Joseph Koo

Forty years of experience in obtaining and managing research funds, conducting research projects, publishing and presenting results, interacting with academic, industrial, and government communities, lecturing both in the U.S. and abroad, and supervising students and technical staff in the laboratory in both academia and industry. An excellent track record for developing well-funded research programs sponsored by DoD (AFOSR, AFRL, AMRDEC, DTRA, MDA, NAVAIR, NAVSEA, NSWC, ONR), DoE, DoT, EPA, FAA, NASA, NSF, and private companies. Technical interests include materials and thermal science research. Currently specializing in “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology Designed for Extreme Environments.”

Ablation Research

• Nanocomposite rocket ablative material (NRAM) for solid rocket motor (SRM)
• Experimental and numerical characterization of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposite (TPUN) for SRM internal insulation
• Affordable elastomeric insulation material for solid rocket motors with improved ablation resistance
• Functionally graded polyimide nanocomposite foams for space application
• Polymer-ceramic nanocomposites/carbon fiber-reinforced composites for re-entry bodies
• Ablation, thermal, and flammability properties of SiC fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites
• Ablation, thermal, and flammability properties of polysiloxane/silica fiber-reinforced ablative TPS materials
• Ablation and thermal properties characterization of missile/propulsion/re-entry ablative materials
• Advanced manufacturing of TPS materials using fused deposition modeling (FDM) in additive manufacturing
• In-situ ablation recession and thermal sensors for thermal protection systems (TPS)
• Char strength (compressive and shear) sensors to evaluate polymer nanocomposite ablatives
• Thermophysical properties characterization of polymer fiber-reinforced composites and polymer nanocomposites at elevated temperatures (for material response modeling)
• Numerical modeling of polymer degradation kinetic parameters
• Material response modeling of ablative Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) and solid rocket motors (SRM)
• Flowfield modeling of oxy-acetylene test bed (OTB) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch for ablation

Flame Retardant (FR) Polymers Research

• Inherently FR and non-drip polyamide 6 and polyamide 6,6 nanocomposites for cost-effective FR nonwoven and woven fabrics
• FR polymers for selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing (AM)
• Thermal and flammability characterization of polymeric composites

Conductive Polymers Research

• Electrically and thermally conductive polymers for selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing (AM)
• Heterogeneously structured conductive resin matrix/graphite fiber composite for high thermal conductive structural application
• Scale-up study of highly aligned and high concentrated CNT BMI fiber-reinforced composites for aerospace applications
• Electrically conductive UHMWPE and PEEK nanocomposites using fused deposition modeling (FDM) AM for medical applications
• Multifunctional cyanate ester-f-CNT nanocomposite carbon fiber-reinforced composites
• Conductive textile threads

Others

• Nanostructured carbon/carbon composites
• High temperature resin filament wound glass fiber-reinforced composites for downhole drilling

EDUCATION

• Sc.D. (Mechanical Engineering) – George Washington University – Washington, DC: l987
• M.S. (Mechanical Engineering) – Pennsylvania State University – University Park, PA: 1975
• B.S. (Mechanical Engineering) – University of Washington – Seattle, WA: 1973, Completed four-year engineering program in three years

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMITTEES

• Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) – Fellow (2007)
• Chair of the Nanotechnology Committee (2002 – present)

• Member of the Fire Performance Committee (2000 – 2002)

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) – Associate Fellow (1991)

• Past Chair (2003 – 2005) and AIAA Materials Technical Committee (TC) – Member (1997 – present)

• Deputy Chair of the AIAA Multidisciplinary and Systems Sub Committee/Emerging Technologies Committee (2007 – present)

• AIAA Propellants and Combustion TC – Member (1992 – 1996)

• Chair of AIAA Solid Rocket Committee on Standards (1994 – 1995)

National Space and Missile Materials Symposium (NSMMS) Advisory Committee – Member (2014 – present)

American Society of Composites (ASC) – Member (2007 – present)

Materials Research Society (MRS) – Member (2007 – 2010)

Immediate Past Chair (2001-2005) and Member of the Science Advisory Committee of the Center for Energy and Environmental Research at Alfred University (2001 – 2010)

American Chemical Society (ACS) – Member (2004 – 2007)

The Combustion Institute (CI) – Member (1992 – 2000) Executive Committee, Central States Section/CI (1992 – 2000)

The JANNAF Cook-off Hazards Technology Panel – Member (1991 – 1995)

