Ian Wells Email & Phone Number

Pullman, WA, US

Pullman, Washington, United States

• NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunity (NSTGRO) Fellow.
• Facilitated 8 LH2 transfers so far.

Pullman, Washington, United States

• Standardized operating procedures, including the use of Raman spectroscopy for the Cryogenic Hydrogen Experimental Facility (CHEF) enabling onboarding of future operators.
• Implemented hall effect sensors and investigated cryogenic options to quantify the magnetic field along a Halbach array, verifying models to investigate magneto-catalysis of hydrogen ortho-para catalysts.
• Modified existing LabVIEW programs to track hydrogen mass changes through Alicat mass flow meters during liquefaction and venting, reducing safety risks.
• Developed several outreach visuals including Heisenberg Vortex Tube development (shown at the 2023 Department of Energy Annual Merit Review), CHEF rebuild progress after cryocooler repair, and lesser-known hydrogen.

Pullman, Washington, United States

• Utilized a dual-sensor millimeter-wave (MMW) radiometer and interferometer to analyze glass formation, enabling identification of salt precipitation in experimental melts indicative of high-level nuclear waste.
• Designed an improved MMW liquid nitrogen calibration device allowing better surface property approximation, improving system performance.
• Developed a custom Python program to analyze MMW data and produce plots, allowing presentation of the results.
• Designed and built a gas-mixing station using piping and instrumentation diagrams, allowing multiple gas hookups at very low flow rate for an 1800 °C furnace. This allows synthesis of uranium-oxide in a controlled.
• Performed microscopy using both optical and scanning electron microscopes allowing grain size quantification, salt identification, and residual stress analysis.
• Tested a recipe and heating profile to create red glass without the use of gold allowing promotional glass creation.

Hamilton, Washington, United States

• Created and optimized a self-heated carbon fiber tool for curing stringers in carbon fiber wings.
• Performed manual vacuum epoxy layup and infusion of composite tools, creating two self-heated test panels for measurement.
• Developed thermography testing procedures and experiments to determine the thermal properties of test panels, data sampling parameters, and analysis criteria.
• Conducted thermal analysis tests using a custom test stand, multiple PID loop controlled heating regions, and temperature monitoring using radiometric thermography and various thermocouple contact methods to analyze.
• Analyzed infrared image and video data using a custom Python program to display temperature uniformity through animated histograms, confirming adherence to a tolerance of +/- 2 C.
• Created rudimentary thermal resistance models to analyze composite heating system and accurately determine experimental composite material properties.

Pullman, Washington, United States

• Designed experimental systems, procedures, safety plans for performing tests with liquid cryogens, toxic and abrasive substances, vacuum systems, and fabric abrasion allowing experimental repeatability.
• Completed over 600 trials showing liquid nitrogen removes lunar dust simulant in a terrestrial environment, low vacuum, at temperatures below the triple point of nitrogen, and does not significantly damage spacesuit.
• Compared and characterized cloth and silica-based analogs for spacesuit fabric and lunar dust allowing testing to continue with easily accessible materials.
• Effectively systemized and analyzed data and its collection to determine testing efficacy, identify key findings, and present these visually.
• Photographed the Leidenfrost effect, BLEVE powered cryoclastic flow, and spray nozzle flow using a macro-photography attachment and a 3D printed PLA Schlieren Imaging Aid, enabling increased understanding of.
• Received and interpreted criticism and coaching from NASA, management, and industry to improve leadership, testing, and presentation resulting in more polished and well-developed project materials and presentations.

Pullman, Washington

• Developed a 3D printable camera mount allowing Digital Single Lens Reflex camera use in Schlieren imaging of density gradients. The system was designed in SolidWorks and additively manufactured with PLA and ABS.
• Used the developed system to image gas flows and liquid nitrogen sprays and pours.
• Created 6S stations to systematically increase lab organization, cleanliness, and safety.
• Manufactured, assembled, and installed desks and workbenches made of extruded aluminum struts which provided workspace for researchers and staff.
• Designed a new lab logo based on the Bohr model of an electron orbital in a hydrogen atom, resulting in increased lab identity and community.
• Refurbished lab website using WordPress capabilities to reorganize and CSS to improve aesthetics, increasing lab engagement and awareness online.

• Managed photography and social media presence for the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars summer academy ensuring open communication and engagement with the public.
• Collaborated with astronauts, NASA Ames Research Center scientists, and industry professionals to deliver and document tours for high school students.
• Helped coordinate a student Capstone mock-mission to Mars, including advising to the life support team on energy requirements.

Boise, Idaho, United States

• Planned 3 to 5 separate hour-long lessons each day for program attendees including games and training activities to develop, strengthen, and demonstrate sports skills.
• Instructed and supervised classes of up to thirty students ensuring skill development, student satisfaction, and parental approval.

Boise, Idaho

• Stocked shelves with new produce to display product and increase sales.
• Sorted produce to remove waste and faulty product ensuring all displayed product would generate profit.
• Engaged with customers to inform them of product sourcing and to conduct and increase sales.

Master Of Science - Ms, Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Mechanical Engineering

Magna Cum Laude Honors College Member

Education record

Activities and Societies: SkillsUSA, Debate, Honor Society.