Alumni of the MAX Phase Group

Alumni (with their current positions):


A copy of the thesis documents can be downloaded by clicking the hyperlink below each person’s name.

Sankalp Kota, PhD, 2019
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of the MAB Phases: Ternary, Nanolayered Transition Metal Borides 

Cooper Voigt – M.S., 2018
Thesis: Anion adsorption and clay-like swelling of Ti3C2Tz MXene multilayers
Current: PhD Student at Georgia Institute of Technology

Wenzhen Wang – Visiting Scholar (China)
Current: Professor at Chinese Academy of Sciences (China)

Michael Ghidiu – PhD, 2018
Thesis: Ions in MXene: Characterization and Control of Interlayer Cations and their Effects on Structure and Properties of 2D Transition Metal Carbides
Current: Postdoctoral Researcher

Kinjal Valendra – M.S., 2017
Current: Lithography Process Engineer at GlobalFoundries

Arpita Das – M.S., 2017
Current: Project Manager at Horizon Controls Group

Dr. Guobing Ying – Visiting Scholar from Hohai University (China)

Di Zhao – Visiting Scholar (China)
Current: Postdoctoral Researcher

Elisa Mayerberger – M.S., 2017
Current: PhD Student at Lehigh University

Pieralberto Collini – Visiting Scholar from Italy
Thesis: Electrophoretic Deposition of MXene films for functional applications
Current: Engineer at Ferrari

Dr. Joseph Halim – PhD, 2016
Thesis: An X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Multilayered Transition Metal Carbides (MXenes)
Current: Postoctoral Researcher at Linköping University (Sweden)

Mr. Grady Bentzel – M.S., 2016
Current: Advanced Engineer at Kulicke & Soffa

Matthias Agne – M.S., 2015
Thesis: The Stability of Ti2AlC and V2AlC with Al, and the Synthesis of Composites in the Al-Ti-B-C and Al-V-C systems
Current: PhD Student at Northwestern University

Dr. Chao Li Visiting Scholar
Current: Assistant Professor at Liaoning University (China)

Dr. Justin Griggs – PhD, 2015
Thesis: Investigation of the Reversible Hysteresis Effect in Hexagonal Metal Single Crystals and the MAX Phases

Dr. Darin Tallman – PhD, 2015
Thesis: On the Potential of MAX Phases for Nuclear Applications
Current: Research Investigator at The Chemours Company

Dr. Mohamed ShammaPhD, 2015 – Visiting Researcher at San Diego State University
Thesis: On Buckling, Kink Boundaries and Kinking Nonlinear Elastic Solids

Dr. Chunfeng Hu – Visiting Scholar
Current: Professor at Southwest Jiaotong University (China)

Dr. Babak Anasori – PhD, 2014
Thesis: Fabrication and Mechanical Properties of Magnesium Alloy Composites Reinforced with TiC and Ti2AlC Particles
Current: Research Assistant Professor at Drexel Nanomaterials Institute

Matt Nelson – M.S., 2014
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Ti3SiC2/Mg and Cr2AlC/Mg Composites

Dr. Michael Naguib – PhD, 2014
Thesis: MXenes A New Family of Two-dimensional Materials and its Application as Electrodes for Li-ion Batteries
Current: Assistant Professor at Tulane University

Daniel Vryhoff – M.S. 2013
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Mo2GaC, Mo2GaN and Mo2AlC MAX Phases

Dr. Nina J. Lane – PhD, 2013
Thesis: Lattice Dynamical Studies of Select MAX Phases
Current: Software Engineering Manager at Intel Corp.

Dr. Alex Moseson PhD, 2011
Thesis: Spherical Nanoindentation: Insights and Improvements, Including Stress-Strain Curves and Effective Zero Point Determination
Current: Managing Director of Global Engineering Programs at Purdue University

Ismail Albayrak – M.S., 2010
Thesis: Mechanical Properties of Polycrystalline Ceramics by Nanoindentation Methods: Effect of Surface Roughness and Tip Size
Current: Professor & Researcher at Cumhuriyet University (Turkey)

Charles B. Spencer – M.S., 2010
Thesis: Fiber-reinforced Ti3SiC2 and Ti2AlC MAX Phase Composites
Current: Materials Manager at Thomas & Skinner Inc.

