Timothy S. Fisher (PhD 1998, Cornell) was born in Aurora, IL USA. He joined UCLA’s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering in 2017 after spending 15 years at Purdue’s School of Mechanical Engineering, and several years previously at Vanderbilt University. He is the founding Director of the Center for Integrated Thermal Management of Aerospace Vehicles, supported by the US Air Force Research Laboratory and leading industrial members: Boeing, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Rolls-Royce. He is an Adjunct Professor in the International Centre for Materials Science at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and he co-directs the Joint Centre on Nanomaterials for Clean Energy and Environmental Sensors. From 2009 to 2012, he served as a Research Scientist at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s newly formed Thermal Sciences and Materials Branch of the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate. In 2013 he became the James G. Dwyer Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue, and in the same year he founded a start-up company to commercialize inventions from his laboratory. Prior to his graduate studies, he was employed from 1991 to 1993 as a design engineer in Motorola’s Automotive and Industrial Electronics Group. His research has included studies of nanoscale heat transfer, carbon nanomaterial synthesis, coupled electro-thermal effects in semiconductor and electron emission devices, energy conversion and storage materials and devices, microfluidic devices, biosensing, and related computational methods ranging from atomistic to continuum scales. (Google Scholar, Linkedin) [tsfisher@g.ucla.edu]

David joined the NTRG in Fall 2020. He completed his PhD (2019) in Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His research interests were heat transfer, energy transport, and materials science. During his PhD, he used ultrafast lasers to investigate the thermal transport in two-dimensional materials and thin films for thermal management of electronic devices and other energy systems. David received multiple fellowships including the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, the Georgia Tech Center for Organics and Photonics Fellowship, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Minority PhD Fellowship. In 2018, he won an Outstanding Paper Award at the IEEE Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena in Electronic Systems. After graduation, he joined Raytheon Intelligence and Space (formerly Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems) in El Segundo, CA. At Raytheon, he used his background in the thermal sciences to perform thermal analysis of spacecraft hardware. His current research focuses on high temperature thermal properties and cooling of hypersonic leading edges. (Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ResearchGate) [dbrown3@g.ucla.edu]

Yijun joined the group in Fall 2015 as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering and earned the PhD degree in March 2022. She received the MS degree from Purdue University and Bachelors degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. She worked on oxide interface thermal transport, using Density Functional Theory in combination with an atomistic Green’s Function approach. She is working on electron-phonon coupling and thermal transport across semiconductor interfaces, using numerical methods. Another research interest is modeling photothermal effects in PAHs. She is also interested in thermal transport and electron-phonon coupling mechanisms in metals and 2D material interfaces. (LinkedIn) [yijunge@g.ucla.edu]

Bryce joined the group in Fall 2018 as a PhD student in Mechanical engineering. After completing his BS in 2016 at Kansas State University, he worked for two years in the flare combustion industry as a project engineer. His current research focuses on aerospace thermal protection systems, particularly ablation at hypersonic leading edges. Bryce’s other interests include spacecraft thermal management and mission design, propulsion systems, and high-temperature materials. In his free time, he enjoys learning languages, scuba diving, and watching Kansas City sports teams win championships. [brycejboyer@g.ucla.edu]

Indronil joined NTRG in Spring 2019 as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his BS in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he completed research on the optimization of Raman cooling of photonic crystals, under Prof. Gaurav Bahl. He has collaborated with The Aerospace Corporation to computationally model the heat transfer and fluid mechanics in ball bearings. Interning at The Aerospace Corporation, he developed thermal analyses and data processing tools for projects on orbital heating and laser heating. Now, at UCLA, he is modeling thermionic emission at the hypersonic leading edge. You can also find him helping his colleagues numerically model flash depressurization. Outside research, Indronil enjoys using AI/machine learning APIs to automate his home and learning new languages (currently Mandarin and Japanese). (Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ResearchGate) [ighosh@g.ucla.edu]