JOURNAL EDITORSHIPS AND REVIEWERS

• Editor-in-Chief, Flame Retardancy and Thermal Stability of Materials (2015 – present)
• Advisory Editorial Board, Carbon Letters, Korean Carbon Society, Gwangju, Korea (2007 – present)
• Associate Editor, International Journal of Energetic Materials and Chemical Propulsion (IJEMCP) (2009 – present)
• Advisory Editorial Board, ISRN Mechanical Engineering (2010 – present)
• Advisory Editorial Board, Journal of Nanoparticles (2012 – present)
• Have regularly reviewed journal/conference papers, research proposals, and research scholarship/fellowship programs. Journals: Carbon, Composites: Part A, Composites Science and Technology, High Performance Polymers, International J. of Energetic Materials and Chemical Propulsion, International J. of Smart and Nano Materials, J. of Advanced Materials, J. of Composite Materials, J. of Fire Sciences, J. of Materials Science, J. of Spacecraft and Rockets, Macromolecular Materials and Engineering, Polymer, Polymer Degradation and Stability, Polymers for Advanced Technologies, Science and Technology of Composite Materials, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Textile Research J., Thermochimica Acta, Wear, and others; Conferences: AIAA SciTech Forum, AIAA SDM, AIAA JPC, SAMPE ISSE, SAMPE ISTC, and CAMX; Proposal and Panel Reviewers: National Science Foundation; Evaluation panelist for DoD’s SMART Scholarship Program, DoD’s NDSEG Fellowship Program, NSF’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), and NASA’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program.
• HONORS AND AWARDS
• Fellow, Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), 2007.
• Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 1991.
• 1st Place PhD Student Paper Competition for CAMX 2016: H. Wu, M. Krifa, J. H. Koo, “Rubber Toughened Flame Retardant Nylon 6 Nanocomposite Fibers,” Proc. CAMX 2016, Anaheim, CA, Sept. 26-29, 2106.
• 2nd Place MS Student Paper Competition for CAMX 2015: R. Ortiz and J. H. Koo, “Flame-Retardant Polyamide 11/Elastomer Blends for SLS: Processing and Characterization,” Proc. CAMX 2015, Dallas, TX, Oct. 26-29, 2015.
• 2nd Place BS Student Paper Competition for CAMX 2015: J. Hunt and J. H. Koo, “Investigation of Ablative Properties through Advanced Video Analysis,” Proc. CAMX 2015, Dallas, TX, Oct. 26-29, 2015.
• 2nd Place Student Paper Competition for SAMPE 2012 ISSE: B. Johnson, J. H. Koo, and S. C. Lao, “Selective Laser Sintering of Conductive Polyamide 11-MWNT Nanocomposites for Low Percolation Threshold,” Proc. International SAMPE 2012 ISSE, Baltimore, MD, May, 2012.
• 2nd Place Student Paper Competition for SAMPE 2011 ISSE: D. Z. Chen, J. H. Koo, and S. C. Lao, “Selective Laser Sintering of Conductive Polyamide 11-MWNT Nanocomposites for Low Percolation Threshold,” Proc. International SAMPE 2011 ISSE, Long Beach, CA, May 23-26, 2011.
• Best Paper Award for JPC 2005: J.H. Koo, L. Pilato, and G. Wissler, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Propulsion Systems,” AIAA-2005-3606, 41st AIAA/ASME/SAE/ASEE Joint Propulsion Conference, Tucson, AZ, July 10-12, 2005.
• Outstanding Paper Award for SAMPE 2003 ISSE: J. H. Koo, H. Stretz, and Z. P. Luo, “Nanocomposite Rocket Ablative Materials: Processing, Characterization, and Performance,” Proc. International SAMPE 2003 Symposium & Exhibition (ISSE), Long Beach, CA, May 11-15, 2003.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN – Austin, TX 2004 – present

Sr. Research Scientist/Polymer Nanocomposites Technology Lab Director – Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Conduct experimental and numerical characterization of polymer nanostructured materials research on nanocomposite ablatives, nanocomposite insulation materials, nanocomposite motor casing materials, and insensitive munitions/fast cook-off for rocket propulsion systems, polymeric materials for fuel cell, polymer nanostructured materials for ballistic impact protection, nanomodified carbon/carbon composites, nanocomposites for thermally conductive polymer matrix composites, nanocomposites for fire resistant carbon-reinforced polymer matrix composites, flame retardant, high temperature, and multifunctional polymer nanocomposites for selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing, flame resistant fabrics & textiles, and flammability of polymeric materials polymer nanocomposites for fully-rugged notebook housing. Investigate the numerical ablation modeling of thermal protection systems (TPS) for re-entry vehicle.

