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Nathanial B

- Research Program Mentor

PhD at Northwestern University

Expertise

materials science, structural engineering, engineering design, data science, sustainability

Bio

I am scientific researcher with 5+ years of interdisciplinary experience in the fields of materials science, engineering, and sustainability. I am passionate about finding ways to decrease the carbon footprint of materials and structures. During my Ph.D. at Northwestern University, I focused on using emerging nanotechnologies to improve the performance of concrete with recycled materials. My personal interests include sports and traveling. I play soccer and tennis and I am fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Penguins. I have also traveled to 24 states and 8 countries. A fun fact about me is that I am a twin!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

How can we decrease the environmental footprint of construction materials?

In this project, you will investigate the embodied carbon dioxide emissions and embodied energy emissions of a given construction material. Additionally, you will quantify how changing the chemistry of the construction material or replacing the material by a more sustainable alternative can improve the sustainability of the construction industry. The results of this research will be documented in a scientific review-style paper. This project will teach you how to explore scientific literature in the fields of materials science, civil engineering, and sustainability, along with providing you with skills such as writing and data analysis.

Project 2

Coding skills

Python, MATLAB, C, R

Teaching experience

I am currently an instructor for Mechanics of Materials/Introduction to Biomechanics at Northwestern University. I also have experience as a teaching assistant for engineering analysis courses at Northwestern University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Credentials

Work experience

Northwestern University (2024 - Current)
Postdoctoral Scholar

Education

University of Pittsburgh
BS Bachelor of Science (2019)
Civil Engineering
University of Pittsburgh
MS Master of Science (2021)
Civil Engineering
Northwestern University
PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Civil and Environmental Engineering

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