Research:

I'm exploring ways to improve materials that can convert heat directly into electricity. This involves carefully controlling the structure of these materials on very small scales, even down to the level of individual atoms, using advanced 3D printing techniques. We're also investigating how introducing tiny imperfections within the material can actually enhance its ability to generate electricity.

How Will Your Research Benefit Society?

This research has the potential to significantly impact how we power spacecraft and other applications that experience extreme temperature differences, providing a clean and reliable source of energy. This energy source can be harnessed from numerous sources of waste heat for additional energy harvesting, and can be used to offset carbon emissions for devices that cannot be powered entirely by clean energy. Our research aims to enhance the practicality of thermoelectric devices by increasing their efficiency and redefining their form factor to more appropriately fit desired boundary conditions for optimal performance.

How will an ARCS Award Benefit Your Research?

The ARCS award will significantly benefit my research by providing generous funding to help me pursue various novel and unique manufacturing techniques with interesting and rare materials. The program will also connect me with a distinguished alumni network that will offer valuable experience about their research endeavors and provide potential suggestions for advancing my research.

Career objectives:

My career objectives are to continue pursuing novel solutions to energy challenges through materials engineering. I aspire to contribute to a national laboratory, tackling the most pressing energy problems facing our world alongside brilliant colleagues and leveraging exceptional resources. I am particularly interested in contributing to the engineering solutions for the energy challenges of space travel, enabling sustainable life and propulsion.

Community Service:

I volunteer to coach the Ultimate Frisbee team at GWU. This provides a sense of community for all members of the university, fostering an environment where individuals can have fun, exercise, and explore the benefits of teamwork.