Develop in-situ ablation and temperature sensors for re-entry environments; char strength sensor for polymer nanocomposites. Develop thermally conductive polymer nanocomposites for graphite fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites; functionally graded polyimide nanocomposite foams; and conductive textile threads nanocomposites for conformal, lightweight, loading-bearing antennas. Develop high-temperature resin for frac plugs downhole drilling application. Develop polymer nanocomposites-carbon fiber reinforced composites for re-entry TPS.

Develop techniques to characterize thermophysical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites at elevated temperatures for numerical modeling efforts. Develop numerical models using NASA’s FIAT and CHAR codes and Orbital ATK’s HERO code to predict ablation recession and thermal response of ablative materials. Develop 3D CFD flowfield models using NASA’s DPLR code to study OTB and ICP flowfields.

Process aluminum oxide nanofibers (NAFEN™), surface-treated montmorillonite nanoclays, nanographene platelets (NGPs), pervoskite compounds, carbon nanofibers (CNFs), buckytubes, multi-wall, single-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs, SWNTs), nano-silicon carbide whiskers, (n-SiC whiskers), halloysite nanotubes (HNT), nanosilicas, nano-alumina, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS™), nano-silicon carbide (n-SiC), nanosilver (n-Ag), carbon black, ceramic nanoparticles [boron carbide (B4C), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), silicon carbide (SiC), zirconium carbide (ZrC), silicon dioxide (SiO2)], conventional intumescent flame retardant (FR) additives, and micro-sized silver flakes with different polymer systems using mixing techniques, such as high shear blending, twin screw extrusion, rotation & revolution mixing, resonant acoustic mixing, sonication, and three roll mills. Characterize and quantify nano-dispersion and microstructures using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and nanoindenter techniques. Conduct UL 94, cone calorimeter, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), limiting oxygen index (LOI), IR radiant panel, oxy-acetylene test bed (OTB), simulated solid rocket motor (SSRM), subscale solid rocket motor, subscale hybrid rocket motor, LHMEL, and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) torch testing to verify material thermal and ablation properties, and its performance. Conduct physical, mechanical, thermal, thermophysical, flammability, and electrical properties measurements. Develop material process-structure-property-performance relationships for polymer nanocomposites.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERISTY – College Station, TX 2002 – 2003

TEES Research Engineer – Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Conducted polymer nanostructured materials research in processing, characterizing, and testing for high-temperature applications. Processed different types of nanoparticles with different resin systems using high shear blending and twin screw extrusion techniques. Characterized nano-dispersion and microstructures using wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Conducted cone calorimeter, simulated solid rocket motor, and sub-scale solid rocket motor testing to verify material properties and performance.

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (AFRL) – Edwards AFB, CA Summers of 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005

Summer Research Faculty – Propulsion Directorate, Propulsion Materials Applications Branch and Motor Branch

Conducted polymer nanostructured materials research for solid rocket motor (SRM) internal insulation. Processed Kevlar®-filled EPDM and silica-filled EPDM with POSS™ and CNF. Processed thermoplastic elastomer with montmorillonite nanoclays, CNF, POSS™, multi-wall, and small diameter carbon nanotubes (MWNT and SDNT) to form thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites (TPEN) to enhance ablation and heat transfer characteristics of SRM insulation. Conducted microstructural SEM analyses of pre- and post-test insulation materials. Conducted thermal stability analyses of CNF using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Conducted physical, mechanical, thermophysical properties of the TPEN. Assessed polymer nanostructured material response modeling of solid rocket motor insulation.

TEXAS STATE UNIVERISTY – San Marcos, TX 1996 – 2001

Director – Institute for the Environmental and Industrial Science

Provided multidisciplinary faculty teams to work with industry and government on scientific/environmental problems. Assessed project requests, supervised day-to-day operations of project and budget management. Assisted in team-building. Assisted in seeking grants applicable to the institute’s mission. Was active in raising permanent endowment funds, as well as marketing the institute’s expertise. Taught graduate class in polymer science. Advised undergraduate and graduate students of the Chemistry Department (Adjunct Graduate Faculty of the Chemistry Department). In addition to these responsibilities:

