OBJECTIVE

A full time position in research and development of leading-edge materials applying my skills in research, communication, leadership, and problem solving.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, August 2008

Master of Science, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, August 2005

Bachelor of Science, Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, May 2004

Dissertation Title: Adsorption of Sodium Polyacrylate in High Solids Loading Slurries.

 •       Analyzed high solids loading (75 wt%) calcium carbonate slurries with ATR-FTIR, adsorption isotherms, and viscosity measurements.

 •       Demonstrated that the adsorption modes of sodium polyacrylate and the chemical interactions within a slurry change with increasing solids loading.

 •       Discovered that the water structure within a slurry depends on the solids loading and age.

 •       Manipulated the water structure through addition of certain chemicals in order to prevent or retard the aging of a slurry.

EXPERIENCE

Teaching Assistant, University of Florida, August 2004-December 2007

 •       Ceramics Lab 1 and 2, prepared and taught

 •       Introduction to Materials

Graduate Student Mentor,September 2007-May 2008

 •       Directed research for an undergraduate engineering student involved in the Research Experience in Materials (REM) program at the University of Florida.

Integrated Product and Process Design sponsored by Lockheed Martin, Patent #7,207,274, August 2003-May 2004

 •       Worked within a multidisciplinary team to design a way to embed small, low cost, MEMS sensors into a non-toxic sticky cross-linked polymer media, which is then encapsulated and fired out of a CO₂ powered firearm. This device stuck to the target and transmitted information via RF signal to the remote observer.

Research Internship, Ecole des Mines d'Albi-Carmaux in Albi, France, January 2002-April 2002

 •       Conducted research in a multidisciplinary team on compaction and fluidization in a vibrated powder bed.

SKILLS

Operation and data interpretation: FTIR, SEM, XRD, DSC/TGA, Coulter LS13320, Autosorb (BET), UV-VIS, electrospinning/spraying

Computer: HTML, C, Visual Basic, Microsoft Office, Maya (3D modeling and animation), Adobe Audition, Adobe After Effects

Languages: English and French

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

University of Florida Alumni Fellowship, August 2004-August 2008

Oral presentation: 32^nd International Conference and Exposition on Advanced Ceramics, January 2008

Leadership Positions:

 •       Treasure and Co-founder of the Messianic Jewish Fellowship organization at the University of Florida, October 2004-August 2007

 •       Advisory Board member for the Youth Ministry of Road to Jerusalem, December 2004-Present

PERC Undergraduate Research Scholarship from the University of Florida, May 2001-August 2003

PUBLICATIONS AND PATENTS

Publications:

 •       W. Sigmund, J. Yuh, H. Park, V. Maneeratana, G. Pyrgiotakis, A. Daga, J. Taylor, and J. Nino, Processing and Structure Relationships in Electrospinning of Ceramic Fiber Systems, J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 89 (2), p. 395-407 (2006)

 •       J. Taylor and W. Sigmund, Water Structure Change within High Solids Loading Calcite Slurries. Submitted August 2008

Patents:

 •       J. Taylor and W. Sigmund, Anti-aging chemicals for high solids loading slurries. Office of Technology Licensing, UF# 12856, provisional patent currently being filed.

 •       W. Sigmund, G.Pyrgiotakis, H. Park, J. Taylor, A. Daga, Ceramic nanoparticles and methods of forming ceramic nanoparticles from electrospun nanofibers. Office of Technology Licensing, UF# 11975, Provisional Patent March 20, 2006