The Materials Engineering group in the Metals Center of Excellence is responsible for material innovation including alloy development, processing and characterization of metals and metallic alloys. My team is part of alloy development, processing and characterization of the next generation of metallic materials for medical applications. We also advance the fundamental understanding of mechanical and corrosion behavior of medical-grade materials – including Nitinol – under physiological relevant conditions.

Glassimetal Technology is a technology development company focused on commercializing a proprietary manufacturing technology for high-performance metal parts. Founded in 2010 by Prof. William L. Johnson of the California Institute of Technology, our innovative technology provides an alternative manufacturing platform of metallic components by providing novel metallic alloys – bulk metallic glasses – and a breakthrough processing technique – rapid discharge forming. We partner with clients across many fields to develop high-performance metallic products.As CTO, I manage a team of creative engineers and scientists with a primary mission to support our clients with innovation in the development and commercialization of our technology. From design, alloy selection and processing, we work with our clients to develop products that expand the boundaries of metal performance and manufacturing. Our patent portfolio includes about 300 cases filed worldwide. Our type of Intellectual Properties includes composition of matter, method & article of manufacture.

• Provided internal and external expertise on the processing and characterization of Nitinol for medical applications.• Designed and executed mechanical (static and dynamic) and biocompatibility testing of Nitinol devices and implants in accordance with ASTM and ISO standards for regulatory submission.• Principal investigator on multiple research programs – both internal or in collaboration with universities – relating to the mechanical (deformation and fatigue) of Nitinol. • Built a next generation laboratory at NDC with state-of-the-art equipment for Nitinol characterization.

• Lead of the non-radial fatigue program in support of IDE and PMA submissions for both coronary and peripheral stents. • Design and execute multi-axial durability testing that is physiologically relevant and in accordance with FDA guidance.• Identify and quantify in vivo artery motions, and implement biomechanics data into stent design and testing. • Interact with other R&D and production groups to improve stent design and performance.• Initiated collaborations with research groups from several universities on material characterization.

Advisor: Professor Robert O. RitchieMy research focused on the mechanical behavior (e.g., deformation, fracture, and fatigue) of engineering and structural materials. Past projects include:• Synthesis and characterization of a new generation of bio-inspired lightweight hybrid structural material• Mechanical behavior of biological materials and biomaterials (bone, teeth, nacre, antler)• Fatigue and fracture properties of bulk metallic glasses and their composites• Failure analysis of medical devices and implants• Fatigue and fracture properties of Mo-Si-B alloys for ultrahigh-temperature structural applications• Grain-boundary segregation and precipitation of the hydrogen susceptibility of Nickel

Failure analysis consultant for Davis Law Offices, LLC, Springfield, ILFailure analysis consultant for Hartley & O’Brien, PLLC, Wheeling, WVMechanical testing consultant for Ma & Estes Associates Mechanical testing consultant for Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine, CA

• Developed a mechanical model leading to a classification of the different clearcoats based on the manufacturer requirements. Model presented at the 2001 International Automotive Conference.• Performed mechanical characterizations of polymers.• Designed experiments to simulate mechanical and environmental constraints in conditions of use including resistance to scratches, gravels, chemical impurities, UV’s…

National Center for Scientific Research - Laboratory of Soil, Structure and Materials MechanicsAdvisor: Professor Mahmoud Habashi• Designed experiments to simulate mechanical and environmental constraints of nuclear fuel cladding in operating conditions.• Investigated the influence of hydrogen charging on the mechanical properties of Zircaloy-4 at ambient and high temperatures.• Performed metallographic and failure analyses.