Melissa Wunch
Killeen,USA
Summary
Knowledgeable inorganic and materials chemist with robust background in scientific research, contributing to several groundbreaking projects. Demonstrated expertise in developing experimental protocols and achieving significant advancements in various studies. Proven ability to utilize analytical skills and collaborative teamwork to drive research success in the fields of graphene and electrochemistry.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Research Scientist/Lab Manager
TAMU-CT
01.2022 - Current
- Engage in the study of thin film solar cells using SEM-CL mapping to identify anomalies within the samples; prepared samples for characterization, data analysis, maintain records
- Developed python algorithm for the processing of large scale data sets
- Order lab supplies and safety equipment when required; maintain all lab equipment
- Write grant proposals to government agencies for lab funding to acquire new lab equipment and expand research capabilities
Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Lab Manager
TAMU-CT
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Engage in the study of thin film solar cells and integrated circuits using SEM-CL mapping to identify anomalies within the samples; prepared samples for characterization, data analysis, maintain records
- Established safety protocols for the lab and updated SOPs for all instrumentation
- Maintained lab equipment and scheduled annual maintenance when required
- Established research collaborations with labs outside of the university to help expand knowledge
Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Lab Manager
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2021 - 09.2021
- Engaged in collaborative research for the development of hybrid electrodes for energy storage (supercapacitor/Li-ion) devices consisting of metal oxide/metal nitride encapsulated in carbon and functionalized graphene for polymer composites
- Researched different electrolyte systems (aqueous, ionic liquid, organic, etc.) for energy storage (battery/supercapacitor)
- Prepared samples for characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM, etc.), analyzed all data collected, electrochemical analysis (assembly and testing), and maintained records (physical and digital)
- Established research collaborations with additional research groups to expand knowledge
Research Assistant/Lab Manager
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Engaged in research of hybrid electrodes for energy storage (supercapacitor/Li-ion) devices consisting of metal oxide/metal nitride with carbon, and functionalized graphene for corrosion protection
- Researched different electrolyte systems (aqueous, ionic liquid, organic, etc.) for energy storage (battery/supercapacitor)
- Assisted researchers in other disciplines to further their understanding of synthesized materials
- Annual writing of grant proposals and white papers to government agencies to expand research and establish collaborations
- Developed safety protocols and lab SOPs in accordance with OSHA guidelines
Teaching Assistant
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Facilitated classroom discussions, enhancing student engagement and comprehension of course material.
- Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to create a consistent and supportive learning environment for students.
Research Assistant
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Graphene functionalization, inorganic synthesis, and assembly and testing of metal oxide/nitride-carbon materials for energy storage
- Sample characterization (Raman, SEM, EDS, XRD, etc.), Data processing, Record Maintenance
Education
Ph.D. - Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
The University of Texas At Dallas-Richardson
Richardson, TX12.2020
M.S. - Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
The University of Texas At Dallas-Richardson
Richardson, TX08.2017
B.S. - Biochemistry
The Florida State University-Tallahassee
Tallahassee, FL08.2012
Skills
- Analytical Techniques: XRD, UV Spectroscopy, FTIR, Electron Microscopy (SEM), Raman Spectroscopy, XPS, Impedance Spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, Instron, XRF, AES
- Software: ChemDraw, OriginPro, Microsoft Office, Python
- Laboratory Techniques: Laboratory manager, Glovebox operation, High-temperature furnaces, electrochemical analysis, electrospinning, chemical synthesis (polymer and inorganic), electrochemical device assembly (coin cell, t-cell, JME, pouch), graphene, polymer composites
- Research and publication (journal and patent)
Accomplishments
- Achieved 2 patents by developing novel methods for the functionalization of graphene (US11111150) and carbon nanotubes (US18701465).
- Achieved multiple publications, 1 first author and 6 co-author, through collaborations with members affiliated with other labs and institutions
Publications
- M.A. Wunsch; J.A. Garcia; S.F. Mahmood; Y. Tian; K.J. Balkus, Jr.; J.P. Ferraris; D.J. Yang, “Vanadium Nitride/Vanadium Oxide – Carbon Nanofiber Hybrids for High performance Supercapacitors”, Electrochimica Acta, 2024, doi:j.electacta.2024.143992
- Y. Tian; X. Zhu; M. Abbas; D.W. Tague; M.A. Wunsch; J.P. Ferraris; K.J. Balkus, Jr., “Magnesium Hydroxide Templated Hierarchical Porous Carbon Nanosheets as Electrodes for High-Energy-Density Supercapacitors”, ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2022, doi: acsaem.2c00417
- N. Abeykoon; S. Mahmood; S. Alahakoon; M. Wunsch; R. Smaldone; D. Yang; J. Ferraris, “ High Surface Area Carbon Fiber Supercapacitor Electrodes Derived from an In Situ Copolymer Containing Terpolymer: Poly(Acrylonitrile-co-1-Vinylimidazole-co-Itaconic Acid)”, ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2021, doi: acsaem.1c01253
- A. T. Brown; V.S. Agrawal; M.A. Wunsch; J. Lin; M.C. Thomas; J.P. Ferraris; Y.J. Chabal; K.J. Balkus Jr., “Yttrium Oxide-Catalyzed Formation of Electrically Conductive Carbon for Supercapacitors”, ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2021, doi: acsaem.1c02270
- M.Wunsch, S.F. Mahmood, D.J. Yang, “Facile direct functionalization of graphene nanoparticles”, US Patent 20200087150 A1, September 07, 2021
Timeline
Associate Research Scientist/Lab Manager
TAMU-CT
01.2022 - Current
Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Lab Manager
TAMU-CT
01.2021 - 01.2022
Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Lab Manager
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2021 - 09.2021
Research Assistant/Lab Manager
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2019 - 01.2020
Teaching Assistant
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2017 - 01.2019
Research Assistant
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2015 - 01.2017
B.S. - Biochemistry
The Florida State University-Tallahassee
Ph.D. - Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
The University of Texas At Dallas-Richardson
M.S. - Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
The University of Texas At Dallas-Richardson
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