Graduate Student of the Month

Q&A with November graduate students of the month Samuel Lamont & Amiy Yadav

Anonymous — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:28:05 +0000

Q&A with November graduate students of the month Samuel Lamont & Amiy Yadav Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 11/30/2023 - 08:28

The Kenneth Johnsen Graduate Student of the Month awards recognize outstanding students who excel academically and are an exemplar for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Samuel Lamont

What is your hometown?

My hometown is called Bristol and is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York.

What schools have you attended?

I did my undergraduate education at SUNY Binghamton and spent 10 months at École Polytechnique in Palaiseau, France, during the fourth year of my PhD.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy cooking, hiking, and playing games, but I prefer to spend most of my free time rock climbing with my friends

Can you tell me a little bit about your research?

I study the unique mechanical behaviors of dynamic polymer networks. These are ubiquitous in both biological and engineering materials and their dynamic nature is commonly leveraged to enable “smart” functionalities such as self-healing, high extensibility, and time-dependent response. My research involves developing theoretical models that connect the micro-topology of these networks to their emergent behavior.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Certainly pursuing research in the field of theoretical solid mechanics. Wherever that research takes me, in terms of location and position, is much more difficult to predict.

What is your favorite thing about attending �� Boulder for your graduate degree?

Easy access to the mountains!

Is there anything else we should know about you?

As the youngest of six children, I have always had a competitive spirit. Those around me know that I am always up to be challenged to a game of cards, pool, or chess (or anything else, really!).

Amiy Yadav

What is your hometown?

My hometown is in Lucknow, India.

What schools have you attended?

I did my undergraduate in bachelor’s of technology in mechatronics engineering from the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to hike in my free time. Or go for a run when there is time restrictions. I really like to do nature photography as well, which coincides with my hiking activities.

Can you tell me a little bit about your research?

Currently, I’m program assistant for senior design. I don’t have a research topic yet.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would love to start business for automated medical equipment or be in a higher ranks in a research and development department of a robotic surgery team.

What is your favorite thing about attending �� Boulder for your graduate degree?

My favorite thing about �� Boulder is the people. I’ve met such amazing group of wonderful individuals especially the professors who guided and supported me to the highest capabilities throughout my program.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I’m currently trying to hone my entrepreneurial skills which would advocate me in starting a new business.

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Q&A with Graduate Students of the Month Aniya Khalili and Deven Shah

Anonymous — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 23:58:38 +0000

Q&A with Graduate Students of the Month Aniya Khalili and Deven Shah Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/09/2023 - 17:58

The Kenneth Johnsen Graduate Student of the Month awards recognize outstanding students who excel academically and are an exemplar for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Aniya Khalili:

Where is your hometown?

My hometown is Shiraz, the city of roses and the cultural capital of Iran.

What schools have you attended?

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Fars Research and Science, Shiraz. For my Master’s in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, I went to the University of Stuttgart in Germany. I was an exchange student at �� Boulder during my first Master’s, and this is how I ended up in Boulder. I loved it here and came back for my PhD: first I started with a Master’s of Mechanical Engineering at �� and eventually moved to the PhD program, working with Dr. Shelly Miller's research lab in indoor air quality and personal exposure studies.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy traveling and road tripping so whenever we can find free time, we use it to spend on the road and spending time outdoors. I also like swimming and playing tennis in my free time. Painting is my hobby. I also love spending time with our dog, Maple.

Can you tell me a little bit about your research?

In the past few years working with Dr. Miller, we designed a pilot study of humans and their dogs’ pesticide air exposure concentrations in Boulder using passive wearable monitors. In another project I led the air quality team to study and analyze the validation and correction of consumer-grade personal exposure monitors for particulate matter air pollution in Denver. We also measured personal air exposure to particulate matter in disproportionately impacted residential communities in Denver using consumer-grade air pollution monitors.

The significance of our study is that it is one of the first to deploy a large number of consumer grade monitors in a disproportionately impacted U.S. zip code. In particular, we measured the DI community’s personal exposure caused by planned construction activities in the Globeville, Elyria-Swansea, and Cole (GESC) neighborhoods in Denver. These areas are known to be the most polluted zip codes in the U.S. Our citizen scientists, who are the residents of those neighborhoods, participated in this study. Four different studies were conducted between 2021-2023, with about 50 participants in each study. The duration of each study was one month. Each participant was required to keep their personal exposure monitor within two feet of themselves during the whole month.

