Andres Velarde
Research Scientist I
Salt Lake City,UT
Summary
Currently a Research Scientist I developing novel resin systems for carbon fiber and fiberglass laminates used in aerospace and military applications. Leads idea generation, test planning, literature review, and process documentation. Trains personnel and manages project timelines across collaborative lab work while maintaining a candid communication style.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Scientist I
Hexcel Corporation
02.2026 - Current
- Mixing and researching novel resin systems for carbon fiber and fiberglass laminates.
- Trained personnel on diverse processes to enhance team capabilities.
- Presented findings internally and coordinated project timelines for successful execution.
- Developed comprehensive test plans for investigations to ensure thorough analysis.
- Experienced in literature searches and reviews.
- Chemistry Lab Coordinator
- Chemical Inventory Coordinator
Research Technician
Hexcel Corporation
08.2022 - 01.2026
- Researched and mixed novel resin systems for carbon fiber laminates in military and aerospace applications.
- Designed processes and tooling that enhanced accuracy, consistency, and applicability of products.
- Experienced in finding and working with collaborators and establishing NDAs to do so safely.
- Able to develop and write Standard Operating Procedures and process documentation.
- Formulations Group primary technician
Laboratory Technician
Myriad Genetics Incorporated
06.2021 - 07.2022
- Processed patient gene samples in Legacy lab for genetic disease and cancer testing, ensuring accurate results for diagnostic purposes.
- Validated and maintained robotic machinery, ensuring quality control for reliable lab operations.
- Conducted routine laboratory tests to ensure accuracy of genetic analysis results.
- Maintained and calibrated laboratory equipment to uphold operational efficiency and precision.
- Developed standard operating procedures for sample handling and processing to enhance workflow consistency.
Crisis Worker
Utah Department of Human Services
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Assisted individuals in accessing COVID-related resources, including rental assistance, healthcare support, and vaccination and testing appointments.
- Coordinated outreach events to connect community members with essential services.
Computational Theoretician
Matthew Kieber-Emmons Lab - University of Utah
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Executed thousands of Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations with Gaussian to support bench-top phenomena.
- Conducted computational benchmarking against benchtop results, uncovering electronic states that clarified analytical phenomena.
- Tested molecular geometric and electronic tolerances to map potential energy surfaces (PESs) and find PES minimums through manual orbital organization.
- Coauthored two papers exploring copper based organometallic catalysts and geometric states of sulfur centered organic structures (listed below).
Laboratory Assistant
Uwe Schröder Lab + Daniel Werz Lab
05.2018 - 08.2018
- Worked in Uwe Schröder’s electrochemical battery lab creating organic liquid batteries that stored energy in higher energy structures.
- Developed organic liquid batteries in Uwe Schröder’s electrochemical battery lab, enabling higher energy storage capabilities.
- Executed chemical column processes and extracted, tested compounds from synthesis slurries in Daniel Werz's organic chemistry lab, while conducting DFT calculations on sulfur-focused organic structures.
Falconry Bell Maker
Velarde Bells
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Third generation bell maker.
- Experienced in machining, and soldering.
- Cultivated passion for refining processes to ensure exceptional craftsmanship.
Education
B.S. - Chemistry
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT12-2020
Master of Science - Chemistry
Ohio University
Athens, OH 05.2001 -
Skills
- Reaction kinetics and cure profile modeling
- DFT calculations with Gaussian
- Statistical analysis
- Design of experiments
- Test plan development
- Technical writing
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
- Thermogravimetric analysis
- Viscosity analysis
Timeline
Research Scientist I
Hexcel Corporation
02.2026 - Current
Research Technician
Hexcel Corporation
08.2022 - 01.2026
Laboratory Technician
Myriad Genetics Incorporated
06.2021 - 07.2022
Crisis Worker
Utah Department of Human Services
01.2021 - 06.2021
Laboratory Assistant
Uwe Schröder Lab + Daniel Werz Lab
05.2018 - 08.2018
Computational Theoretician
Matthew Kieber-Emmons Lab - University of Utah
01.2017 - 03.2020
Falconry Bell Maker
Velarde Bells
01.2009 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Chemistry
Ohio University
05.2001 -
B.S. - Chemistry
University of Utah
Publications
(1) Ahlburg, N. L.; Velarde, A. R.; Kieber-Emmons, M. T.; Jones, P. G.; Werz, D. B. Substituted Benzothietes: Synthesis and a Quantum Chemical Investigation of Their Cycloreversion Properties. Org. Lett. 2020, 22 (11), 4255–4260. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.orglett.0c01261.
(2) VanNatta, P. E.; Ramirez, D. A.; Velarde, A. R.; Ali, G.; Kieber-Emmons, M. T. Exceptionally High O–H Bond Dissociation Free Energy of a Dicopper(II) μ-Hydroxo Complex and Insights into the Geometric and Electronic Structure Origins Thereof. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142 (38), 16292–16312. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.0c06425.