Students & Post-Docs.
G. Neal Blackman III
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD candidate in Engineering Physics, Louisiana Tech
University, Ruston.
Contact
Specialization
Computational quantum optics
Faculty Advisor: Dentcho A. Genov
Research
We perform classical and quantum-mechanical studies of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with metallic nanoparticles and composites. Using custom-written software, partially developed with the support provided by CIMM, we analyze how quantum size effects influence the electromagnetic properties of nanosized objects and specifically their effective permittivity and permeability. The results are used to investigate how quantum confinement can be used to enhance and tune the electrical and magnetic response of nanocomposite materials, with possible application is Selective Laser Melting (SLM) processes.
Fraser Joseph Daniel
Graduate Research Assistant, Masters Candidate in Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-314-254-3005
Specialization
Microfabrication process and computer aided design of microelectronics.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Adarsh Radadia
Research
Determination of the electrical and physical properties of various thermoplastics for the finite element modeling (FEM) of thermal conductivity detectors (TCD).
Shayan Davani
Postdoctoral Fellow, PhD in Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-820-7197
Specialization
Heat transfer, thermal management, microfluidics.
Faculty Advisor: Arden L. Moore
Research
We conduct two-phase cooling experiments on using micro-finned and nanostructured surfaces for direct immersion cooling in dielectric liquids. We rely on surfaces manufactured by advanced and high throughput techniques such as “microscale roll molding” and “laser additive manufacturing”. High speed visualization and image processing are used in our studies to investigate the pivotal role of bubble dynamics in this passive heat transfer scheme.
Nisha Dhariwal
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD in Molecular Science & Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-405-9963
Specialization
Computational materials science; Interatomic potential development; Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of materials and interfaces.
Faculty Advisor: Collin D. Wick, B. Ramu Ramachandran
Research
We develop Modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM) interatomic potentials for transition metals and metal/ceramic systems. Various physical properties are calculated using these potentials and compared with the first principles density functional theory (DFT) and/or experiments. These are further utilized to conduct MD simulations for investigating the mechanism of interfacial failure under shear deformation.
Hamed Ghadimi
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-505-1591
Specialization
Fatigue life studies of different alloys. Additive Manufacturing method development; Mechanical properties of AM parts.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shengmin Guo
Research
We are researching about the fatigue life of specimens, which are fabricated by additive manufacturing methods, using various testing tools & technics. Also, we are looking into the AM parts characteristics/mechanical properties during manufacturing (e.g. sintering) process and/or after experiencing various construction methods/conditions.
Prakash Hamal
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-578-7709
Specialization
Experimental physical chemistry: ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, nanoparticles.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Louis H. Haber
Research
Our research group has constructed a pump-probe reflectivity and time-resolved microscopy optical setup to investigate ultrafast heating and melting dynamics in metal alloy and semiconductor surfaces..
Ali Hemmasian Ettefagh
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-439-8392
Specialization
Corrosion behavior of different alloys in diverse environments and evaluate it by the means of electrochemical methods
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shengmin Guo
Research
Evaluation the corrosion behavior of 3D printed parts from stainless steel and titanium in sea water environment and play with the production and post production parameters to gain the best results.
Joshua B. Joffrion
Graduate Research Assistant and Fellow, PhD Candidate in Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-359-3521
Specialization
Carbon nanostructures, specifically carbon quantum dots.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chester Wilson
Research
As an Undergraduate Research Assistant his research, continued under his present status, included the synthesis of carbon quantum dots through a variety of methods, the use of microplasmas in water spectroscopy, and selective electroplating.
Pratik KC
Thermal Engineer, Applied Technology Associates, Air Force Research Lab, Space Vehicle Directorate; PhD in Engineering from Louisiana Tech University.
Contact
+1-203-824-7662
Specialization
Thermal management of electronics via computer aided modeling, microfabrication processes and advance engineering materials.