Captured $3.35 M grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the “Industrial Waste Minimization and Management” area Established an EPA Waste Minimization and Management Research Center (WMMRC) Established the Center for Flammability Research (CFR) Managed $4.0 M of research and development funds Conducted fire-safe and ablation-resistant polymeric materials and polymer nanocomposites research for Federal Aviation Agency (FAA), Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), and EPA Developed wildlife habitat/wetlands sites in the Port Lavaca, Texas, area

KOO & ASSOCIATES INTERNATIONAL, INC. (KAI, LLC) – Austin, TX 1994 – Present

Founder, Vice President and CTO – website: www.koo-associates.com

Consulting in R&D programs related to polymer nanocomposite ablatives for re-entry TPS, flame retardant and electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites for selective laser sintering in additive manufacturing, thermally conductive graphite fiber-reinforced composites, in-situ ablation recession sensor, polymer nanocomposite foams, fiber-reinforced composites for downhole drilling, fire-protective coatings, thermal protection materials, high-performance polymers, carbon/carbon composites, fire-retardant plywood, and material integration in design and manufacturing processes. Obtained R&D contracts from AFOSR, AFRL, AMRDEC, DOT, MDA, NASA, NAVAIR, NAVSEA, NSF, NSWC, and other private companies, such as Aerojet, Aspen Aerogels, Cornerstone Research Group, Downhole Technology, Dyna-Tek, Firefly Space Systems, FMI, Raytheon, and TRI-Austin.

BAE SYSTEMS (formerly UNITED DEFENSE LP/FMC CORP.) – Minneapolis, MN 1987 – 1995

Principal Engineer – Applied Mechanics and Materials Department, Armament Systems Division

Was Division Technical Manager in technology areas of fire protection, high-temperature composites, insensitive munitions, and gas dynamic analysis for guided missile launching systems. Supervised technical staff in all testing and modeling activities required to support R&D and manufacturing activities, including theoretical modeling of fire-protective polymer, ablation process, fast cook-off, and solid rocket exhaust plumes; experimental testing and evaluation of fire retardant materials and high-temperature composites, qualifying materials for fire-protection applications, experimental design, and data analysis; and developing inversion techniques for optical particle sizing for combustion engines. Responsible for marketing technology programs to domestic and Asia-Pacific customers. The division has annual sales of approximately $240 M employing 1,200 employees. Specific accomplishments include:

Established high level of expertise in using advanced polymer matrix composites/ceramic matrix composites/polymers for missile launching systems Developed, implemented, and managed the Thermal Protection Laboratory to support R&D and manufacturing activities for the division Managed internal research funding in a total amount of $3.9 M Captured $1.9 M in external funding from various government laboratories and private industry, both independently and as a team member of industrial consortia Verified designs and validated analytical models for the missile launching systems by performing full-scale firings at White Sands Missile Range, NM.

Orbital ATK (formerly THIOKOL Corp.) – Brigham City, UT 1986 – 1987

Scientist – Advanced Analytical Techniques Section, Advanced Technology Department

Developed in-situ particle and velocity measurements of exhaust plume, solid propellant combustion modeling, and exhaust plume analyses. Marketed technology programs.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY – Tempe, AZ 1983 – 1986

Faculty Research Associate – Laser Diagnostics Laboratory, Dept. of Mech. and Aero. Eng.

Developed numerical inversion techniques for reconstructing particle/droplet-size distributions from laser light diffraction experiments. Designed and fabricated solid-state photodiode detectors to collect light scattering data. Performed experiments to measure droplet size distributions in fuel sprays.

NAMMO TALLEY (formerly Talley Defense Systems) – Mesa, AZ 1980 – 1983

Senior Engineering Analyst – Analytical Design Group, Engineering Department

Developed analytical tools for gas dynamics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. Improved combustion analysis capabilities of Talley’s Engineering and Research Departments. Responsibilities also included static firing analysis of propulsion devices, investigation of combustion phenomena, and pattern prediction of air dispersion systems.

AEROJET (formerly ATLANTIC RESEARCH CORP.) – Gainesville, VA 1976 – 1980

Research Engineer – Analytical Design Group, Propulsion Division

Conducted combustion instability investigations, theoretical performance predictions, and data analyses for propulsion systems. Performed internal ballistics and mass property calculations of these propulsion systems, thermal analysis of rocket nozzles, thermochemical calculations of solid propellants, rocket nozzle erosion prediction, graphite erosion kinetics analysis, and parametric studies of rocket nozzle materials.

