Team
Richard Zhang
Hometown: Melbourne, FL, USA
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2010)
M.S. and Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech (2015)
Staff Engineer, Aerospace Corporation (2015-2017)
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of North Texas (2017 - Present)
My research is at the intersection of heat transfer and optics. I am particularly interested in how nanomaterials within microdevices control and divert energy. Adjacent research areas include quantum mechanics, cryogenics, and energy storage. I have a life-long passion in aerospace technology through understanding and developing radiative coatings, photovoltaic devices, and spacecraft systems.
Micah Vallin
Ph.D. Candidate (Co-Advised with Dr. Michael Pettes)
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno (2017)
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, UNT (2020)
Research Interests: Nanomaterials, phonon dynamics, and computational optimization
Project: Thermal conductivity of phase transition nanomaterials
Partially funded by US AFOSR, and Los Alamos National Labs
Support Staff
Kona, K.9. (2020)
Alumni
1. Kelsa Adams, M.S. (2022): Sr. Research Scientist, Lockheed Martin
Thesis: Gradient-Index Metamaterial Infrared Detector for Enhanced Photo-response and Image Quality
2. Ken Araki, Ph.D. (2022): Postdoc, Arizona State University
Thesis: Tuning Effect on Thermal Radiative Emission of Thermo-Mechano-Optical Gratings and Multilayers
4. Ethan Cramer, B.S. & M.S. (2020, 2023): Lonestar Analysis
5. Anton Yorzh, M.S. (2019)
Collaborators
Fatima Anwar
Dr. Tae-Yul Choi
Prof. Jeffry Kelber
Prof. Arkadii Krokhin
Dr. Jens Neu
We are hiring several postdocs and sponsored research students
We are hiring a postdoctoral research associate position to work on a federally sponsored fundamental science research project that is broadly focused on nanoscale energy transport, optical and electronic properties of nanomaterials, plasmonics, metamaterials, and general electromagnetic radiation.
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field and research experience in the fields that are related to the focus areas of the position. In addition, the candidate should have a proven track record of publications in relevant journals and conferences. Good written and spoken communication skills are required.
Preferred qualifications include strong design,simulation, and analytical capabilities, as well as hands-on nanoscale fabrication in cleanroom. Must demonstrate self-motivation and strong teamwork skills. US citizenship highly preferred.
To inquire about the postdoctoral position, send your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and one publication sample through email.
We are hiring a postdoctoral research associate position to work on a federally sponsored fundamental science research project that is broadly focused on optical and electronic properties of laser materials, optical characterization, general electromagnetic radiation, and nano/micro-machining.
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a closely related field and research experience in the fields that are related to the focus areas of the position. In addition, the candidate should have a proven track record of publications in relevant journals and conferences. Good written and spoken communication skills are required.
Preferred qualifications include strong design,simulation, and analytical capabilities, as well as hands-on optical table instrumentation, safety, and operation. Must demonstrate self-motivation and strong teamwork skills. US citizenship is optional; Green Card and F1 Visas preferred.
To inquire about and apply for the postdoctoral position, submit your cover letter, curriculum vitae, and one publication sample through email.
Graduate Research Assistants
We are looking for Ph.D. students with general interests in aerospace materials, heat transfer, materials chemistry, and nanotechnology. Graduates holding engineering (mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, etc.) or applied science (physics, chemistry, applied math, etc.) degrees are encouraged to apply. Limited positions available. Must demonstrate English technical written and verbal proficiency; U.S. citizenship is preferred.
Undergraduate Researchers
We are looking for undergraduate research students with general interests in aerospace materials, materials chemistry, optics, and nanotechnology. Undergraduates in engineering (mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, etc.) or applied science (physics, chemistry, applied math, etc.) degrees are encouraged to apply. Limited positions available. U.S. citizenship is preferred.
To inquire about graduate assistant and undergraduate research positions, submit your name, email, and brief educational background below: