Faculty advisor (UMD): Prof. Robert M. BriberCo-advisor (NIST): Dr. Joseph A. DuraMy thesis work utilizes neutron reflectivity (NR) and complementary characterization techniques (e.g. XRR, AFM, ellipsometry) to study the nanoscale surface and interface structures of Nafion, a model fuel cell ionomer with complex phase-separation behavior. Understanding these complex systems drives advancements in the fundamental knowledge of ion-containing polymers for polymer exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

Materials Science & Engineering DepartmentPhysics of Solid Materials (ENMA460 / PHYS431):Undergraduate senior-level course by Prof. Gottlieb S. Oehrlein.Along with grading homework, guiding students with their course projects, and conducting review sessions for exams, I developed and taught the following lectures:(1) "Phonons II: Wave Scattering by Crystals - X-ray and Neutron Diffraction"(2) "Electronic Band Structure I"

For my UMD PhD work:NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), Surfaces and Interfaces GroupNIST advisor: Dr. Joseph A. DuraIn situ neutron reflectivity (NR) on Nafion polymer thin-films to characterize nanoscale structures with sub-Angstrom resolution, including relative humidity (RH) studies in H2O and D2O vapor environments. Data analysis and curve fitting of NR and XRR data via Python (Refl1d program), Bayesian methods, and bash to extract 1-D through-plane information about thin-film thickness, roughness, and density via scattering-length density (SLD) profiles.

Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics (IREAP)Faculty advisor: Asst. Prof. Marina Leite Nanoscale spectroscopy of perovskite [ CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) and Cs-based] thin-films via spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL), and SEM.

Physics Department / Charles E. Schmidt College of ScienceProctored, graded, and tutored for the following introductory physics and astronomy courses:(1) Introduction to Astronomy(2) College Physics 1(3) College Physics 2(4) General Physics 1Instructors: Eric Vandernoot, Dr. Robert Gross, Prof. Korey D. Sorge

Summer 2016 NSF REU internship: Materials for Energy and SustainabilityResearch supervisor: Dr. Rick UbicLaboratory mentors: Kelly Schutt, Brad KinneyProject focus: Creation and study of hybrid perovskite solar cells "Conductive Effects of Aluminum-doped Zinc Oxide in Lead-halide Perovskite Solar Cells"Gained experience in various chemical synthesis and materials characterization techniques. Much of my work was done under a fume hood synthesizing various layers of the thin film as well as spin-coating, sintering, and annealing. Characterization techniques included SEM, electron dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscopy, contact profilometry, and optical profilometry.

Warehouse - Summer job during college.Experience with a computer-based register system. Learned about the properties of building materials (e.g. Ceramic tile, porcelain, laminate). -Service tasks: Opening and closing the register; handling customer cash, card, and check transactions; unloading return items; taking phone-calls; processing order information. -Physical tasks: Lifting objects up to 60lbs; frequent use of platform carts for heavy loads.

Retail - Summer job during college.Shipment team; early morning shift. -Tasks: Unloading merchandise from pallets, sorting, stocking.

Restaurant - Part-time job during college.