As a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Material Science and Engineering from the College of Engineering, my coursework included atomic structures and chemical, mechanical, and electronic properties of materials. I took courses specializing in glass, ceramics, polymers, fiber science, and biomaterials. I also took several courses in the Design and Environmental Analysis department within the College of Human Ecology. Through these courses, I developed skills in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Suite. I also learned the complexities and components of design and developed an eye for aesthetics and detail.
I also conducted research under the Dean of Material Science and Engineering, Professor Lara Estroff, whose research focuses on bio-inspired materials. Supervised by PhD recipient, Dr. Konrad Hedderick, I advanced a project inspired by the single-celled algae, coccolithophore, one of the ocean's top calcifying organisms. This research focused on replicating, controlling, and optimizing the templating process of the coccolithophore. I learned a variety of lab techniques and utilized advanced instrumentation to synthesize and characterize coacervates.
I first fell in love with architecture and design at The Beacon School. The final project for my high school geometry class required creating a co-housing community using tessellations and geometric relationships. Because of that course, I decided to learn more about architecture and design.
I did two pre-college summer intensive programs: one in architecture at Cooper Union and one in chemistry at Stanford University. At Cooper Union, I explored various styles including biomimicry which brought together my interest in biology and design. That prompted me to explore the underlying math and physics that are essential to turning architecture projects into engineered relationships. I decided to explore engineering and was able to further incorporate my love for chemistry and biology by focusing on material science.
A summer internship at Arch Interiors, under designer Christopher Grubb, provided exposure to luxury residential design. I worked closely with FF&E company representatives to put together portfolios for clients.
My interpersonal skills have benefited from jobs in retail and hospitality. In high school, I worked at Smorgasburg, a famous food festival. I worked for the Ring Ding Bar of Duane Park Patisserie, a Tribeca favorite bakery. I also worked at Laughing Man, founded by Hugh Jackman, as a barista. My most recent service industry job was at the Cornell Store in Ithaca.
The Estroff Group - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US, Undergraduate Researcher
• Secured grants for research on complex coacervation with microcontact printed templates on silicon wafers using PDMS stamping processes.
• Actively contributed to group meetings, integrating literature and previous work to improve procedures. Presented findings at Undergraduate and Graduate Research Symposiums.
• Proficiently prepared and characterized many samples weekly using Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Analyzed data from various techniques and identified trends using MATLAB Models. Received training at Cornell’s Nanoscale Facility (CNF) and Cornell Center for Material Research (CCMR).
Arch-Interiors Design Group, Beverly Hills, CA, US, Design Intern
• Researched and sourced furniture and materials for clients from the extensive material library. Communicated with sales,
manufacturing, and technical departments about products, specs, and obtained samples for senior designers and clients.
• Organized competition lists and schedules for upcoming and current design competitions.
• Modified space plans and renderings of interior and furniture designs on AutoCAD and SketchUp. Edited videos and images
for final mock-ups of marketing pitches.
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, US, Bachelors, Material Science
RELEVANT COURSEWORK
Junior Design Project | Jan. - May. 2023
• Forensic analysis of ceramic knives using optical microscopy and physical simulations through mechanical models.
• Created and presented a design proposal to improve the ceramic knife industry based on gaps in current patents.
Senior Project | Sopax, All by 4D, New York, NY | Formulation Team. | Aug. -Dec. 2023
• Worked with a startup based in NYC to achieve set objectives of sustainability and functionality.
• Reduced environmental impact on sewage system through new formulation and research on eco-friendly alternatives.
• Implemented experiments on product effectiveness across various parameters for various batch modifications.
Senior Design Project | Jan. -May. 2024
• Prototyped and marketed a biomaterial plastic wrap to address a gap in the market for sustainable alternatives.
• Collaborated with three classmates to carry out successful material selection, define the voice of customer through a House of Quality, and finetune the product through DFMEA.
• Our product was given the MSE Jeffery Design Award by the department.
Other: Construction Documents, Introduction to AutoCAD, Design Graphics & Visualization, Multiscale Biomaterial Analysis
The Beacon School, New York, NY, US, High School, High School
MSE Jeffery Design Award, 1st Place