Min Jong Kil joined the NTRG in Fall 2021 as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. He received his MS in Mechanical Engineering from UCLA in 2021. He received his B.S. from Seoul National University of Science and Technology (SNUST) (under Prof. Jihwan An) and from Northumbria University in 2020, where he worked on atomic layer deposition, solid oxide fuel cells, and catalysts. He worked at Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) (under Dr. Hyeongkeun Kim), on atomic layer deposition, EUV pellicle, and supercapacitors. In NTRG, he is working on solar-thermal graphite synthesis of the heat spreader and thermal interface materials for electronics cooling. Especially, he is working on thermally enhanced organic substrates for GaN power amplifiers for SRC project. Also, he is working on developing thermal properties measurements (thermal diffusivity and thermal interface resistance). (Google Scholar, LinkedIn, ResearchGate) [hjkz3514@g.ucla.edu]

Zachary joined NTRG in Fall 2019 as a UCLA undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering. He completed his MS and is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. His early work was part of the ARPA-E SHOTEAM project (under Dr. Ivan Catton and Dr. Timothy Fisher), and centered on computational fluid dynamics and performance optimization for high-temperature supercritical CO2 recuperators. Currently his research focus is on passive two-phase thermal control for spacecraft, electrohydrodynamics, and data assimilation. Some of his other interests beyond research are long-distance running, cooking, and playing music. (LinkedIn) [zwong888@g.ucla.edu]

Ben joined the NTRG in Fall 2022 as a PhD student in Aerospace Engineering. He received his bachelors in Astrophysics and Engineering Physics from the University of California, Berkeley. At Berkeley he worked on applications of carbon nanotube based technologies with applications including electron beam lithography, COVID-19 detection, and E-field emission. Within NTRG, Ben works as a part of the Solar Processing Team. Here he focuses on discovering and highlighting the properties of the carbon based materials that are a product of the solar process. In the future, Ben hopes to determine the viability of altering the process for carbon dioxide while continuing to reap the benefits of the produced carbon materials. Outside of research, Ben appreciates going to the gym, reading science fiction, playing board games, and trying to catch up on Dungeons and Dragons shows. (Linkedin) [bheronimus@g.ucla.edu]

Hengrui Xu joined NTRG in Fall 2022 as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering. He earned his Bachelors degree with honors in Energy and Power Engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University in 2022. In NTRG, Hengrui is working on the project titled Direct Solar Conversion of Biogas to Hydrogen and Solid Carbon. Outside research, he likes swimming and playing badminton. (Linkedin) [hengruixu@g.ucla.edu]

Rishi Pugazhendhi joined NTRG in Fall 2022 as a MS student in Mechanical Engineering. He received his B.E. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai in 2021. Prior to his graduate study, he worked as Energy Specialist in the R&D department of Nestlives Private Limited, Chennai. He has published 20 papers in international journals and serves as a reviewer to Elsevier journals. Rishi has framed several novel ideas, designed composite index, performed extensive research and review, especially in the energy and sustainability domain. Having collaborated with international academic and industrial experts, he worked on the projects including phase change materials, heat pipes, solar photovoltaic cooling and decarbonization strategies. His research interest aligns with thermal management, energy conversion and planning, sustainable energy technologies, and Sustainable Development Goal 7. In NTRG, he is working on transient thermal management using flash cooling. (Google Scholar, Linkedin, Research Gate) [rishi12@g.ucla.edu]

Dominik joined NTRG in Fall 2022 as a senior pursuing a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in German. At NTRG his research focuses on field-scale direct solar conversion of biogas to hydrogen and solid carbon. Previously Domik interned with Amazon Web Services in Data Center Infrastructure and with Chevron in Designs Drafting, and currently serves as the Director of Bruin Racing at UCLA. In his free time he enjoys running with friends, cooking, and the outdoors. (Linkedin)

Yini He joined NTRG in Fall 2022 as a senior undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. She plans to earn her Bachelor degree in 2023 and pursue a master ‘s program afterwards. In NTRG, her research focuses on concentrated solar power applications and the further automation of the solar experimental setup. Apart from research, she enjoys trying all different kinds of dances, exploring more about religions, and making friends. (Linkedin)

