People

Mallory Parker
PhD Student

Research Project: Design of thermoformable composites for additive manufacturing: mechanical performance optimization and study of end-of-life strategies

After completing my Master's degree from the Material Science & Engineering department at UW, I now continue my research as a Ph.D student. I am working with Prof. Roumeli, in collaboration with Prof. Dwayne Arola, to manufacture thermoformable composite structures. This work, along with further mechanical and thermal characterization, will focus on the creation of strong and reliable hierarchical composites for additive manufacturing. Additional work will explore the end-of-life recyclability, degradation, or pyrolysis to entice usage of these more sustainable materials. I am passionate about 3D printing and love designing trinkets for my hobbies: skiing, biking, and sailing!

Contact: parkerme@uw.edu

Ian Campbell
PhD Student

Research Project: Processing and development of self-plasiticizing biocomposites using natural materials as a matrix

I graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering in Dec, 2020. At Georgia Tech, I studied the processing of polymer composites by way of electrospinning and direct ink writing under the advisement of Dr. Blair Brettmann. Since beginning my PhD in material science in the fall of 2021, I have applied my knowledge of polymer science to begin the development of a physical analogue for biomatter plastics. I hope to combine these efforts with the extraction of macromolecules from biomatter to identify mechanisms governing self-boning in algal bioplastics.

Contact: icampb@uw.edu

Meng-Yen Lin
PhD Student

Research Project: Biomass-laden cement biocomposites as sustainable structural materials

I obtained my Master's degree in civil engineering with a focus on structural materials at the National Cheng Kung University (Taiwan). My previous research focused on the elastoplastic behavior of foam and reuse of industrial byproducts as constructional materials. I am currently investigating the interaction between biomass (e.g., algae cells) with cements and its structure-properties relationships.

Contact: mengyen@uw.edu

Kuotian Liao
PhD Student

Research Project: Design and characterization of biomatter-polymer/biomatter biocomposites

My background is in mechanical and structural engineering, with emphasis on energy conversion systems, and later structural analysis & modeling of fiber composites as well as 3D printed materials. My current research emphasizes obtaining fundamental understandings of processing - properties relationships in a wide range of synthetic as well as bio-synthesized material systems.

Contact: timliao@uw.edu

Hareesh Iyer
PhD Student

Research Project: Plasticization of biomass through mechanical and thermal treatments

I got my Master's from the department of Materials Science and Engineering at the UW. Previously, I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University in 2017. In-between I was working with composites in the aerospace industry. My goal is to use my mechanical background to facilitate the development and characterization of bio-based polymers and explore machine learning tools to assist us in the more efficient design of sustainable materials.

Contact: hiyer647@uw.edu

Julia Didier
PhD Student

Research Project: Bacterial cellulose for medical applications

I obtained my B.S in Chemical Engineering and my M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at the Federal University of Pernambuco (Recife, Brazil). For my PhD, I got awarded the CAPES-Print Fellowship (Brazil) to conduct my research at the University of Washington as a visiting scholar. My research focuses on bacterial cellulose production and processing through in-situ and ex-situ methods with the aim to create sustainable and functional materials to be applied in the biomedical field. 

Contact: jdidier@uw.edu 

Brandon Lou
PhD Student

Research Project: Zeolite-cement composite systems for sustainable structural materials 

I have received both my B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Washington. Having previously conducted research on algal biomass-cement composites, I am now studying zeolite as a partial replacement for cement in concrete composite systems with collaborative guidance and supervision from
Dr. Roumeli and Dr. Arola. Outside of my research in structural materials, I am the co-founder of a medical device startup with the aim of improving gastrointestinal surgeries. 

Contact: btlou@uw.edu 

Aban Mandal
PhD Student

Research Project: Effect of processing on bacterial cellulose products

I completed my Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical and Material Engineering from Jadavpur University, where I conducted research on the synthesis of mixed metal oxide-graphene composites for heavy metal removal, which could be applied in water purification. Currently, I am focusing on developing models that can correlate the colloidal behavior of cellulose dispersions to the mechanical properties of films and foams obtained from them. Through my work, I hope to contribute to the development of eco-friendly solutions for various industries, while also promoting the use of sustainable materials in structural applications.

