Tom Lefevre Email & Phone Number

West Richland, Wa, Us

Richland, Wa, Us

• Systematically evaluated polymer nanocomposite coating formulations.• Executed months-long biofouling experiments using model organisms.• Created flexible superhydrophobic coatings for protective equipment.• Generated a Tensorflow machine learning algorithm in Python for quantifying surface biofouling.• Writing manuscripts and grant proposals; contributing to intellectual property.

Bozeman, Mt, Us

Diagnostic devices:• Designed, fabricated, and tested microfluidic/millifluidic chip prototypes for a point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 detection device with a start-up company in partnership with Professor David Weitz at Harvard University• Met weekly with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, company co-founders, investors, and company CEO to share results and discuss the direction of the start-up company• Designed and fabricated custom liquid handling fixtures for statewide SARS-CoV-2 testing• This work has resulted in a pre-print publication with several other manuscripts in progress: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.31.21254634Colloid physics:• Designed and built a novel, fluorescence capable, wireless Centrifuge Force Microscope for characterizing colloidal interactions• Measured colloidal dispersion and depletion interactions and the effects of ionic strength, colloid type, and surface cleaning on those interactions• Developed a new, cost-efficient process for creating custom SU8 platelet microparticles• This work has resulted in a peer-reviewed publication: https://doi.org/10.1039/D1SM00461AHydrogel 3D bioprinting:• Investigated the diffusion of nutrients into 3D printed microbial hydrogels using confocal microscopy• Characterized the efficacy of custom hose adapters for introducing flow into 3D printed microbial hydrogels• This work has resulted in two peer-reviewed publications: https://doi.org/10.1039/D1LC00135C https://doi.org/10.1088/2057-1976/aad667

Bozeman, Mt, Us

ECHM 442: Chemical Engineering Laboratory IEBIO 439: Downstream Processing ECHM 201: Elementary Principles of Chemical and Biological Engineering• Instructed recitations• Conducted lectures• Proctored exams• Graded assignments, lab reports, quizzes, and exams

Hudson, Wi, Us

• Resolved process quality and productivity issues in cooperation with customers • Coordinated designing and building End-of-Arm Tools for new molds • Served as technical facilitator for resin delivery department • Implemented corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) for medical and automotive customers • Resolved a longstanding $100K annual resin distribution problem

Irving, Tx, Us

• Qualified (via IQ/OQ/PQ Validation) a new Valve Matrix responsible for blending and distributing liquid ingredients to all production assets • Trained hundreds of machine operators on new methods for machine operation, maintenance, and quality control• Served as facility process leader for a $4.5M packaging equipment upgrade• Implemented a business-critical adhesive application system that improves product dispensing• Led trials, projects, validations, and daily operations in a Lean Six Sigma, FDA-regulated facility

Irving, Tx, Us

• Fine-tuned machine speed ratios and start-up curves to save $100K annually• Collaborated with engineers, technicians, and operators via shift change meetings, change control management, and daily personal interactions in the office and on the manufacturing floor

Irving, Tx, Us

• Compared inter-facility test methods for abrasion resistance of nonwoven materials to determine the most robust, consistent, and translatable test methods• Integrated various abrasion resistance test methods to produce a more definitive and useful method • Presented research results in cross-functional meetings with domestic and international stakeholders to communicate improvement opportunities

Irving, Tx, Us

• Conducted pilot scale studies to characterize the suitability of novel, plant-based materials for consumer product extrusion manufacturing• Developed laboratory procedure for converting corn starch amylopectin into amylose for the production of sustainable plastic feedstock sources• Characterized the effects of water chemistry, temperature, and shear stress on the dispersion/break-up time of nonwoven moist wipes using slosh boxes and novel buoyancy-mediated stress testing instruments

Irving, Tx, Us

• Completed a $4M material reduction cost-savings project involving weekly meeting leadership, bill-of-material modifications, new operator training, product specification modifications, and maintenance updates• Generated, maintained, and communicated an FMEA database for consumer-reported product defects

Lansing, Mi, Us

• Staffed and operated the guard house• Administered ticket and pass transactions• Conducted landscaping and mechanical grounds maintenance• Patrolled and monitored campground areas • Sanitized facilities• Mediated problematic camper behaviors

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Chemical Engineering

Bs, Biomedical Engineering

International Minor, Spanish