(pdf version linked here)
Objective
Research and Development in advanced materials and production techniques. This includes composites, nanocomposites, and other multi-scale or multifunctional materials. Team-oriented, technical environment. Product with intrinsic benefit.
Education
PhD, Aeronautics and Astronautics, May 2009
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN GPA: 4.0/4.0
Thesis: A Nanolaminate Manufacturing Technique for Multifunctional Materials and Devices
MS, Engineering, Dec 2005
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN GPA: 4.0/4.0
Development of a Simple and Inexpensive Method for Manufacturing High Quality Nanoparticle / Polymer Nanocomposites
BS, Mechanical Engineering, May 2003
Utah State University, Logan, UT GPA: 3.9/4.0
Research
Developed a new manufacturing modification of an existing 'chemistry' self assembly method (Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly):
- Built nanoparticle/polymer composite materials and devices with potential structural, sensing, battery, photovoltaic, or other applications
- Decreased cycle time two orders of magnitude compared with traditional methods, from 20 minutes to 20 seconds
- Increased material usage efficiency from 1% to over 50%
- Enabled simple creation of 3D devices with nanoscale ordering
- Tested films for different properties – both structural and electrical
Technical Background & Skills
Structures and Materials
- Nanostructured Materials
- Multifunctional Materials
- Thin Films
- Traditional Composites
- Fracture Mechanics
- Polymer Physics
- Polymerization
- Engineering Polymers
- Dynamic Behavior of Materials
- Finite Element Analysis
Processing & Testing
- Structural Testing
- Wet-Bench Chemistry
- Electrical Properties Characterization
- Development of simple robots for film assembly
- Microfluidics
- NI LabView
Leadership and Administrative Experience
President, Purdue Graduate Student Government 2006/2007
- Facilitated the development, focus, and reporting of the 2006/2007 goals
- Represented Purdue’s 7,000 graduate and professional students
- Chaired the Graduate Student Senate – approximately 50 senators, one from each graduate department on campus
Executive, Purdue’s First Graduate Student Job Fair 2007
- Collaborated with two other executives: Presidents of the Black Graduate Association and Latino Graduate Student Organization
- Formed and led a committee of volunteers from across the university to recruit companies to specific disciplines
- Achieved goal with 500 students in attendance, 35 companies
Lab Manager, Composite Materials Lab 2007-present
- Supervised moving the lab to a new building, including development of the new lab layout
- Oversee lab safety and equipment, including a large autoclave, hot press, MTS servo-hydraulic testers, waterjet, X-ray, Ultrasound Scanner, etc.
Service
Lead Judge, AAE Research Symposium Series 2006-present
- Run a 10-week graduate/undergraduate student research symposium series each fall.
- Create a rubric for judging presentations, provide written feedback for presenters. Recruit and train new judges
Church Missionary (in central Ukraine) 1998-2000
- Worked with individuals to set and reach goals of spiritual growth
- Taught lessons in both home and class settings
Publications/Presentations
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Fast, Simple, and Efficient Assembly of Nanolayered Materials and Devices. Nanotechnology 20(7):075606.
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Nanolayered Devices with Three-Dimensional Structure via Spin-Spray Layer by Layer Self Assembly. (in preparation).
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Nanostructure/Strain-Resistance in Thin Films Containing Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanotubes. Paper and Technical Presentation, ASC 23rd Technical Conference, 2008. Chosen for the 'Best Paper Award.'
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Nanolaminate Manufacturing of Nanostructured Battery Anodes. Poster, NSTI Nanotech Convention, 2007.
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Development of a Nanolaminate Manufacturing Method. Poster, Advancing Manufacturing Summit V, Purdue University, 2006.
- Merrill, M.; Sun, C.T. Development of a Self-Assembly Method for Manufacturing Nanocomposites with High Loadings of Nanoparticles. Paper and Technical Presentation, ASC 20th Technical Conference, 2005.
Awards & Honors
- Selected as the 'Student Responder' (Commencement Speaker) for the commencement division including the
- AAE Outstanding Graduate Student, 2009
- Department of Education GAANN Fellowship (through AAE dept)
- Andrews Fellowship (Purdue University)
- Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Student Poster, 4th Place
Language Skills
- English (native)
- Russian (speak, read, and write freely)
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