PhD advisor: Prof. Qibing PeiStudy on colloidal ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles● Developed a facile one-pot synthesis protocol for ZrO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles with 90% yield.● Corroborated the proposed amidization-assisted sol-gel mechanism with results from TEM, Mass Spectrometry and thermal gravimetric analysis.● Fabricated nanocomposites with >60 wt% nanoparticles for high refractive index (n550 nm>1.65) applications.Study on high-loading HfO2/polymer nanocomposite scintillator● Developed a single-precursor method for efficient synthesis of monodisperse HfO2 nanoparticles with 90% yield.● Developed a selective surface modification method to controllably graft monomer groups onto HfO2 surface.● Applied in situ polymerization to fabricate 40 wt% HfO2/polymer nanocomposite with 550 nm transmittance > 75%.● Achieved the highest reported γ-photopeak resolutions (8% at 662 keV) for nanocomposite scintillators.

● Performed technical analysis and marketing research for 10+ UCLA inventions (10 hrs/week).● Provided investigation reports on the background, key feature, potential market size, & competing products/prior arts for each invention.● Participated in drafting non-confidential disclosures and preparing company contact lists for technology transfers.

Teaching assistant for MSE 150: Introduction to Polymers

Research Advisor: Prof. Huisheng Peng.Study on aligned Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Fiber Actuator● Discovered for the first time the strong actuation of aligned CNT fibers under alternating currents.● Demonstrated application potentials of the fiber actuator as artificial muscles and electric motors.Study on aligned CNT/Polymer Composite Fiber● Developed an effective in situ polymerization route to obtain aligned CNT/PAA composite fibers.● Achieved mechanical and conductivity enhancements on the fiber for up to 240% and 140%, respectively.