Thomas Whitehill-Nigl Email & Phone Number

San Leandro, California, US

• Led a 12-member cross-functional corrective action team to determine the underlying root causes of failing baseline cells using an 8D framework
• Published internal report detailing quantified differences in mean and standard error of 14 physical and electrochemical electrode properties across two suppliers using JMP
• Elucidated the impact of carbon nanotubes on the porous structure of cathode electrodes via BET, helium pycnometry, and mercury intrusion porosimetry
• Addressed discrepancy between internal and external Korean supplier cathode thickness measurements by replacing internal equipment and improved thickness accuracy by 3%
• Created company-wide incoming quality control specifications for cathode materials produced by three electrode suppliers
• Developed phase-gate material system to evaluate eight cathode active materials for next-generation cathode electrode formulation

University Park, PA, US

• Executed emf measurements using solid-state electrolytes to evaluate thermodynamic properties of alkaline-earth metals
• Synthesized and characterized fluoride-ion conducting solid-state electrolytes
• Electrochemically removed alkaline-earth fission products from molten salt electrolyte using several low-cost liquid metal cathodes to reduce chloride wastes generated during used nuclear fuel recycling
• Created thermodynamic models of four binary alloy systems by synthesizing collected experimental data and CALPHAD software to elucidate their fundamental properties
• Determined the effects of Cr, Hf, and Pt on corrosion of Al-Ni alloys in molten salts at 700°C
• Manage supply chain of research chemicals and lab materials for a research group of 11 members and presented monthly reports of lab expenditures

University Park, PA, US

• Created grading rubrics and evaluated two midterm exams
• Assessed weekly homework assignments using constructed rubrics
• Planned and delivered two guest lectures for 40 students
• Accommodated extracurricular assistance with course material
• Hosted weekly office hours for students to further engage with course material

University Park, PA, US

• Prepared and delivered two guest lectures for 90 students
• Graded weekly homework assignments
• Hosted weekly office hours for students to further engage with course material
• Planned three extracurricular review sessions for exam preparation
• Reviewed and edited three exams before dissemination to students
• Proctored three midterm exams

University Park, PA, US

• Guided weekly laboratory experiments and discussions with 22 students
• Developed new standard lesson plan for thermogravimetric analysis
• Graded informal laboratory reports for 80 students

Marlborough, MA, US

• Reduced operating costs by $40,000 by establishing in-house ceramic powder processing facility
• Investigated failure mechanisms of metal-ceramic interfaces in high temperature seals on cells
• Synthesized multiple kilogram batches of novel ceramic compositions
• Conducted over 15 powder dispersion compatibility tests in multiple powder-solvent systems
• Researched and tested refractory metal alloys for ceramic metallization
• Documented ceramic processing with video SOP's and trained three co-op students and technicians

Boston, MA, US

• Synthesized novel nanosheet materials using titanium pillars for carbon dioxide capture and conversion
• Created protocol for alumina oxide pillaring of layered clay materials for carbon dioxide catalysis
• Developing image analysis algorithm for isolation and dimension determination of novel nuclear containment materials.

Boston, MA, US

• Performed research on retinal regeneration and how it can solve the effects of the diseases acute macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal pigmentosa (RP)
• Dissected cow eyes and isolated retina for manipulation and observation in various growth environments
• Prepared and maintained media plates of cell cultures containing retinal regeneration research materials
• Collaborated with the Schepens Eye Research Institute at Mass Eye and Ear
• Helped create weekly presentations of research with assembled photos and images of cell cultures and experimental discoveries
• Composed a research provost grant proposal for $3000. Awarded the $3000 grant.

Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, KR

• Constructed crystal structures of Li-ion cathode materials in computational modeling software
• Modeled crystal structure, intrinsic defect energies, and ion transport of sodium ion battery cathode materials
• Developed proficiency in GULP code in Materials Studio

Marlborough, MA, US

• Developed novel ceramic insulator for sealing corrosive electrode materials at high operating temperatures
• Created apparatus to observe chemical stability and failure mechanisms of novel ceramic material
• Constructed comprehensive material processing and development tracking infrastructure
• Established standard protocol for measuring and analyzing measured TGA data

Marlborough, MA, US

• Modified and maintained Access databases of cell and sample performance data
• Performed sample characterization, analyzed chemical data, and generated analytical summaries.
• Performed thermal and chemical tests of samples. Developed series of samples for further battery technology development
• Developed XRF equipment calibration standards for chemistries of liquid metal battery technology
• Designed and executed an experimental campaign to investigate ceramic structures and determine solutions to observed failure modes
• Created learning materials utilized in introducting co-ops to the field of materials science and its relation to the research and development at AMBRI

Paris, France, FR

• Developed an image analysis algorithm for tracking linear and non-linear motion in captured video data for extraction of oscillation information
• Composed a guideline on image analysis and the use of an image analysis algorithm for future utilization
• Constructed a data acquisition system using serial communication ports
• Aided in assembly of proprietary experimental setup for the purpose of investigating product interruption
• Programmed a heat control algorithm as part of investigative experimental setup
• Determined the settling velocity of particles in the culturing of cells for a currently developing reactor setup

• Analyzed potential wave energy capture in multiple metropolitan locations along the East Coast of the United States
• Coded a computational model of a mechanical device to capture and convert wave energy to mechanical energy
• Determined the efficiency of harvesting wave energy in East Coast locations using a mechanical device and the optimal location for device implementationA month long program involving intensive study and research.

Boston, MA, US

• Converted analog records of Mauritian music to digital CD’s for professor’s records
• Re-recorded conversations of the professor and locals in Mauritania into a digital format in order to access information easier for his upcoming publication

Atlanta, Georgia, US

• Handled sales of appliances (over 20 sold), kitchen and bath appointments, and flooring measurements
• Set up designer appointments with specialists within the store for customers
• Answered appliance and flooring related questions from customers over the phone and in store

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Materials Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Chemical Engineering

Education record