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• Analyzed electrode-level cathode properties, including porosity and tortuosity, in conjunction with several electrolyte compositions, (and FSS parameters) to improve bulk wetting and interfacial transport properties• Led task force to improve sample preparation and characterization methods to provide deeper insight into lithium metal plating and stripping mechanisms in LHCE-electrolyte based systems • Contributed to instructional learning module, "Introduction to Lithium Metal Batteries", for Northvolt company-wide learning platform• Conducted weekly safety auditing of wet laboratory for 2 years• Mentored three junior individual contributors and five co-op students

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• Mentored three undergraduate students in conducting electrochemical measurements and analysis• Compiled quarterly progress reports for Department of Energy project

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• Developed proficiency in SEM, EDX, XRF, optical microscopy, and chemical bath testing. Exposed to XRD, cyclic voltammetry.

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 oriented modules. There was an emphasis on problem solving and open-ended inquiry. The modules were instructed as a sequence of week long units, beginning with a basis in mathematics aimed toward applications in the STEM sciences. Following topics were focused on mathematics, physics, and biology, presented by faculty from corresponding departments. Topics were investigated utilizing write-ups, MATLAB programming, presentations, and projects.

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