Current Research

I am currently developing a new method of studying dislocation structures in systems where the traditional methods of superposition, and Green's functions fail. These methods are not suitable for structures with anisotropic, non-uniform elastic properties, complex geometries and material interfaces.

I am also pursuing research in multiscale methods that enable molecular dynamics and ab initio methods to govern material and structural response in microscale models.

Modeling dislocations in complex systems

I am currently modeling dislocations in complex nanostructures and layered materials with the eXtended Finite Element Method (XFEM).


Examples of dislocation simulations: (clockwise from top right) stress contours around a dislocation loop, stress magnitude in a quantum dot, quantum dot geometry, energy density of a quantum dot.

Multiscale methods and simulation

I am working on extending the multiscale aggregating discontinuities method (MAD) from a multiscale continuum method to a multiscale atomistic-to-continuum method.


Coupled atomistic-to-continuum simulation of a crack in a graphene sheet.

Visualization of atomic slip in a sheared sample containing nano-sized void. Click on image for movie (4.7 MB).

J&J Technical Solutions, Inc / National Aeronautics and Space Administration

consultant, research engineer, intern

I have been working with the structral seals and thermal barriers group at NASA Glenn Research Center for 11 years under internships, graduate research, and consulting. During this time I have worked to develop new docking and berthing seals for NASA's next generation fleet of space vehicles, including Orion, as well as research high temperature seal preload devices for hypersonic engines and re-entry vehicles, and have created several data acquisition and control systems for turbine and compressor seal test rigs for jet engine applications.

Authored NASA Technical Memoranda:

Sandia National Laboratories

intern

I am working with researchers at Sandia to develop finite temperature constitutive models based on atomistic potentials using a modified quasi-harmonic Cauchy-Born approximation for a thermoelastic coupled atomistic-to-continuum simulation.

Case Western Reserve University

Research assistant (master's degree)

My master's research topic was the analysis of high temperature structural seal preload devices for re-entry and hypersonic vehicles.
read my Master's thesis (9.7 MB)

Finite element model of the unit cell of a knitted spring tube used to preload the main landing gear door in the space shuttle.

Hobbies

Climbing

I enjoy bouldering, sport and traditional rock climbing whenever I get the opportunity.

Climbing Magnum Opus in the Solarium at the Red River Gorge, KY.

Sizing up the route up the third flatiron in Boulder, CO.

Backpacking

I also enjoy backpacking through mountainous areas.

Backpacking in Olympic National Park, WA.