Meet Our Students

Duke Vierra

Participating in MRE-C: since 2023

Hometown: Honolulu, HI

Major: Mechanical Engineering

What lab(s) or faculty member(s) are you working with?

How or why did you become part of this research opportunity?

I became part of this research opportunity whilst searching for a campus job on SECE. I have currently been part of this research opportunity for a year now because I enjoy being around the people I work with and have a professor who find projects relevant to my interests.

What is the focus of the research you're doing?

The focus of the research I am doing is to automate dip coating processes using the Jubilee. I am tasked with designing and printing a suitable tip that can support the suction needed to hold a wafer. I also need to program the movement and potential dipping parameters within the Jubilee interface. Lastly, I need to determine how to attach vacuum tubing to the Jubilee.

When thinking about the work you're doing or will be doing, what are you most excited about?

I am most excited about learning how to code the process. I am very interested in coding, but unfortunately have limited coding experience. I am hoping that this project will be able to expand my coding knowledge and reinforce the skills that I've already acquired.

What are your future visions/goals?

My goal is to take what I learn from this project and apply it towards a graduate degree. I hope to continue with the Nanosystems lab and pursues a masters in mechanical engineering.

What would you say to someone who's interested in joining this program?

Find a research opportunity that you enjoy or else this will end up feeling like any other project class. Discuss your interests with different professors and they can help you find a project best suited for you.