In addition, the five monitors were installed outside in different locations around the neighborhoods to collect air pollution. The focus of the study was to measure the PM_2.5personal exposure of the community members due to its known adverse health effects. The results and more details about the cohort studies will be published in my papers. Website: https://www.sjeqdenver.com/.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

There is a lot to say on where I can see myself in the next 10 years in my private and career life. I guess I'll share where I can imagine myself to be in my career: I'd like to continue working on my current research field of indoor air quality and personal exposure. I have a strong drive to be an entrepreneur and am working on starting my own company. Who knows? Maybe I come back to �� and follow the path of academia in doing more research and innovating.

What is your favorite thing about attending �� Boulder for your graduate degree?

My favorite thing has been working with my wonderful advisor and mentor and also being able to have the opportunity to lead a meaningful and very impactful project. I also enjoyed working with and training our talented undergrads.

Deven Shah:

I hail from Pune, India, a vibrant city that instilled in me both cultural richness and a love for nature. My academic journey began at DAV Public School and culminated with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from SavitriBai Phule Pune University. At �� Boulder, where I am currently pursuing my graduate degree, I've delved deep into the world of soft robotics and control theory. This research passion is a testament to my commitment to innovative technologies. One of the highlights of being at �� Boulder is the blend of collaborative learning and the diverse perspectives my peers offer.

When I'm not immersed in my studies or research, you can find me either engaging in intense FIFA matches with friends or exploring the scenic hiking trails, reminiscent of those back home in Pune. My unique blend of experiences from Pune and �� Boulder has shaped my outlook. Looking ahead, I envision returning to India within the next decade. My dream is to harness the knowledge and experience I've gathered, possibly pioneering my own company and driving innovations in the world of engineering.

The Kenneth Johnsen Graduate Student of the Month awards recognize outstanding students who excel academically and are an exemplar for the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Jatinder Sampathkumar

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Jatinder Sampathkumar Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 03/01/2020 - 00:00

Mechanical engineering graduate student Jatinder Sampathkumar.

Where are you from?

I’m from Bengaluru, a city in southern India.

What schools have you attended?

For my undergraduate degree, I attended BMS College of Engineering.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Boulder has spoiled me. I enjoy being outdoors and exploring and taking in the food scene and limitless cafes and bookshops. I also love cooking and have been trying my hand at fusion cuisines. I’m also working on improving my badminton; the �� Rec Center is an amazing place to make friends and develop skills.

Please share about your research.

I am currently enrolled in the mechanical engineering PhD program and am co-advised by Dr. Nicole Labbe and Dr. Greg Whiting. My research focus involves developing innovative digital manufacturing techniques. I’m currently working on creating a new processing route to manufacture specialized Silicon Carbide reactors for combustion applications.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

R&D manager, working with teams developing cutting edge manufacturing solutions for aerospace applications. I’m confident that the efforts of groups at NASA, Lockheed Martin, Ball Aerospace and others will usher in a new era in how we sustainably design and manufacture for the future.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I’ve always been passionate about aviation. I’ve recently gotten into building scale model aircraft. It’s been amazing to learn the history of these machines and to be able to build them, one component at a time. I’m hoping to build a large enough collection to one day to be able to share with the world.

Jatinder Sampathkumar is currently working on creating a new processing route to manufacture specialized Silicon Carbide reactors for combustion applications. He says Boulder has spoiled him with access to the outdoors, the food scene and bookshops.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Lawrence Smith

Anonymous — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Lawrence Smith Anonymous (not verified) Sat, 02/01/2020 - 00:00

Mechanical engineering graduate student Lawrence Smith.

Where are you from?

Campbell, CA.

What schools have you attended?

Cal Poly SLO and �� Boulder.

What do you like to do in your free time?

3D printing, cooking, billiards and running.

Please share about your research.

