(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)