Faculty Advisor: Arden L. Moore
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Research Assistant with Dr. Arden Moore’s group at Louisiana Tech University, his research for CIMM included the design and evaluation of the performance of novel low-profile heat sinks manufactured via 3D printing, microforming, and selective laser melting within a carefully controlled direct immersion cooling environment.
Rami Khoury
Fiber Laser Engineer, nLIGHT; PhD in Ultrafast and Nonlinear Spectroscopy of Nanomaterials from Louisiana State University.
Contact
+1-225-578--7709
Specialization
Experimental physical chemistry: ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, nanoparticles.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Louis H. Haber
CIMM Research Contributions
Our research group has constructed a pump-probe reflectivity and time-resolved microscopy optical setup to investigate ultrafast heating and melting dynamics in metal alloy and semiconductor surfaces.
Madhavi Kumara
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-470-281-1648
Specialization
Material science; Nano and microparticle synthesis and MEMS/NEMS device fabrication
Faculty Advisor: Dr Chester Wilson
Research
We investigate ways to synthesize magnetic nanoparticles for additive manufacturing. These nanoparticles are utilized to manufacture strong permanent magnets using selective laser synthesis. These nanoparticles are also used to fabricate thin film electrical devices.
Ziling Li
Post-Doctoral Fellow, NYU, Departments of Chemistry and Mathematics (Prof. Tamar Schlick); PhD in Computational Analysis & Modeling, Louisiana Tech University.
Contact
Phone: +1-318-278-1678
E-mail: zli007@latech.edu
Specialization
Web interface development, hub management.
Faculty Advisor: Thomas Bishop
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Student in Dr. Thomas Bishop’s group at Louisiana Tech University Dr. Li helped to develop a workflow for CIMM researchers to share work or data between remote sites. For example, his team conducted a performance analysis and demonstrated how to run a simulation on LONI and share results via Google Drive within the hub framework without changing operating systems. The title of Dr. Li’s thesis is A Framework of Multi-Dimensional and Multi-Scale Modeling with Applications.
Frank A. McKay
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-578-1388
Specialization
Elucidation of structural, electronic, and chemical properties of metal alloys.
Faculty Advisor: Phillip Sprunger
Research
We synthesize and characterize the surface and bulk electronic, chemical, and structural properties of high entropy alloys. This includes employing a number of synchrotron-based VUV/x-ray spectroscopies, as well as elevated temperature scattering probes.
Abu Shama Mohammad Miraz
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
Phone: +1-318-243-9468
Specialization
Computational materials science;first principles simulations of materials and interfaces.
Faculty Advisor: Collin D. Wick, B. Ramu Ramachandran
Research
We develop inter-atomic potential models, learned using genetic algorithm, for metal/ ceramic interfaces and perform multi-scale atomistic calculations to study their mechanical behavior. In addition, we carry out predictive simulations of doping the metal/ceramic interfaces aimed at enhancing their overall strength.
Reza Namakian
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-362-8006
Specialization
Computational Mechanics, Computational Material Science, Fracture Mechanics, Plasticity in Metals, Lightweight Metals, Multi-scale Interface Engineering.
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Dorel Moldovan and Dr. Wen J. Meng
Research
My field of study is multiscale computational material science with focus on solid interfaces. In our research, using numerical simulations at various length scales, we address the structure-property correlations in materials with high density of interfaces. By using numerical simulations such as: density functional theory, molecular dynamics, dislocation dynamics, and finite element method, our main focus is on the development of fundamental understanding of the correlation between the structure of solid interfaces and the resulting mechanical properties.
Brian Novak
Research Associate, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-578-5804
Specialization
Molecular Simulation
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dorel Moldovan
Research
We perform classical molecular simulations of metal and alloy bulk and interfacial properties, develop new interatomic potentials, and study the interfacial processes of solidification and deposition using simulations.
Chinedu J. Okafor
Plant Manager, Linde, Salt Lake City, Utah; Master of Science, Chemical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University.
