Team
Richard Zhang
Principal Investigator
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 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
Ethan Cramer
M.S. Thesis Student (Co-Advised with Dustin Harvey)
Hometown: Prosper, TX
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of North Texas (2020)
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of North Texas (2023)
Research Interests: Machine Learning Engineering, Aerospace
Supported by Los Alamos National Labs
Support Staff
1. 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
5. Anton Yorzh, M.S. (2019)
Graduate Research Assistant
We are looking for Ph.D. students with interest in thermal energy transport, laboratory materials development, and space technology research. Graduates holding engineering (mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, etc.) or applied science (physics, chemistry, applied math, etc.) degrees are encouraged to apply. Limited positions available, dependent on funding. English technical written and verbal proficiency a must. U.S. citizenship preferred.
To inquire about open positions, submit your name, contact, and brief educational background below