MS Candidate in Mechanical Engineering

Graduate Fellow

Topics Alicia can bring to your classroom:

What are composite materials and what can you do with them?

What are polymers and what can you do with them?

Education:

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UW 2011

Current Research:

I work in the Advanced Materials Lab, part of the Mechanical Engineering Department where research activities involve the integration of materials science and mechanical engineering to characterize new materials for use in emerging technologies. My research focuses on developing and characterizing “active materials” due their ability to respond to a certain prescribed stimulus. I am currently characterizing a polymer matrix composite with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as reinforcement. The goal of my research is to induce an amorphous-to-crystalline transition of this composite via resistive heating when an electric current is applied.

Background:

I grew up in Evanston, Wyoming riding motorcycles and snowmobiles with my family.  My interest in powersports, passion for science, and love of Wyoming brought me to the University of Wyoming to pursue a degree Mechanical Engineering.  While getting my bachelor’s, I had two internships with BP America, both in North America Gas, as a Facilities and Rotating Equipment/Maintenance Strategy Engineer. Although I learned a lot about real applications of engineering concepts, I realized I enjoyed the rigor and challenges of academia and wanted to continue my education.   After graduation I hope to go into research and development for a powersports company.