Hannah Varner Email & Phone Number

Cambridge, MA, US

Researcher in the nonlinear solid mechanics lab of Prof. Tal Cohen focusing on experimental measurement and analytical theory of soft biological materials.Lab EHS Representative, responsible for obtaining biocertification of the lab space.Supervised 5 undergraduate and one high school student researchers.

Masters degree in the GEAR Lab focusing on groundwater desalination using electrodialysis for emerging markets under Prof. Amos Winter.

Provide scientific communication coaching to peers within the MechE Department. Received training across written, oral and visual communication that I use to coach undergraduates, graduate students and post docs in one-on-one, discipline-specific communication. Co-authored 4 articles for the CommKit (Personal Statement for Graduate School, Personal.

Greater Boston Area

Designed an fabricated microelectronics and associated packaging for hardware destined for harsh environments. Redefined my personal definition of 'small' while operating semiconductor packaging equipment. Worked with amazing coworkers and customers on high-impact missions.

Greater Boston Area

Attempted to break Draper's integrated Ultra High Density packaging technology using HALT and HASS long-duration reliability testing then analyzed points of failure to feed the process engineering team's improvement efforts. Kept the cleanroom extra clean by implementing new quality metric tracking. Supported the quality team of the Trident Guidance System.

Grew to love the smell of machine grease and cutting oil while maintianing the machine shop organization and creating all the CAD files necessary for the machinists; under Charlie Vickers and Michael Packer.

Redesigned an existing micro-driver array (by Fabian Kloosterman et al. at MIT) for cortical electrode sensing in rat brains. Accommodates precise brain-poking with off-axis sights accessible view skew electrode trajectories.

Developed and designed a device for use in stereotactic surgery (predominantly biopsy) under Dr. Leigh Hochberg and Dr. Rees Cosgrove.Patent number US 10194890 B2. “Burr Hole Mounted Stereotactic Biopsy Device.” Cosgrove and Varner.

Took many things apart for a competitive product analysis that focused on cost, product complexity, and user experience.

Providence, Rhode Island Area

Coaxed, calmed, and cheerlead for first year engineering students learning statics and optimization.

Lynn, MA

Produced a plant inventory tool in Visual Basic, worked projects to streamline production and increase facility safety.

Providence, Rhode Island Area

Wired sound and lighting equipment for lectures, screenings, performances and art exhibits, poked a lot of buttons.

Amherst, MA

Analyzed and compiled data on the predicted efficiencies alternative energy technology aimed at informing policy and research funding; NSF REU under Professor Erin Baker.

Amherst, MA

Used fluorescence polarization to watch DDT metabolites bond to estrogen receptors under Professor Patricia O'Hara.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd

Activities and Societies: Communication Lab fellow 2020-present. Cycling Club President and Captain 2022-2024.Advised by Professor Tal Cohen

Master Of Science - Ms, Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: MIT Outing Club Board member (2018-2020). Science Policy Initiative board member and Executive Visit Days Chair.

Scb, Mechanical Engineering

Activities and Societies: EQUiSat leader, Slackline Club President, Students Taking Action Now Darfur, Brown Outing Club. Tau Beta Pi.

Education record

Activities and Societies: Valedictorian. Students Taking Action Now Darfur Co-President.