1.

UC Santa Barbara, Materials Research Laboratory, an NSF MRSEC

Current plans after graduation: I plan to pursue a thesis-based master’s

program in mechanical engineering. I am really passionate about the field of fluid
mechanics and I hope to specialize in this topic during my graduate program.
Pursuing a master’s program will help me improve my research skills, build
connections with other mechanical engineers, and allow me to advance
professionally.
Relevant coursework:
ME 128. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering I.
Introduction to mechanical engineering and its application in professional practice.
Includes design, analysis, testing and dissection of mechanical engineering
systems, from simple machines to more complicated systems. Introduction to
engineering graphic communication. Introduction to HVAC, Manufacturing and
Mechatronics concentrations. Includes cornerstone service-learning project. 1
laboratory.
ME 129. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering II.
Communication of designs for manufacturing using basic definitions of points, lines
and planes in space. Pictorials, orthographic projection, section views and auxiliary
views. Techniques from geometry and spatial definitions integrated to provide
information to both the design and manufacturing processes. 1 laboratory.
ME 130. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering III.
Use of computer-aided design to communicate parts and assemblies. Dimensioned
drawings for part fabrication. Introduction to fits and tolerances. Layout drawings
and functional assemblies. 1 laboratory.
ME 211. Engineering Statics.
Analysis of forces on engineering structures in equilibrium. Properties of forces,
moments, couples, and resultants. Equilibrium conditions, friction, centroids, area
moments of inertia. Introduction to mathematical modeling and problem solving.
Vector mathematics where appropriate. Course may be offered in classroom-based,
online, or hybrid format.
ME 234. Philosophy of Design.
General approach to the meaning of engineering design. Conceptual blocks,
creativity, design process, design considerations and elements. Course may be
offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures.
ME 163. Freshmen Orientation to Mechanical Engineering.1 unit
Introduction to career opportunities in Mechanical Engineering, exploration of the
ethical responsibilities of being a student and professional engineer, and
familiarization with the Mechanical Engineering curriculum including cooperative
education and international exchange opportunities. Cornerstone service-learning
project. Field trip may be required. 1 activity.
ME 251. Introduction to Detailed Design with Solid Modeling.
Part and system or assembly design with solid modeling using current software and
hardware. Techniques of advanced communication include welding symbols,
threaded fasteners, dimensioning and tolerancing. Creation of design layouts and
part models with varied configurations and dynamic assembly models. Introduction
to section mass and inertia properties. Emphasis of group work and peer review in
the production of parts for assemblies. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.
IME 141. Manufacturing Processes: Net Shape.
Metal casting as a net shape process in manufacturing. Properties of molding
materials and methods of casting. Introduction to rapid prototyping. Pattern and
casting design principles. 1 laboratory.
IME 142. Manufacturing Processes: Materials Joining.
Theory and application of metal cutting and welding processes. Includes shielded
metal arc, flux cored arc, submerged arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, brazing,
resistance, and oxy-acetylene processes. Bonding theory, joint design, codes and
testing. Introduction to adhesive bonding. Open to all majors. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory.
IME 145. Subtractive Manufacturing Processes for Mechanical Designs I.
Material removal manufacturing processes related to mechanical design. Manual
and computer-controlled (CNC) machining processes and equipment. Interpretation
of engineering drawings, operation setup, process parameters, inspection of parts.
Manufacturing of standard machine design features. Design for manufacturing and
assembly (DFMA). Not open to students with credit in IME 143. 1 laboratory.
IME 146. Subtractive Manufacturing Processes for Mechanical Designs II.
Material removal manufacturing processes for mechanical design. Fits and
assignment of part tolerances. Machining and inspection of geometric dimensioning
and tolerancing (GD&T). Teamwork for batch part production. Design for
manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) concepts. Not open to students with credit
in IME 143. 1 laboratory.
MATE 210. Materials Engineering.
Structure of matter. Physical and mechanical properties of materials including
metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and electronic materials. Equilibrium
diagrams. Heat treatments, materials selection and corrosion phenomena. Course
may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures.
MATE 215. Materials Laboratory I.
Focus on processing-structure-properties relationships of materials, including crystal
structures, electronic properties of materials, materials selection, phase diagrams,
corrosion, mechanical properties of polymers, cold work and annealing of alloys and
heat treatments of steels. 1 laboratory.
CSC 231. Programming for Engineering Students.
Programming techniques and procedures with applications to engineering problems.
Introduction to numerical methods and simulation. Credit not allowed for CSC,
Software Engineering or CPE majors. Course may be offered in classroom-based or
online format. 2 activities.

Experience with computers: I am proficient in the following programming

languages:
1. Java: I learnt Java during high school. I use it for mathematical calculations
and data analysis. I can also create programs that use loops and collect data
from users to generate a desired output.

2. Python: I use Python for data analysis and simple calculations. I am currently
learning how to make statistical plots/animations using Python. Taking online
classes has made me a more confident programmer.