Qusay is a third-year mechanical engineering student at UCLA. He currently serves as the Structures lead for Supermileage where he works with composites, design, and manufacturing of efficient vehicles. Qusay led the project of manufacturing the new Supermileage vehicle monocoque using carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb. Qusay also serves as the Bruin Racing treasurer where he handles finances of over 200 students. In the future, Qusay wants to work in the automotive industry where he hopes to work in sustainable transportation. In his free time, Qusay enjoys hiking, traveling, and ice skating.  (Linkedin)

Wilson is currently a third-year mechanical engineering student at UCLA. As part of Rocket Project at UCLA he has contributed to the launch of three rockets as part of the recovery and internal structures teams by designing and manufacturing the load-bearing components. For summer 2023, he will be interning with 3DCeram in Berlin, where he hopes to learn how additive manufacturing with ceramics is being used in a variety of different industries. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a PhD while researching heat-transfer and its related fields, namely electronic cooling and how it will be changing to meet the needs of faster computers. In his free time, he is a leader in the Ski and Snowboard club at UCLA where he organizes trips to give students the opportunity to ski in southern California. (Linkedin)

Jonathan is a third-year mechanical engineering major, expected to graduate in Spring 2024. Previously a civil engineering major, he switched to mechanical engineering at the beginning of his second year. Prior to joining NTRG, he worked in Bruin Racing Formula as the aerodynamics team member, assisting in CFD optimization of the rear wing and manufacturing wing components of the car. Since the Fall of 2022, he has been part of the design team for UCLA Biomedical Engineering Society, working on designing and manufacturing hardware aspects of the stabilometric platform for orthopedic and neurological patients. After receiving a bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a master’s program focusing on research. Eventually, he would like to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. Apart from academic life, he likes to play and watch soccer, listen to music, and play the guitar and the piano. (Linkedin)

Bradley is currently a third-year mechanical engineering student at UCLA. He is largely
interested in additive manufacturing as well as clean energy. Previously, he interned at Trimark
Associates in the production department. He also works as an Academic Student Employee for
the M20 Introduction to Computer Programming with MATLAB course. After he receives his
bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue master’s. In his free time, he plays various intramural
sports and is a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He also has a passion for computer
science and is taking courses to further develop his technological breadth. (Linkedin)

Stetson joined NTRG in Winter 2023 as a sophomore in Mechanical Engineering with a double major in mathematics. Previously he taught the E96 class on GoKarts at UCLA’s Engineering Design Summer Institute to high school students. He is also an active participant in Bruin Supermileage, Solar Decathlon and Aquaponics. In his free time he enjoys cooking, exploring LA on his bike, and watching movies. (Linkedin)

Ryan is an undergraduate researcher (BS in Aerospace Engineering) at NTRG within the Solar Processing team, working to develop, test and manufacture carbon fiber using a proprietary technique that harnesses solar energy. In the future, he hopes to get involved in big projects currently underway in both the space and aviation industries, whether it be commercial hypersonic aircraft, Starlink, or NASA’s Artemis project. He sees the  aerospace industry as one of the leading innovators shaping our world today, and cannot wait to be a part of that change, in any way possible. Outside of research, he enjoys mountain biking, hiking, playing soccer, tennis and basically any outdoors activities that one can imagine.  (Linkedin)

Danny Chmaytelli joined the NTRG in Fall 2021 as a high school research associate, and he plans to study mechanical or aerospace engineering in college. He is currently a senior at Santa Monica High School, where he is captain of the Science Bowl team and president of the Engineering Club. His early work was with the ARPA-E SHOTEAM project, where he helped fabricate experimental superalloy heat exchangers and measured their heat transfer rate in a sCO2 loop. He also coded multiple thermal circuit models to analyze the data. His current work focuses on the use of strain gauges to characterize the internal dynamics and performance of oscillating heat pipes. In his free time, Danny enjoys planespotting, reading, and baking. (linkedin)