Contact
+1-318-243-6336
Specialization
Fused deposition modelling of Microchannels, CAD Modelling, Gas Chromatography, Prototype development.
Faculty Advisor: Adarsh Radadia
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Research Assistant at Louisiana Tech University in Dr. Adarsh Radadia’s group, Mr. Okafor helped to design and evaluate the performance of plastic FDM fabricated gas chromatograph columns with the aim of establishing the suitability of such columns for chemical analysis.
Nabamita Pal
Lecturer, Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston; PhD, Micro & Nano Systems Engineering, Louisiana Tech University
Contact
+1-318-497-3752
Specialization
Perovskite and Ceramic Materials; Electrochemistry.
Faculty Advisor: Chester Wilson
CIMM Research Contributions
As Graduate Research Assistant and Postdoctoral Researcher at Louisiana Tech University in Dr. Chester Wilson’s group, Dr. Pal researched perovskite solar cells and helped to develop a new nanostructured carbon composite that adheres at the nano scale.
Jwala Parajuli
Integration & Yield Engineer, Global Foundries, New York; Masters of Science, Molecular Science & Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-243-7629
jwalaparajuli123@gmail.com, jpa020@latech.edu
Specialization
Computational modeling; Molecular dynamics simulations of materials and interfaces.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniela Mainardi
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Research Assistant at Louisiana Tech University in Dr. Daniela Mainardi’s group, Ms. Parajuli helped perform Molecular Dynamics simulations and analysis to study segregation of bimetallic systems during solidification..
Tailei Qi
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Specialization
Experimentation on low pressure high density plasma assisted vapor phase deposition
of engineering coatings and associated materials characterization and mechanical/
chemical testing.
Research
We designed and built an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) assisted vapor phase deposition
system with the aim of synthesizing carbon-containing coatings for various applications,
including diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings.
M. Shafiqur Rahman
PhD Candidate and Graduate Research Assistant, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of New Orleans, New Orleans.
Contact
+1-504-435-7269
Specialization
Additive Manufacturing, Solid Mechanics, and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Uttam K. Chakravarty
Research
Mr. Rahman is focused on the thermo-fluid characterizations of Ti-6Al-4V melt-pool in Powder-Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing processes using laser and electron beam. The research includes developing experimentally-validated multiphysics numerical models to investigate the effects of process parameters on the temperature distribution, melt-pool dynamics, melt-pool geometry, and heating and cooling rates in the PBF processes. The research involves the concepts of computational fluid dynamics, heat transfer, powder metallurgy, and advanced numerical analysis. He also has a strong background in solid mechanics and energy harvesting systems.
Jeewan Ranasinghe
Postdoctoral Research Scientist, UC Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara; PhD, Physical Chemistry, Louisiana State University.
Contact
+1-203-578-7709
Specialization
Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, transient absorption spectroscopy, second-harmonic generation, pump-probe reflectivity.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Louis H. Haber
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Research Assistant at Louisiana State University in Dr. Louis Haber’s group, Dr. Ranasinghe’s research focused on laser heating and melting dynamics of metal, metal alloy, and semiconductor surfaces, as well as preparing silicon, iron, and aluminum nanoparticles to investigate their ultrafast laser melting dynamics.
Bryant Redford
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-870-944-0780
Specialization
Creation of metal and alloyed metal powders using electrochemical methods suitable for 3D printing. Improving material attributes of 3D printable plastic using nanocomposites.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chester Wilson
Research
Develop a Samarium Cobalt powder that would be suitable for 3D printing. Currently there are no permanent magnets that are available for 3D printing and SmCo was chosen due to it having better properties than neodymium magnets.
Alexa Robinson
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Molecular Science and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-608-8748
Specialization
Computational materials science; first principles simulations of materials and interfaces
Faculty Advisor: Pedro Derosa
Research
Our current research utilizes Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) to simulate and analyze oxidation mechanisms of High Entropy Alloys (HEAs). A better understanding of these mechanisms may facilitate finding a solution to slow oxidation.