3. MATLAB: I learnt MATLAB during my sophomore year. I use this for

calculations, data analysis, and making simple plots while solving real world
engineering problems. For example, I use MATLAB for analyzing test data
while I’m working in the Formula Racing club.

4. C: I used this language for an engineering project that involved designing a

temperature and humidity sensor for musical instruments.

Other skills:
5. Microsoft Office: I have used MS Excel and MS Word for my engineering
classes. I also know how to use MS Access as a database. I use MS PowerPoint
for preparing group presentations.

6. SolidWorks: I have used it for my CAD classes and personal design projects. I
know how to make models, assemblies and drawings in SolidWorks.

7. Siemens NX: I use this software for designing drivetrain components in the
Formula Racing Club. I recently modeled a 48-tooth sprocket and made
detailed drawings of differential mounts on NX within a couple of weeks of
learning how to use the CAD software.
 8. OnShape: I have used OnShape during my time in the Cal Poly Robotics Club.
I worked on an autonomous vessel project where I designed the mast and its
supporting structures using Onshape.

Work Experience:
During my time at Cal Poly, I have engaged in diverse hands-on engineering
projects and leadership roles. As part of the Cal Poly Robotics Club, I contributed to
the Autonomous Vessel Project by developing CAD models, selecting lightweight,
corrosion-resistant materials, and solving real-world engineering design challenges.
In the FSAE drivetrain subsystem, I modeled a 48-tooth sprocket in Siemens NX,
conducted fatigue life analysis, and created detailed manufacturing drawings for
differential mounts.
Beyond engineering, I serve as a Resident Advisor, fostering inclusive communities,
hosting events, and managing responsibilities that have strengthened my
leadership and time management skills. Additionally, my experience as a teaching
assistant at Kumon and a volunteer note-taker for the Disability Resource Center
has improved my communication and organizational abilities.
I also work on personal projects, such as leading a team to design and manufacture
an eco-friendly desk organizer, gaining experience in iterative prototyping,
stakeholder engagement, and lifecycle analysis. These experiences have honed my
technical, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, making me a strong candidate for
UCSB’s summer research program.

Equipment Experience:
I have used a vertical bandsaw, miter saw, sander, table saw, power drill, and
manual mill for my personal projects that involve working with wood. I am also
certified to weld in my university’s machine shops. I have experience with tig, mig ,
oxy fuel, stick, and flux welding. I have also used the CNC mills during my
subtractive manufacturing classes. During my first year, I also learnt how to cast
metal parts. I am proficient in sand, shell, investment, and lost foam casting.
During the fall quarter of sophomore year, I took a materials engineering class
where I used a Rockwell hardness testing machine for measuring the hardness of a
material. I also used a heat treatment furnace for analyzing the effects of annealing
and quenching on the mechanical properties of metals. To understand the effects of
cold work on the properties of a material, I used a rolling mill. Working in the
materials engineering lab has taught me how to use different lab equipments.
1st Choice: Megan Valentine
2nd Choice: Christopher Bates
3rd Choice: Craig Hawker
4th Choice: Ryan Stowers

I am writing to express my interest in a summer FLAM research position with

the Materials Research Laboratory(MRL) in UCSB.

During my first year, I worked on an Autonomous Vessel Project as part of the

Cal Poly Robotics Club. As a member of the mechanical engineering subsystem, I
was responsible for developing the prototype of the vessel. I learnt how to make
detailed CAD models and drawings on Onshape CAD software. I was also
responsible for selecting materials for the autonomous vessel. I tried to incorporate
materials that were lightweight and corrosion resistant. Through the project, I learnt
how to solve a real-world engineering design problem. These experiences sparked
my interest in material selection and its critical role in engineering design. This
aligns with the focus of the structural materials research at UCSB which is to
develop high-temperature and lightweight materials, biological and bio-inspired
materials, fibrous, and hybrid materials that provide new functionalities.

Enrolling in an introductory materials engineering course helped me learn

more about the properties of different materials. I found it very fascinating when I
learnt that a vast majority of metals are crystals since they are not the first things
that come to mind whenever we imagine crystalline materials. I also learnt about
microstructures, different heat treatment processes like annealing and quenching,
manufacturing processes, and phase diagrams. During my materials engineering
labs, I was able to fully understand the concepts taught in my class. I spent time
working with electric furnaces, Rockwell hardness testers, and materials selection
software programs. After finishing the course, I feel more prepared to participate in
the materials engineering research at UCSB.
 The highly equipped materials research lab in UCSB is a perfect environment
to gain hands on experience. Learning how to use the NMR Spectrometers, X ray
machines, and polymer analysis equipment in the materials lab can help me
succeed in my research endeavors.

I also worked on a sustainability focused engineering design project during

my sophomore year. The aim of the project was to create an eco-friendly desk
organizer. The biggest challenge of the project was to choose a material that had a
small global warming potential. After thorough research, I decided to use
sustainably harvested birch plywood for my product. When I performed a life cycle
analysis on my product, I figured out that one desk organizer emitted 6.3 kilograms
of carbon dioxide. An important lesson I learnt from the project is that there are
multiple factors that need to be considered while choosing a material for
manufacturing a product. For my desk organizer, I had to consider the durability of
the wood, finishing quality, and wood density along with the eco friendly nature.
Choosing a different type of wood would have altered the results of my life cycle
analysis calculations. This project aligns with UCSB’s research focus in recycling,
remanufacturing, and reusing materials for sustainability.