Collaborations

Collaborated with faculty and research scientists at academic and government laboratories, such as Agency for Defense Development (Korea), Air Force Research Laboratory, Arizona State University, California State University-Sacramento, Emory University, Georgia Tech, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, China), Jeonju University (Korea), Laboratoire de Genie et Materiaux Textiles/Ecole Nationale Superieure des Arts et Industries Textiles (France), Industrial Technology Research Institute (Taiwan), Michigan State University, Mississippi State University, MIT, NASA-ARC, NASA-GRC, NASA-JSC, National Academy of Science of Ukraine (Ukraine), National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan), Naval Surface Warfare Center, North Carolina A&T State University, The Ohio State University, The Pennsylvania State University, Pittsburg State University, Polytechnic of Torino (Italy), Purdue University, Rice University, Sandia National Laboratories, Suzhou University of Science and Technology (China), Tennessee Technological Univ., Texas State University-San Marcos, Texas A & M University, Uludag University (Turkey), University of Dayton Research Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brazil), University of Cincinnati, University of Illinois-Chicago, University of Maine, University of Minho (Portugal), University of New Mexico, University of Perugia (Italy), University of Rhode Island, University of South Carolina, The University of Texas at Austin, and von Karman Institute (Belgium).

When employed in the industry, Dr. Koo served on the Ph.D. committees of Penn State students in association with Professors Fan-Bill Cheung and Kenneth K. Kuo sponsoring graduate students, and providing suggestions and technical guidance to graduate students.

Currently, Dr. Koo advises undergraduate and graduate students and serves on graduate committees of the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science & Engineering/School of Engineering, and Textiles and Apparel Technology/School of Human Ecology at The University of Texas at Austin; Dept. of Manufacturing Engineering at Texas State University-San Marcos, and University of Minho, Dept. of Polymer Engineering (Portugal).

CONFERENCES AND SYMPOSIA ACTIVITIES

Technical Chair or Co-Chair of the Polymer Nanocomposites/Nanomaterials Sessions for the SAMPE 2002, SAMPE 2004, SAMPE 2005, SAMPE 2006, SAMPE 2007, SAMPE 2008, SAMPE 2009, SAMPE 2010, SAMPE 2011, SAMPE 2012, SAMPE 2013, SAMPE 2014 and CAMX/SAMPE 2014, SAMPE 2015, CAMX/SAMPE 2015, SAMPE 2016, CAMX/SAMPE 2016, SAMPE 2017.

Technical Program Co-Chair of the International SAMPE 2016 ISTC, Long Beach, CA, May 2016

Technical Program Co-Chair of the International SAMPE 2011 ISTC, Fort Worth, TX, Oct. 17-20, 2011

Technical Program Chair of the special sessions to celebrate Prof. K. K. Kuo’s 70th birthday at the AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference, Denver, CO (8/2009)

Technical Program Co-Chair of the Materials TC for the 46th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, Austin, TX (4/2005)

Technical Co-Chair of the “Nanocomposites Forum,” for the International SAMPE 2004 ISSE, Long Beach, CA (5/2004)

Technical Co-Chair of the Polymer Nanocomposites Symposium for the American Chemical Society (ACS) Southwest Regional Meeting in San Antonio, TX (10/2001)

Technical Program Chair of the Propellants and Combustion TC for the 33rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences meeting in Reno, NV (1/1995)

Reviewed abstracts and chaired sessions for the AIAA Materials TC at the Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference (SDM) continuously from 1997 – present

Reviewed abstracts and chaired sessions for the AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference (JPC) occasionally since 2005 – present

PUBLICATIONS

Published two textbooks, Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK (2016) & Polymer Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization and Applications, McGraw-Hill, New York (2006), and over 500 publications/presentations/invited lectures/patents in materials, thermal, and optical science disciplines (see publication list).

RESEARCH

For the past twelve years since joining the Dept. of Mechanical Engineering at UT Austin, Dr. Koo maintains a well-funded and very active research group in the department averaging over 10 members in his research group. Dr. Koo collaborates with faculty members in the ME department and other departments at UT Austin. Currently, there are 11 members in his research group, 1 post-doctoral fellow, 4 graduate students, and 6 undergraduate students. A summary of the current and past research projects conducted by Dr. Koo and his research group since 1997 are shown in Projects, the year he left industry and joined the academia.

