Dillan Cothran

Experience

• 

  Georgia Institute of Technology

  Jan 2015 - Dec 2015

  MSE Summer Research Scholar

  Modeling cilia-inspired PNIPAM gel morphologies with a spiky ferrofluid• Analyzed the efficacy of molding poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) gel into temperature-controlled gripper using magnetized ferrofluid• Designed and executed the PNIPAM gel synthesis• Presented the results to students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals at the MSE Career Day Poster Session

• 

  Engi-Mat (formerly nGimat)

  Jan 2017 - May 2017

  Materials Engineering 1st Term Co-Op

  • Developed experimental superhydrophobic thin-film coatings using Combustion Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD)• Collaborated with supervisor to conduct research and improve robustness and hydrophobicity of the coatings• Optimized CCVD parameters and precursor solution composition based on contact angles and SEM images of thin-film samples

• 

  Engi-Mat (formerly nGimat)

  Aug 2017 - Dec 2017

  Materials Engineering 2nd Term Co-Op

  • Characterized magnetic nanopowders produced for a high-frequency radio materials SBIR Phase I Grant• Enhanced nanopowder formulation and post-processing conditions using design of experiments, increasing its magnetic performance by 34 percent• Specified parts for and assisted with the assembly of a new, high-purity, large-scale nanopowder production line

• 

  Materials Innovation & Learning Lab

  Jan 2018 - May 2019

  Cold Sintering Learning & Discovery Team Member

  • Student-led research team which investigates the efficacy of cold sintering zinc oxide and alumina using various solvents and temperature conditions• Created a porous ceramic disc by cold sintering an alumina solution containing a 3D-printed plastic mold

• 

  Engi-Mat (formerly nGimat)

  May 2018 - Aug 2018

  Materials Engineering 3rd Term Co-Op

  • Optimized post-processing conditions of a custom nanopowder order, allowing for earlier delivery to the customer• Wrote and proofread standard operating procedures in preparation for an ISO 9001:2015 audit• Collaborated with colleagues and supplier to troubleshoot inaccurate BET instrument; established maintenance protocol after successful repair

• 

  Universal Alloy Corporation

  Jun 2019 - now

  • Supervise the daily operations of the metallurgical laboratory which mechanically tests all of the extrusion profiles produced at our facility- and others.• Generate test plans for products according to aerospace industry material specifications.• Disposition product prior to certifying conformance to specifications.• Collaborate with Metallurgy, Process Engineering, and Information Technology to drive continuous improvement of the laboratory and UAC as a whole.• Assist with audits pertaining to industry certifications (e.g. ISO 17025) and customer surveillance. Show less

  • Laboratory Manager & Metallurgical Engineer

    Jun 2022 - now

  • Laboratory Supervisor & Metallurgical Engineer

    Mar 2022 - Jun 2022

  • Metallurgical Engineer

    Jun 2019 - Mar 2022