I am researching efficient simulation of solid mechanics problems for the purpose of automated design of soft robotic systems. This involves running many simulations using finite element analysis and alternative numerical modeling techniques. I also research additive manufacturing of soft systems.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I have a home workshop with a pegboard that covers a whole wall. Every tool I've ever wanted hangs there, labeled and with a perfect outline drawn onto the pegboard. There are separate corners of the workshop dedicated to casting, 3D printing, machining, welding and pottery. I have a hammock somewhere outside with Wi-Fi access. Hopefully, I'll have a fulfilling job in the field of medical device engineering, but I'll also leave work in time to cook dinner.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I've gotten addicted to playing pool while living in Boulder for the last two years. Once the quarantine is over, meeting my friends to play 8 ball is at the top of my list.

Lawrence Smith is researching efficient simulation of solid mechanics problems for the purpose of automated design of soft robotic systems. He enjoys 3D printing, cooking, billiards and running.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Sadie Stutzman

Anonymous — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 15:57:35 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Sadie Stutzman Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 01/01/2020 - 08:57

Mechanical engineering graduate student Sadie Stutzman.

Where are you from?

I am from Fruitland, Idaho (yes, lots of farming, tractors and dairies).

What schools have you attended?

I spent five years in Las Vegas at UNLV getting my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and playing volleyball as a Rebel.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time I enjoy trail running, road biking, baking, playing pretty much any sport and traveling as much as Dr. Labbe will let me!

Please share about your research.

I am doing research in The Labbe Lab with Dr. Labbe and study the fundamental chemistry of how fuels decompose during pyrolysis and combustion. I use experiments and theory to understand fuel behavior which I will then use to create a model and predict the impact a fuel has on things such as engine performance and emissions. Right now, I am primarily focused on fuel design for multi-mode (a mode switching engine strategy) engines.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

A lot can change, but I could see myself living in Colorado and working as a researcher in a national lab, so I can continue playing in the mountains and doing cool research! I think once I get my PhD I will start a bakery...extra bonus if it is thriving in 10 years! In the meantime, I will keep recipe testing!

Anything else you'd like to share?

I could watch nothing but reruns of The Great British Baking Show and The Office for the rest of my life and be completely satisfied with my TV choices.

Sadie Stutzman studies the fundamental chemistry of how fuels decompose during pyrolysis and combustion. She uses experiments and theory to understand fuel behavior which she uses to create a model and predict the impact a fuel has on things such as engine performance and emissions.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Peter Gumble

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 15:00:00 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Peter Gumble Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 12/01/2019 - 08:00

Where are you from?

I grew up in Keswick, Virginia, just outside of Charlottesville.

What schools have you attended?

For my undergraduate degree, I attended the University of Virginia.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Anything outdoors (e.g., skiing, mountain biking, hiking, volleyball, sailing, climbing, diving, kayaking, fly fishing). I also love seeing live music, playing guitar/banjo/ukulele, visiting the planetarium, and I'm learning west coast swing dancing!

Please share about your research.

I am currently enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering (Design Focus) and Engineering Management dual degree program. While I am not formally doing research, I am focusing on spacecraft design, and I am pursuing the Satellite System Design Certificate from the aerospace department.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Director of Programs or Engineering for a company developing spacecraft and spacecraft hardware. I really believe in what NASA and the space industry is currently doing, and I want to be involved. My backup plan is to move to the Fakarava Atoll in the Tuamotus and open a dive shop/eco resort. Either works really.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I’ve only recently discovered my love of traveling, especially internationally. It really helps to expose you to new ideas, open your mind, and gain perspective on our community and our lives. Boulder is amazing, but I think it is hugely beneficial to escape the bubble from time to time. It helps keep you balanced, which is especially important when doing the deep technical work we do here.

Peter Gumble is a mechanical engineering graduate student focusing on spacecraft design and pursuing the Satellite System Design Certificate from the aerospace department. He would like to work for a company developing spacecraft and spacecraft hardware.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Kristin Calahan

Anonymous — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 15:31:48 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Kristin Calahan Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 11/01/2019 - 09:31

Where are you from?

I grew up in Northern California (Santa Rosa).

What schools have you attended?

I attended the University of Arizona for my undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering before pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at �� Boulder.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I like to spend time with my dog, Bear, go skiing or hiking with friends and hang out at local coffee shops.

Please share about your research.