TEACHING

Course Development:

Dr. Koo developed the ME 379M/ME 397 course and taught it at UT-Austin and the MFGE 4399B course and taught it at TSU-SM, includes three lectures per week. The course topics include: introduction to nanotechnology, an overview of nanoparticles, selecting resin matrix and nanoparticles of applications, processing of nanomaterials, characterization of polymer nanomaterials, polymer nanostructured materials for high temperature applications, current status, trends, future directions & opportunities. Offered Spring, 2006-present at UT-Austin.

Classroom Instruction:

Dr. Koo taught a seminar course at Texas State University-San Marcos (TSU-SM) at the Chemistry Dept. for one semester.

At The University of Texas at Austin; Dr. Koo taught ME 379M (senior) and ME 397 (graduate): Polymer Nanocomposites for nine semesters since 2006; supervised and sponsored Senior Design Project, Independent Study, and B.S. honor thesis since 2006.

At TSU-SM, Dr. Koo taught MFGE 4399B: Polymer Nanocomposites for one semester for senior and graduate students.

Undergraduate Research Students Advised:

Dr. Koo has been an active participant in the Independent Study Projects Course ME 379M for seniors from Mechanical, Aerospace, and Chemical Engineering Dept., and in student research paper competitions of AIAA and SAMPE. He has supervised more than 50 undergraduate students at UT-Austin for the past 12 years, several of his students have won the Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF) sponsored by College of Engineering, and some of the more outstanding students were:

• Yong, Chemical Engineering (graduated Dec. 2006), co-authored two conference papers; attended the SAMPE 2005 ISTC, Dallas, TX, Nov. 2005.
• Jor, Chemical Engineering (graduated May 2008), co-authored two conference papers; attended the SAMPE 2007 ISSE, Baltimore, MD, May 2007.
• Yong, Mechanical Engineering (graduated Dec. 2008), co-authored four conference papers, one journal paper; attended the SAMPE 2008 ISSE, Long Beach, CA, May 2008 and the SFF 2008, Austin, TX, Aug. 2008.
• Wu, Aerospace Engineering (graduated Dec. 2008), co-authored two conference and one journal papers.
• Kan, Mechanical Engineering (graduated Dec. 2009), co-authored two conference and one journal papers.
• Chen, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2011), co-authored two conference and one journal papers; attended the SFF Symposium, Austin, TX, Aug. 2010 and the SAMPE 2011 ISSE, Long Beach, CA, May 2011, 2nd place winner of student paper competition in the B.S. category at the SAMPE 2011 ISSE, Long Beach, CA, May 2011.
• Lam, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2012), co-authored three conference and one journal paper; attended the AIAA Thermophysics Conference, San Antonio, TX, June 2009.
• Johnson, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2012), co-authored three conference and one journal papers; attended the SFF Symposium, Austin, TX, Aug. 2011, SAMPE 2011 ISTC, Fort Worth, TX, Oct 2011, and 2nd place winner of student paper competition in the B.S. category at the SAMPE 2012 ISSE, Baltimore, MD, May 2012.
• Wong, Mechanical Engineering (graduated Dec 2013), co-authored two conference and one journal papers; attended the SAMPE 2013 Technical Conference, Wichita, KS, Oct. 2013.
• Yao, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2015), co-authored three conference papers and one book chapter; attended the SAMPE 2014 Technical Conference, Seattle, WA, June 2-4, 2014.
• Ong, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2015), co-authored two conference papers and one book chapter; attended the 2015 AIAA SciTech Forum, Orlando, FL, Jan. 2015.
• Lisco, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2016), co-authored five conference and two journal papers, and one book chapter; attended the SAMPE 2014 Technical Conference, Seattle, WA, June 2-4, 2014 and the 2017 AIAA SciTech Forum, Grapevine, TX, Jan. 9-13, 2017.
• Lewis, Mechanical Engineering (graduated May 2016), co-authored two conference and one journal papers; attended the CAMX 2015, Dallas, TX, Oct, 2015.
• Graduate Students Advised (since 2001):
• 1. X. Hu, Co-Chair with P. Cassidy, M.S. in Organic Chemistry at Texas State University-San Marcos, June 2001, graduate studies relating to “super critical CO2 and water-borne flame retardant polymer-clay nanocomposites.” X. Hu completed his Ph.D. studies in Polymer Science & Engineering, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Feb. 2006.
• Zhang, Co-Chair with H. Stretz, M.S. in Chemistry at Texas State University-San Marcos, June 2002, graduate studies relating to “recycling of polymers.” Y. Zhang completed her Ph.D. studies in Pharmacology, the University of Washington-Seattle, WA, June 2007.
• T. Cummings, Co-Chair with L. Shi and sponsored student research, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2005, thesis title, “Thermal Conductivity Measurements of Nylon 11 Nanocomposites.”
• Evans, Member, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, dissertation research relating to “Silicon Carbide Composites for Selective Laser Sintering,” May 2006.
• T. Cheng, Co-Chair with P. Ferreira and sponsored student research, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2006, thesis title, “Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization of Polycyanate Ester/Small Diameter Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites.”
• K. Ho, Co-Chair with D. K. Ezekoye and sponsored student research, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2007, thesis title, “Determination of Kinetics Parameters and Char Microstructural Analysis of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer Nanocomposites for Propulsion Systems.”
• K. C. Nguyen, Co-Chair with D. K. Ezekoye and sponsored student research, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2007, thesis title, “Experimental Characterization of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites under Extreme Conditions.”
• U. Onyegam, Co-Chair with P. Ho, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2007, thesis title, “Mechanical Characterization of Multi-wall Carbon Nanotube/Poly (methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposites: A Metrology Comparison Study.”
• C. Lao, Co-Chair with T. Moon and sponsored student research, M.S. in Material Science and Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2008, thesis title, “Mechanical, Thermal, and Flammability Characterization of Flame Retardant Polyamide 11 and 12 Nanocomposites.”
• Devaraj, Co-Chair with J. Beaman, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2009, thesis title, “Compression/Injection Molding of Bipolar Plates for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).”
• Leer, Member (official), Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering at University of Minho, Guimaraes, Portugal, June 2010, dissertation title, “Carbon Nanofiber Thermoplastic Nanocomposites: Processing-Morphology-Properties Relationships.”
• Kabakov, Co-Chair with J. Tate (official), M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering at Texas State U-San Marcos, Dec. 2010, thesis title: “Phenolic Nanostructured Ablatives for Rocket Nozzles.”
• C. Lee, Co-Chair with J. Howell and sponsored student research, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2010, dissertation title: “Ablative Performance and Characterization of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer Nanocomposites.”
• C. Bruns, Member and sponsored student research, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2012, dissertation research relating to “Thermal Degradation Studies of Thermoplastics Using Population Balance Methods.”
• Wu, Co-Chair with M. Krifa, M.S. in School of Human Ecology – Textiles and Apparel at UT-Austin, May 2012, thesis topic relating to “Synthesis and Characterization of Flame Retardant Polyamide 6/clay Nanocomposites for Textiles.”
• L. Yin, Co-Chair with M. Krifa, M.S. in School of Human Ecology – Textiles and Apparel at UT-Austin at UT-Austin, May 2012, thesis topic relating to “Flame Retardancy of Polyamide 6 Nanocomposites: Synergistic Effect Between Multiwall Carbon Nanotube, Nanoclay, and Flame Retardants for Textiles.”
• Kim, Member, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2012, dissertation title, “Polymer Nanocomposite Foams: Fabrication, Characterization, and Modeling.”
• C. Lu, Co-Chair with K. Krifa, M.S. in School of Human Ecology – Textiles and Apparel at UT-Austin, May 2013, thesis research relating to “Conductive Textile Threads for Conformal, Light-weight & Load Bearing Antennas.”
• Hao, Co-Chair with J. Chen, Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2013, dissertation research relating to “Natural Fiber Composites: Processing and Characterization.”