After my bachelors, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in materials

engineering with a special focus on bio inspired materials. Bio inspired materials are
materials made from natural or synthetic compounds whose properties, structure,
and function can mimic living organisms or natural materials. I find these materials
fascinating because scientists and engineers could potentially mimic the process by
which bio inspired materials are made for solving complex engineering problems.
For example, chameleons change their skin color in response to stimuli. In the
future, we can create a bio inspired material that could bring this functionality into
smart devices and robots. The research performed in the Valentine Laboratory at
UCSB perfectly aligns with my passion for bio inspired materials. The lab’s recent
publication on Diels Alder crosslinked biocompatible hydrogels was very insightful.
Biocompatible hydrogels can mimic natural materials like cartilage, skin, or
extracellular materials and they can be used for drug delivery and tissue
engineering. Research on such topics can have a positive impact on society and can
revolutionize healthcare treatments. This relates to my passion for using my
engineering skills to improve the quality of life in society.
 For all these reasons, I strongly believe that the UCSB FLAM program will be a
vital step towards achieving my goal of exploring the field of materials engineering
and using my engineering skills to create a better future for humanity.

UCSD 2025 Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) in Advanced

Materials
I am excited to apply for the NSF REU position in Advanced Materials at
UCSD, as I believe my experiences in engineering design, material selection, and
research make me a strong candidate for contributing to and benefiting from this
program.

During my first year, I worked on an Autonomous Vessel Project as part of the

Cal Poly Robotics Club. As a member of the mechanical engineering subsystem, I
was responsible for developing the prototype of the vessel. I gained experience in
making detailed CAD models and drawings on Onshape CAD software. I was also
responsible for selecting materials for the autonomous vessel. I tried to incorporate
materials that were lightweight and corrosion resistant. Through the project, I learnt
how to solve a real-world engineering design problem. These experiences sparked
my interest in material selection and its critical role in engineering design. This
aligns with the focus of the structural materials research at UCSD which is to
develop high-temperature and lightweight materials, biological and bio-inspired
materials, fibrous, and hybrid materials that provide new functionalities.

Enrolling in an introductory materials engineering course helped me learn

more about the properties of different materials. I found it very fascinating when I
learnt that a vast majority of metals are crystals since they are not the first things
that come to mind whenever we imagine crystalline materials. I also learnt about
microstructures, different heat treatment processes like annealing and quenching,
manufacturing processes, and phase diagrams. During my materials engineering
labs, I was able to fully understand the concepts taught in my class. I spent time
working with electric furnaces, Rockwell hardness testers, and materials selection
software programs. After finishing the course, I feel more prepared to participate in
the materials engineering research at UCSD.

The highly equipped materials research lab in UCSD is a perfect environment

to gain hands on experience. Learning how to use research critical instrumentation
like electron microscopy, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, x-ray and electron
diffraction methods can help me succeed in my research endeavors.

I also worked on a sustainability focused engineering design project during

my sophomore year. The aim of the project was to create an eco-friendly desk
organizer. The biggest challenge of the project was to choose a material that had a
small global warming potential. After thorough research, I decided to use
sustainably harvested birch plywood for my product. When I performed a life cycle
analysis on my product, I figured out that one desk organizer emitted 6.3 kilograms
of carbon dioxide. An important lesson I learnt from the project is that there are
multiple factors that need to be considered while choosing a material for
manufacturing a product. For my desk organizer, I had to consider the durability of
the wood, finishing quality, and wood density along with the eco-friendly nature.
Choosing a different type of wood would have altered the results of my life cycle
analysis calculations. This project aligns with UCSD’s research focus in recycling,
remanufacturing, and reusing materials for sustainability.

After my bachelors, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in materials

engineering with a special focus on bio inspired materials. Bio inspired materials are
materials made from natural or synthetic compounds whose properties, structure,
and function can mimic living organisms or natural materials. I find these materials
fascinating because scientists and engineers could potentially mimic the process by
which bio inspired materials are made for solving complex engineering problems.
For example, chameleons change their skin color in response to stimuli. In the
future, we can create a bio inspired material that could bring this functionality into
smart devices and robots. This relates to my passion for using my engineering skills
to improve the quality of life in society.

The professional development workshops and networking opportunities during the

NSF REU program will help me grow as a student and researcher. Presenting my
research work at a conference will teach me how to disseminate high-quality
developmental research to academic audiences and journals as well as parents and
caregivers in the broader communities in which we work and reside.

Participating in the NSF REU program at UCSD will not only allow me to
deepen my technical knowledge in materials engineering but also provide the tools
and professional networks necessary to contribute to the field of bio-inspired
materials and sustainability in the future.