Sean Anthony Miller – M.S. 2009
Thesis: Use of Diatomaceous Earth as Silecous Material in the Formation of Alkali Activated Fine-Aggregate Limestone Concrete

Dr. Shahram Amini – Ph.D. 2009
Thesis: On the Effect of Texture on Kinking Non-Linear Elasticity of MAX Phases and MAX-reinforced Mg Matrix Composites
Current: R&D Manager at Johnson Matthey Inc.

Dr. Aaron Sakulich – Ph.D. 2009
Thesis: Characterization of Environmentally-Friendly Alkali Activated Slag Cements and Ancient Building Materials
Current: Associate Professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Dr. Theodore Scarbarozi Jr.PhD, 2009
Thesis: Combinatorial Investigation of Nanolaminate Ternary Carbide Thin Films
Current: Engineer at Honeywell

Dr. Aiguo Zhou – PhD, 2008
Thesis: Kinking Nonlinear Elastic Solids: Theory and Experiments
Current: Associate Professor at Henan Polytechnic University

Dr. Sandip Basu – PhD, 2008 – Rutgers University, New Jersey
Thesis: On Spherical Nanoindentation Stress-Strain Curves, Creep and Kinking Nonlinear Elasticity in Brittle Hexagonal Single Crystals
Current: Applications Scientist at Bruker

Dr. Syed Moniruzzaman – Visiting Research Scholar
Current: Assistant Professor of Physics at LeMoyne-Owen College

Adam Procopio – Senior Principal Scientist at  Merck.

Dr. Miladin Radovic
Thesis: Effect of Temperature and Microstructure on Tensile and Tensile Creep Properties of Ti3SiC2 in Air
Current: Professor at Texas A&M University

Dr. Islam Salama – M.S.
Current: Technology Development Manager at Intel Corp.

Dr. Adrish Ganguly – PhD, 2006
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Solid Solutions of M(n+1)AXn Phases
Current: Senior Research Scientist at Integer Holdings Corp.

Dr. Surojit Gupta – PhD, 2006
Thesis: Tribology of MAX Phases and their Composites
Current: Assistant Professor at University of North Dakota

Dr. Elizabeth Hoffman – PhD, 2006
Thesis: Carbide Derived Carbon from MAX-phases and their Separation Applications
Current: Scientist at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL)

Dr. Peter Finkel – PhD, 2003
Thesis: Low Temperature Elastic and Electronic Properties of MAX Phases
Current: Research Physicist at Naval Research Laboratory

Dr. Anand Murugaiah – PhD, 2004 – Engineering Manager at Momentive Performance Materials
Thesis: Nanoindentations in Kinking Non-Linear Elastic Solids

Dr. Tiejun Zhen – PhD, 2004
Thesis: Compressive Behavior of Kinking Nonlinear Elastic Solids – Ti3SiC2, Graphite, Mica, and BN

Dr. Z. M. Sun – Visiting Scholar
Current: Senior Research Scientist at AIST, Japan.

Dr. Hong Linh Ho-Duc M.S. 2002
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of the Properties of Ti3SiC2/SiC and Ti3SiC2/TiC Composites
Current: Associate Director at TARIS Biomedical

Dr. Tamer El- Raghy – PhD, 1997
Thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Ti3SiC2
Current: Head of Private Equity at Africa Agri and Food

Dr. Dmitri Brodkin – PhD, 1996
Thesis: Processing-Structure-Properties Relations in Titanium Carbide-Titanium Boride Composites Fabricated by Transient Plastic Phase Processing
Current: Director of Technology at Ivoclar Vivadent