Materials Scientist & Polymer Engineer
Specializing in
Ph.D. Auburn UCSB Postdoc Periodic Labs 10+ Publications 169 Citations
Developing next-generation polymer materials for aerospace, biomedical, and semiconductor applications — from interpenetrating networks to 3D-printed functional systems.
Materials scientist and polymer engineer with deep expertise in polymer engineering, advanced manufacturing, and AI-driven materials discovery — spanning academia, industry, and the computational frontier.
Currently, I work as a Materials Lab Specialist at Periodic Labs in Menlo Park, CA. I operate advanced characterization instruments (SEM, XRD, MPMS) to produce high-quality experimental data for training next-generation materials AI — directly bridging physical experimentation and machine learning at one of the most ambitious materials discovery platforms in the field.
Previously at Saint-Gobain ENC, I led development of sustainable high-temperature materials for aviation, aerospace, and automotive applications. As a postdoctoral scholar at UC Santa Barbara, I developed DLP 3D printing resins and block copolymer systems for advanced semiconductor thin-film patterning in collaboration with Tokyo Electron (TEL).
My Ph.D. and M.S. research at Auburn University centered on interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), achieving a 150% improvement in fracture toughness for transparent, high-impact structural materials, composites, and thermal energy storage systems.
IPN synthesis, block copolymers, photocurable resins
DLP, SLA, FDM, and DIW 3D printing
Aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications
Ph.D., Polymer and Fiber Engineering
GPA: 3.93 / 4.0
Thesis: Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high-performance applications.
Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-IPNs were synthesized with excellent transparency and 120% improvement in fracture toughness compared to traditional transparent materials such as PMMA and Polystyrene. IPNs were also utilized as a matrix in carbon fiber-reinforced composites, demonstrating promising results for demanding materials applications.
The stress relaxation behavior of IPNs was modeled using the Prony series and a Generalized Maxwell model using MATLAB and FEniCS. In the final chapter, graft semi-IPNs with excellent thermal properties and shape stability were synthesized for thermal energy storage (TES) applications.
M.S., Polymer and Fiber Engineering
GPA: 3.92 / 4.0
Thesis: Crosslinkable 3D printing inks for biomedical applications.
3D bioprinting could be used in various medical applications such as tissue engineering, organ printing, cell-based sensors, and surgical aids. Hydrogels with alginate and cellulose are good candidates for 3D bioprinting due to high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and suitable mechanical properties. Direct ink writing (DIW) technology was used, showing good structural fidelity.
For orthodontic applications and organ model printing, photocurable polymers were synthesized and printed using UV-assisted DIW. All polymeric systems show proper viscosity and shear-thinning behavior, with high structural fidelity and good thermal properties confirmed by DSC.
B.Sc., Polymer Engineering
Thesis: Nano-biocomposites: properties, manufacturing processes, and applications in eco-friendly products for packaging and agriculture.
Materials Lab Specialist — Contract | Menlo Park, CA
Materials Scientist — AI-Driven Solutions & Technical Consulting
Senior Research Engineer I
Postdoctoral Scholar — Materials Department
Graduate Research Assistant (Ph.D.)
Graduate Research Assistant (M.S.)
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Studied properties, manufacturing processes, and applications of nano-biocomposites for eco-friendly packaging and agriculture products.
Summer Intern
Studied and reviewed the manufacturing process, modification, and behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Mechanical Analysis, Thermomechanical Analysis, DMA, Tensile, Shear Analysis, Impact Resistance, Rheometry, Block-on-Ring, DSC, TGA, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, XPS, XRD, SEM, AFM, Polarized Optical Microscopy, Ellipsometry, Instrument Troubleshooting
Formulation, Injection Molding, Extrusion, Compression Molding, SLA, DLP, FDM, and DIW 3D Printing, Spin Coating
ChemDraw, Mnova NMR, TA Universal Analysis, DataGraph, LaTeX, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop
Python, MATLAB, C++
Coursera – Arizona State University (Dhruv Bhate), Aug. 2025
Coursera – Arizona State University (Arunachala Nadar Mada Kannan), Jul. 2025
Auburn University | May 2019 – May 2020
Served as graduate student representative on the Graduate Council and Faculty Senate for 4,000+ students. Presided over Executive Board meetings; approved all official GSC communications and financial forms.
Auburn University | Aug. 2018 – May 2019
Represented the chemical engineering department, operated as the collective voice for graduate students in university affairs and the Student Government Association (SGA).
Ongoing
Serving as a peer reviewer for high-impact scientific journals including Journal of Applied Polymer Science and Polymer International.
Auburn University | Aug. 2018 – May 2019
Coordinated networking and social events, the Outstanding Graduate Mentor program, and the "This is Research: Student Symposium."
National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents | Mar. 2010
Collaborated in organizing the Hoger Scientific Conference organized by the National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET).
Auburn University
CEGS 5-minute presentation competition, Auburn University
Selected for ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting
Auburn University
CEGS 5-minute presentation competition, Auburn University
Recognition of dedicated service to Auburn University GSC
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
— Theodore Roosevelt
I'm open to research collaborations, consulting engagements, and high-impact opportunities at the intersection of materials science, advanced manufacturing, and AI.