My research is focused on studying the contact mechanics, more specifically the friction response, between micropatterned surfaces and tissue-like substrates for biomedical applications.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself as a research scientist in some capacity - I'm not sure whether it's in an academic or industry setting yet. I hope that I'm living in a beautiful place with a few dogs and friends and family nearby.

Kristin Calahan's research is focused on studying the contact mechanics, more specifically the friction response, between micropatterned surfaces and tissue-like substrates for biomedical applications. In the future, she sees herself as a research scientist whether in an academic or industry setting.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Ryan Cole

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 15:26:45 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Ryan Cole Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/01/2019 - 09:26

Where are you from?

Denver, Colorado.

What schools have you attended?

I completed my undergraduate at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. I double-majored in Physics and Math. I'm in my fourth year here at �� Boulder.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love biking (road and mountain) in the hills around Boulder and fly fishing in the rivers along the front range. I also enjoy skiing and hiking.

Please share about your research.

I work in the Rieker Lab. The lab's general goal is to develop laser-based sensors for systems ranging from combustion devices to the atmosphere. My personal research is focused on developing and improving models for the absorption of light by gasses at very high pressures and temperatures. To do this, I use dual-frequency comb spectroscopy to measure gasses at high pressure/temperature conditions. The ultimate goal of this research is to enable new laser-based sensors for high pressure and temperature systems (e.g., an aircraft engine) as well as to improve our knowledge of radiative transfer in other high-pressure/temperature environments (such as the surface of Venus or exoplanetary atmospheres).

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I'll probably just be finishing my PhD at that point. JUST KIDDING (I hope).

I have loved doing research in graduate school, so I don't see myself straying too far from a job where I can work in a lab and take part in new science. If I had to choose right now, I would like to work in atmospheric science, hopefully applying the skills I've learned at �� Boulder to develop new ways to monitor pollution/emissions and their effect on the atmosphere.

Anything else you'd like to share?

I took a gap year before coming to �� Boulder. During that time, I lived in Hilo, Hawaii and worked as an Astrophysical Research Intern at the Gemini Observatory.

I was awarded a NASA Earth and Space Science fellowship during my first year at �� Boulder to translate our work on spectroscopy at high pressures and temperatures to studies of the Venus atmosphere.

Ryan Cole's research helps to develop laser-based sensors for systems ranging from combustion devices to the atmosphere. His personal research is focused on developing and improving models for the absorption of light by gasses at very high pressures and temperatures. He would like to work in atmospheric science applying the skills he has learned at �� Boulder to develop new ways to monitor pollution and emissions and their effect on the atmosphere.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Adrienne Scott

Anonymous — Sun, 01 Sep 2019 20:31:06 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Adrienne Scott Anonymous (not verified) Sun, 09/01/2019 - 14:31

Adrienne is a fourth-year PhD student in Associate Professor Corey Neu’s Soft Tissue Bioengineering Lab. Before attending �� Boulder, she studied Chemical Engineering and Spanish at Cornell University. Now, she explores how cells in the human body sense and respond to their mechanical environment and uses this information to better design tissue engineering techniques. Outside of research, Adrienne is a member of the GEARRS committee, Graduate Committee and is the Lead TA for the mechanical engineering department. In her free time, Adrienne enjoys horseback riding, drawing, painting, hiking and skiing.

Adrienne is a fourth-year PhD student who explores how cells in the human body sense and respond to their mechanical environment and uses this information to better design tissue engineering techniques.

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Graduate Student of the Month - Sebastian Metcalf

Anonymous — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 16:57:18 +0000

Graduate Student of the Month - Sebastian Metcalf Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 12/03/2018 - 09:57

My name is Sebastian Metcalf and I'm from Longmont, CO. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering as a part of the BS/MS. concurrent program. I would like to express my gratitude towards the students and faculty who’ve truly altered my life for the better over the last 5 years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of this incredible community.

I am most passionate about applying my engineering degree toward developing beautiful products that inspire people. I find that engineering speaks to people most when they see themselves at the center of the product, and that is what I aspire to do in my career.

I am inspired by indie rock music, the perfect chicken sandwich, the Seattle Mariners (who haven’t been to the playoffs since 2001), board games, jokes that come full circle, exploring, my family and friends, and my professors who have pushed me every single day. I am honored to be selected as Graduate Student of the Month.

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