Siavash Sarrafan
Graduate Student, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-307-223-2250
Specialization
Engineering mechanics; Experimental mechanics; Dislocation dynamics.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Guoqiang Li
Research
Ongoing research, supported by CIMM, is on interfacial fracture of 3D printed structures using selective laser melting (SLM). It mainly focuses on the interfacial fracture under Mode I, Mode II, and mixed Mode loading and numerical modeling of fracture of SLM printed tensile specimen. Analytical modeling of the interfacial fracture of 3D printed metallic specimens, which have periodic zigzag fracture path, is being developed.
Cynthiya Shrestha
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate, University of New Orleans.
Contact
+1-504-481-6734
Specialization
Nanoparticle infused Additive Manufacturing
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Damon Allen Smith
Research
This research project primarily focuses on three major aspects: synthesis and inclusion of metallic nanoparticles within a polymer matrix, extrusion of composite filaments and three-dimensional (3D) printing of multifunctional polymer composites. Specifically, we are interested in synthesizing silver nanoparticles because of their enhanced anti-microbial, mechanical and optical properties. Silver reinforced 3D printed polymer specimen can have applications in varied fields like bio-mechanics, electronics, and additive manufacturing technology.
Yooseob Song
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-916-0301
Specialization
Development of thermo-mechanical coupled strain gradient plasticity model based on computational solid mechanics in small-scale structures.
Faculty Advisor: George Z. Voyiadjis
Research
We investigate an in-depth analysis on the micro-reverse extrusion processes in terms of the size effect phenomena and the physics behind the changes of diameter of the punch, loading rates, mesh densities and material strengthening behavior using the finite element analysis based on the finite deformation theory.
Tyler Sonsalla
Research Assistant, Ph.D. Candidate in Molecular Sciences and Nanotechnology, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-715-450-1724
Specialization
FDM-printed heat sinks and heat exchangers; FDM filament fabrication; Perovskite solar cells; Plasmonically enhanced amorphous silicon solar cells.
Faculty Advisor: Leland Weiss
Research
Our CIMM-related research aims to fabricate FDM-printed heat sinks and heat exchangers for waste heat applications with polymer and composite filaments. Additionally, we are working to characterize FDM-printed perovskite-polymer filaments for solar cell applications. Furthermore, integration of perovskite-polymer based solar cells onto FDM-printed heat sinks are underway.
Ran Sun
PhD Candidate, Engineering Physics, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-278-5893
Specialization
Molecular dynamics simulations and modeling. Data analysis and work-flow development.
Faculty Advisor: Thomas C. Bishop
Research
I’m working on developing and managing CIMMHub as a platform for CIMM investigators to share research efforts. A data management solution has been developed that integrates Google Drive with CIMMHub such that people can synchronize and manage sharing of their data between local workstations, any HPC resource, experimental equipment and the Hub.
Alexander Ulrich
Research Fellow, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-719-648-1238
Specialization
Materials science; electrochemistry; chemistry.
Faculty Advisor: Chester Wilson
Research
My research, supported by CIMM, aims to exploit electrochemical methods to produce metal micro-powders that can be used as the feedstock in 3D printers that employ Selective Laser Melting or SLM. The methods being developed help address the need for a way to manufacture precise alloyed powder that increases the strength of final printed products and increase the market uses of SLM through wider metal feedstock options.
RajKumar Vinnakota
Assistant Professor, Engineering, Troy University, Alabama; PhD, Engineering Physics, Louisiana Tech University.
