Andrew Laroche Email and Phone Number

- Aided in developing and maintaining lab-wide data collection and report processing templates, including custom ETL scripts to interface with various analytical instruments.- Designed dashboards for KPI metrics and user tools for statistical analysis of measurement uncertainties, enhancing data-driven decision-making processes.- Conducted quantitative phase analysis using XRD and confocal Raman microscopy, compositional analysis with WDXRF and Elemental Combustion, and surface area measurements with BET.- Collaborated with Quality Engineering to achieve ISO 17025 compliance for existing characterization methods, ensuring data reliability and traceability.- Served as Lab Leader for the Phase & Light Elements Lab, and acted as primary liaison between the Lab and other teams, including R&D and Production QA/QC, facilitating cross-functional collaboration.

●Developed a program for the determination of atomic short-range ordering (SRO) parameters using data collected from x-ray diffraction analysis. Grew, oriented, and metallographically prepared magnetostrictive Fe-Ga alloy single crystals for this SRO analysis.➞Using the recovered SRO parameters, simulated the atomic environments of the single crystal alloys using a reverse Monte Carlo algorithm. Using symmetry operations, determined the most common atomic configurations, and subsequently used them for first-principles DFT calculations.➞Performed magnetic and magnetostriction measurements on single crystal samples.➞Applied controlled mechanical deformation along certain crystallographic directions to study the effects of dislocations on magnetostrictive properties.●Created Arduino-based sensors for VOC detection.➞Fabricated TiO2 nanotubes for electrochemical detection of VOC adsorption. Using Python, developed interactive software with user-friendly interface for controlling VOC carrier gas. Developed custom doped TiO2 - based ink for inkjet printing of microstructures for sensing applications. Using Magnetron Sputtering, created various pure and doped metallic and semiconductor thin films for various sensor applications.➞Designed, developed, and implemented a cost-effective NDIR gas sensor for selective VOC detection.●Studied the electronic properties of MgF2-passivated Mg thin films and nanostructures for plasmonic UV applications, using techniques such as UV-VIS, ellipsometry, AFM, and XPS.●Teaching Assistant: advised junior and senior-level undergraduate students, covering a wide range of physical metallurgy concepts. Managed and taught student labs while strictly following safety guidelines.●Lab supervisor for x-ray diffraction and magnetic materials laboratories, including equipment maintenance, operation, and training. Provided advice for outside research groups and companies. Maintained high lab-safety standards and cleanliness.

●Assisted in creating a greener, more cost-effective novel flash ironmaking process. Helped with developing methods for sample analysis using ICP-OES and XRD.