Ashley Tirado
Daytona Beach,USA
Summary
Dynamic materials engineer with hands-on experience at NASA Langley Research Center, specializing in ceramic coatings and tribological testing. Proven track record in spearheading innovative projects, enhancing lunar dust mitigation strategies, and fostering collaborative teamwork. Adept at utilizing advanced testing methodologies to achieve impactful results in materials performance.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
NASA NSTGRO Fellowship
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, VA
01.2026 - 04.2026
- Employed advanced dirty vacuum system at NASA Langley to evaluate three-body wear under varying atmospheric conditions.
- Identified and resolved manufacturing and wear testing challenges, enhancing testing reliability.
- Executed manufacturing processes with innovative ceramic matrix, improving lithography production quality.
- Assisted in integrating new technologies into existing frameworks, streamlining operational capabilities.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Advanced Materials and Processing Intern
NASA Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Spearheaded lunar dust mitigation efforts using innovative ceramics for Artemis generation projects.
- Submitted successful proposal for MISSE-20 mission with 8 mol % Yttria-stabilized-zirconia samples approved for ISS.
- Investigated wear and impact resistance of YSZ coatings, enhancing understanding of material durability under extreme conditions.
- Conducted comprehensive experiments on ceramic samples, contributing to in-depth testing and characterization of material properties.
- Led independent research initiatives, managing all stages from planning to data analysis.
- Performed tribological tests simulating lunar dust interactions with materials.
- Executed centrifuge experiments to analyze adhesion mechanisms in lunar conditions, supporting lunar dust mitigation strategies.
- Collaborated with secondary mentor on project analyzing lunar dust adhesion under centrifugal forces.
Teacher Assistant and Supplemental Instructor
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Aligned supplemental instruction with course objectives, enhancing engagement for over 20 students.
- Achieved 12% increase in grades across five course sections through dedicated tutoring.
- Delivered clear technical instructions, enhancing students' understanding of engineering principles.
- Fostered collaborative learning environment, strengthening teamwork and communication among students.
- Developed innovative strategies with production team, increasing audience reach and engagement.
- Improved overall listener experience by continuously seeking enhancements for podcast success.
Summer Camp Counselor
ITWomen Charitable Foundation
Virtual
06.2020 - 08.2021
- Cultivated inclusive environment that strengthened teamwork and communication skills among campers.
- Supported individual coding skill development, increasing camper confidence in their abilities.
- Encouraged student collaboration to enhance peer learning and problem-solving skills.
- Facilitated coding and website creation lessons for K-12 students, promoting STEM engagement.
Education
Master of Science - Aerospace Engineering, Structures and Materials
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering & Minor, Applied Mathematics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, FL05.2024
Skills
- Ceramic coatings
- Thermal protection systems
- Abrasion resistance
- ASTM standards
- Taber abrasion testing
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Contact angle measurement
- Profilometry techniques
- Grit blasting
- Reichert microscopy
- Specimen polishing methods
- Thermogravimetric analysis
- Rockwell and nano-indentation testing
- X-ray diffraction analysis
- Tribological testing methods
- MATLAB programming
- CATIA V5 design
- HTML development
- Systems engineering principles
- Concept of operations development
- Proactive approach
- Collaborative teamwork
- Strategic planning
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Technical presentations and reports
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
NASA NSTGRO24 Fellow
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
NASA NSTGRO Fellowship
NASA Langley Research Center
01.2026 - 04.2026
Advanced Materials and Processing Intern
NASA Langley Research Center
06.2023 - 08.2023
Teacher Assistant and Supplemental Instructor
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
01.2021 - 01.2022
Summer Camp Counselor
ITWomen Charitable Foundation
06.2020 - 08.2021
Master of Science - Aerospace Engineering, Structures and Materials
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Bachelor of Science - Aerospace Engineering & Minor, Applied Mathematics
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University