Contact
+1-818-731-1520
Specialization
Novel optoelectronic devices; plasmonics and enhanced light matter interactions; photonic devices; computational electrodynamics.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dentcho A. Genov
CIMM Research Contributions
As a Graduate Research Assistant at Louisiana Tech University in Dr. Dentcho Genov’s group, Dr. Vinnakota helped develop a comprehensive self-consistent thermo-optical model of the laser-matter interactions pertaining to Selective Laser Melting (SLM) of metal powder beds in order to optimize the SLM process, increase energy efficiency and print rates and minimize structural defects in the 3D printed metal parts.
Mohammadreza Yaghoobi
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-364-6606
Specialization
Multiscale modeling of microfabrication processes and advance engineering materials.
Faculty Advisor: George Z. Voyiadjis
Research
My research focuses on atomistic simulation and nonlocal continuum modelling of intrinsic and extrinsic materials’ size effects relevant to sub-mm to micron scale forming and replication. The size effects in metallic samples of confined volumes are addressed during the nanoindentation and micropillar compression experiments.
Hong Yao
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-281-8468
Specialization
Impacts of laser parameters for different materials, Selective Laser Melting Process, Microstructure study on defects of 3D printed parts.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shengmin Guo
Research
Print samples using different metal powders, manipulate laser parameters for specific material, study the microstructure before and after tensile/fatigue tests.
Huali Ye
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Computational Analysis and Modeling, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston.
Contact
+1-318-497-5673
Specialization
Computational fluid dynamics; Numerical heat transfer; Computational mathematics
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Don Liu
Research
Our project supported by CIMM is about the simulation of laser-heating induced latent heat input and sensible heat transfer between melt, mushy and solid metal materials with numerical method. It involves phase change and heat transfer. The challenges we met include predicting and tracking the moving liquid_ solid interfaces and reconstructing interfacial surfaces. In the meantime, we used parallel C++ codes to improve the performance of this simulation.
Congyuan Zeng
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-413-662-9317
Specialization
Novel metal/alloy materials fabricated by selective laser melting(SLM).
Faculty Advisor: Shengmin Guo
Research
Making metal powders for SLM. Thermoelectric materials, porous materials fabricated by SLM and property characterization of them. Phase evolution of spherical powders during rapid cooling process after laser melting.
Bin Zhang
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; PhD in Engineering Science.
Contact
+1-225-405-5410
Specialization
Microscale metal forming and plasticity experimentation; X-ray and electron beam materials characterization, including focused ion beam (FIB), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Faculty Advisor: Wen Jin Meng
Research
We conduct experiments focused on micro/meso scale metal forming, nano/micro scale materials characterization, and micro/meso scale mechanical testing, with application to fabrication of micro/meso scale metal-based structures.
Boliang Zhang
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-352-214-2884
Specialization
High entropy alloy design, CALPHAD calculation.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Shengmin Guo
Research
We calculate phase change behavior of arc melted/3D printing alloy during the solidification process with Computer Coupling of Phase Diagrams and Thermochemistry (CALPHAD) method to design new high entropy alloys. We also evaluate aqueous corrosion by thermodynamic calculated Pourbaix diagrams and experimental Cyclic Polarization test on High Entropy Alloy.
Xiaoman Zhang
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-702-781-4347
Specialization
Experimentation on micro scale plasticity and mechanical integrity of metal/ceramic interfaces; high/ultra-high vacuum vapor phase deposition and thin film crystal growth; materials characterization by X-ray and electron beam methods.
Faculty Advisor: Wen Jin Meng
Research
We measure mechanical failure of ceramic/metal interfaces under shear, compression, and tension loading through in-situ microscale mechanical testing with concurrent electron microscopy observations; we grow heteroepitaxial thin film crystals and study mechanical response of such interfaces.
Jikui Zhao
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Candidate in Engineering, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge.
Contact
+1-225-249-2549
Specialization
Experimentation on small scale metal forming and associated materials characterization and mechanical testing.
Faculty Advisor: Wen Jin Meng
Research
We are conducting microscale metal extrusion experiments in an attempt to elucidate various kinds of mechanical size effects encountered in large strain small scale plastic deformation of materials.