Contact: abanm@uw.edu

Taylor Hilton
Master Student

Research Project: 3D Printing of cellulose colloids/hydrogels

I am currently a master’s student in the University of Washington’s MSE program. Prior to starting at UW, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from the University of Florida where I specialized in biosystems engineering. With my degree and research, I am interested in combining my materials science and biological engineering knowledge to contribute to the development of sustainable materials. Apart from my studies, I enjoy spending time outside hiking, biking, and climbing. 

Benjamin Sprenger
Master Student

Research Project:  Bacterial cellulose-based nanocomposite for harvesting lithium from  ocean

I am a masters student of material science at the University of Washington. Prior, I received my Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound where I focused on biomimicry. My mission is to take inspiration from nature to solve engineering problems. Apart from academics, I enjoy sailing, skiing and rock climbing.

David Kim
Master Student

Research Project: Hierarchical cellular structures from biomass

I received my B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering here at the University of Washington. During my undergrad, I explored the material composition of cathodes for alkaline-ion batteries. Now, as I continue my education as a master's student, I am excited to apply what I learned about nanostructures to the advancement of sustainable biomaterials.

Veronica Lapitan
Undergraduate Student

Research Project: Improving water resistance of algal bioplastics through physical & chemical treatments

I am a third year undergraduate in Materials Science and Engineering. On the side I love playing video games, doing digital drawings, and playing my violin! I’m excited to learn more about biomatter and apply my knowledge of engineering toward a greener future. 

Sven Nilsson
Undergraduate Student

Research Project: Low temperature pyrolysis of biomass

I am currently a third year Material Science and Engineering undergrad and joined the Roumeli group for my senior research project. I sleep more than average for an engineering major but get about average grades, so I count that as a win. Aside from my academic interests, I enjoy weightlifting, writing, photography, and playing video games. 

Rebekah I. Brain
Undergraduate student

Research Project: DIW 3D printing with cellulose hydrogel

I am a fourth year mechanical engineering undergraduate student.  I am interested in the applications of mechanical engineering in creating more sustainable materials and to environmental issues. Outside of school and the lab, I enjoy being outside skiing, biking, and hiking! 

Lily  Nguyen
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Extraction of macromolecules from non-refined biomass

I am a third year undergraduate student in Medical Laboratory Science. Currently, I am working on the extractions of macromolecules from algae to determine their effect on the macroscopic properties of the resulting bioplastics. Outside of the lab, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, and exploring new cafes with friends! 

Sirjan  Uppal
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Biodegradation kinetics of biopolymer and biocomposites

I’m a 2nd year undergraduate in engineering at the University of Washington. I have a keen interest in the environment and want to promote a greener world, so my passions led me to the Roumeli Lab. I’m looking forward to learning and contributing to sustainable polymer research in the lab! Outside of school and research, I enjoy reading, sewing, and spending time outdoors.

Julia Blair
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Mechanically aligned bacterial cellulose laminate

I am currently a senior in material science and engineering department. I am currently working on understanding the effect of fiber alignment on the properties of bacterial cellulose materials. In my free time I play roller derby and love skating and biking around Seattle.

Abby Mapili
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Sustainable structural materials

I am a third year undergraduate student in chemical engineering. I am currently working on developing sustainable materials for structural applications.  I enjoy walking and cooking, and I am excited to be learn more about biomaterials and material engineering in general.

Wren Kitchings
Undergraduate student

Research Project: Analyzing the impact of different algal macromolecules on bioplastic performance

I am a first year engineering undeclared student planning on declaring a materials science and engineering major this summer. Currently, I am exploring how macromolecules in algae can be used to improve bioplastic performance. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting, drawing, and writing.