Research Summary: Past and Present

My research interests are in the areas of the mechanics of materials, the characterization of polymers and soft media, and the development of multifunctional materials. Polymers, both synthetic and natural, have been a common theme throughout my research background. Please read more below about current and past projects.

Biomaterial Characterization

Polymethyl methacrylate Bone Cement

Project Summary:
An investigation of the thermal history and mechanical properties of bone cement as a function of the preparation technique.

People Involved:
Nathan Elder (RHIT), Scott Small (JRSI)

Previous Researchers:
Ryan Gergely (now at UIUC), Betsy Jones (RHIT)

Hydrogels for Tissue Phantoms and Cell Cultures

Project Summary:
A quantitative analysis and comparison of the behavior of gelatin hydrogels under various loading conditions including shear stress relaxation and quasistatic indentation.

People Involved:
Dr. Michael Insana (University of Illinois), Dr. Jayandran Palaniappan (University of Illinois), and Dr. Suresh Kalyanam (Engineering Mechanics Corporation of Columbus)

Past Project: Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Project Summary:
A study of the depth-dependent oxidation and crosslinking of UHMWPE in different accelerated aging environments and the resultant mechanical properties.

People Involved:
Dr. Thierry Blanchet (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), Don Heckelman (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)

Multifunctional Materials

Past Project: Microvascular Self-healing Systems

Project Summary:
An exploration of the use of microvascular networks in polymers for the delivery of fluids for self-healing applications.

People Involved:
Dr. Nancy Sottos (University of Illinois), Dr. Scott White (University of Illinois)

A self-healing microvascular specimen after crack formation. Excess healing monomer flowed from the microchannels, through the crack plane, and onto the top surface of the coating[1]. The scale bar is 5mm.