football players, etc., moisture management testing instruments such as the Moisture Management Tester, and fabric mechanical properties testing such as the Kawabata Evaluation System. Instruments are used weekly on textiles for athletes, soldiers, firefighters, and consumers.

Oversaw a specialized team of 21 coordinators responsible for operating the bi-annual Engineering Career Fair. Organized and trained more than 160 student volunteers to serve the needs of over 300 companies. Exercised multilevel communication skills between the coordinator team and the faculty overseeing the event

Graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University with degrees in Chemical Engineering and Textile Engineering.

Engineering Ambassadors support the College of Engineering with engineering student recruitment and mentoring. They strive to enrich the educational experience for first year and upper class engineering students. The program aids in developing collective leadership skills that will benefit the University, State and engineering community at large.

Designed an international research experience at the Technical University of Liberec (TUL) in the Czech Republic examining the electrospinning of polyvinyl butyral nanofibers on the “Nanospider.” Created nonwovens with varying process parameters and evaluating material structure and properties using SEM and pressure drop analysis. Presented my research during two poster sessions.

Elected as NC State Engineers Without Borders Chapter Financial Director. Managed over $20,000 in finances for a multi-disciplinary engineering team and was awarded appropriations from multiple organizations. Assisted the Bolivia Water Committee in managing finances as they traveled on an implementation trip.