News

Congrats to Clark on his recent successful PhD Proposal Defense. Clark's dissertation topic is "Understanding CMAS Reaction Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies." We look forward to the great results you will be getting in the next year as you complete your PhD research.

Sandamal joins us as a post doctoral research associate from NC State where he recently defended his PhD on corrosion behavior of high-energy ball-milled aluminum vandium alloys Sandamal wil be exploring the world of high temperature corrosion in his new role.

Eleven current and former grad students from the Opila group attended or gave presentations at MS&T 2022, Pittsburgh, PA. Nice showing, Clark, Lilly, Mackenzie, Lavina, Charlie, Kristyn, Connor, and Cameron. Not pictured, but also giving presentations, Eric and Niquana.

Congratulations to Coleman for successfully defending his PhD research proposal entitled: "Exploring the Aqueous Dissolution Precipitation Mechanism of Ca-Si-Na-O containing Reactants to form Crystalline Calcium Silicate Hydrates in Carbonated Environments." Also, many congratulations to Connor and Charlie who both passed their PhD qualifiying exams with flying colors. Enjoy the transition from PhD student to PhD candidate.

A warm welcome to both Catherine Lynch, grad student and Morgan Small, undergrad who have joined the research group this fall. We look forward to working with you!

Opila group members, graduates and current students, had a great time at Carter's Mountain, Fry's Spring Station, and Kardinal Hall over the July 16-17th weekend. It was great to see everyone and to reconnect with group alumni, alumnae.

Congratulations to Kristyn. She is one of five recipients for the best poster award at the ECI conference on Thermal/Environmental Barrier Coatings in Irsee, Germany. She also received an authentic ceramic Irsee beer mug for her efforts as the audio/visual volunteer. Way to go Kristyn!

Congratulations to Niquna for her successes at the ECI conference on Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics. Niquana made her first oral presentation, received the awards for "first student to ask a question" AND "the student who asks the most questions." She got a cool "Snowbird" hat for her awards. Great job!

A warm summer welcome to our new undergrad researchers Brandol, Rachel R., and Jailynn and our new grad students Padraig, Laura, and Sarah Beth. We look forward to working with you this summer and in the future.

Congratulations to all group members for their many successes this spring term. Best wishes to Katie as she moves on to AFRL after graduating with her PhD. Congratulations to Rachel McNamara for graduating with her BS in MSE and her well-deserved 2022 SEAS Outstanding Student Award. We are pleased we will see her as a UVA grad student in Prof. Ji Ma's group. Congrats also to Connor for his VSGC grad fellowship and Eric for passing his PhD qualifier exam. Congratulations to Alex, Morgan, and Jack for their summer internships.