• J. Kurzawski, Co-Chair with D. K. Ezekoye, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec. 2013, thesis topic relating to “Insitu Ablation Recessions Ablation Sensing Data Analysis using Inverse Heat Transfer.”
• C. Lao, Co-Chair with T. Moon and sponsored student research, Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at UT-Austin, Dec 2013, dissertation title: “Multifunctional Cyanate Ester-Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposites: Processing and Characterization.”
• Liu, Co-Chair with G. Yu, M.S. in Material Science & Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2014, thesis title: “Conductive Polymer Hydrogels for Next-generation Electronic Devices.”
• Alvarez Andrade, Co-Chair with J. Tate, M.S. in Manufacturing Engineering at Texas State U-San Marcos, Dec. 2014, thesis title: “Multifunctional Cyanate Ester-Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes Nanocomposite Reinforced with Carbon Fibers.”
• Regel, Member (official), Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering at University of Minho, Guimaraes, Portugal, Dec. 2014, dissertation title, “A Modelling Approach for 3D Braid Reinforced Composites under Non-axial Loading.”
• H. Cho, Member of Ph.D. committee, Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at UT-Austin, June 2105, dissertation topic relating to “Flame retardant polymer nanocomposites.”
• E. Villarreal, Member of Ph.D. committee, Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2016, dissertation topic relating to “Optical enhanced polymer nanocomposites.”
• Ortiz, Co-Chair with D. Bourell, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, May 2016, thesis topic relating to, “Flame Retardant SLS Polymer for Additive Manufacturing: Processing and Properties Characterization.”
• Wu, Co-Chair with M. Krifa and sponsored student research, Ph.D. in Material Science & Engineering at UT-Austin, August 2016, dissertation topic relating to “Synthesis and Characterization of Flame Resistant Nanocomposites for Textiles and Fabrics.”
• J. Langston and sponsored student research, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin, expected May 2020, dissertation topic relating to “Numerical Modeling of Flowfield Coupled with Ablation Material Response.”
• Short Courses and Workshops:
• Lecturer, “Ablative Polymer Nanocomposites for Aerospace and Defense Applications,” Short Course at The Third Asian Conference Defence Technology (3rd ACDT), Phuket, Thailand, Jan. 18-19, 2017.
• Lecturer, “Science and Technology of Ablation: An Overview,” Keynote Lecture at The Third Asian Conference Defence Technology (3rd ACDT), Phuket, Thailand, Jan. 18-19, 2017.
• Lecturer, “Fundamentals, Properties, Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites,” Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 22, 2016.
• Lecturer, “Fundamentals, Properties, Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites,” Thinky Corp., Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 25, 2016.
• Lecturer, “Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites,” Online course, Center for Lifelong Engineering Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, Aug. 8-12, 2012.
• Lecturer, “Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites,” Online course, Center for Lifelong Engineering Education, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, Aug. 8-12, 2011.
• Lecturer, “Nanocomposites Technology: Fundamentals, Properties, and Applications,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2011 International Symposium, Long Beach, CA, May 23, 2011.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2010 International Symposium, Seattle, WA, May 17, 2010.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites with Multifunctionality for Extreme Environments,” Nanotechnology Colloquium, Austin, TX, May 10, 2010.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites and Multifunctional Materials for Aerospace Applications,” Nanotechnology Entrepreneurship Form, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, Apr. 23, 2010.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites for Various Applications,” short course at Applied Sciences Inc., Cedarville, OH, July 7, 2009.
• Lecturer, “Nanocomposites Technology: Overview,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2009 International Symposium, Baltimore, MD, May 18, 2009.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Overview,” SAMPE Webcast Lecture Series, Oct 20, 2008, now posted at sampe.org.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2008 International Symposium, Long Beach, CA, May 7, 2008.
• Lecturer, “Polyamide 11 and 12 Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization, and Performance,” short course at Arkema, Lacq, France, Dec. 12, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for High Temperature Applications,” short course at the Snecma Propulsion Solide, Bordeaux, France, Dec. 11, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Solid Rocket Motors,” short course at the Snecma Propulsion Solide, Bordeaux, France, Dec. 10, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites: Processing, Characterization, and Applications,” four-day short course offered to senior and graduate students at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Oct. 8-11, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Propulsion Systems,” short course ATK Tactical Propulsion and Controls, Baltimore, MD, Sept. 7, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Advanced Solid Rocket Propulsion Course: Thermal Protection and Insulation,” one-day lecture of a regular course offered at University of Alabama-Huntsville, UAH Propulsion Research Center, Huntsville, AL, Mar. 1, 2007.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology,” short course at Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Changwon, Republic of Korea, Dec. 5, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Flammability Studies of Polymer Nanostructured Materials,” short course at DACC, Changwon, Republic of Korea, Dec. 4, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Nanomodified Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Ablative Materials,” short course at the Carbon-Carbon 2006 Conference, Jeonju, Republic of Korea, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology,” short course offered at the Functional Fillers for Plastics 2006, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 30, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanotechnology: Synthesis and Applications,” short course at PBI Performance Products, Inc., Charlotte, NC, July 27, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2006 International Symposium, Long Beach, CA, May 1, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Mk41 Vertical Launching System Ablatives and Flammability Studies of Polymer Nanostructured Materials,” short course at DACC, Changwon, Republic of Korea, Feb. 23, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Lecturer Series on Vertical Launching System Mk-41 Ablative Test and Evaluation and Polymer Nanostructured Materials for Military Applications,” short course offered at Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea, Feb. 20-22, 2006.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials: Processing, Characterization, and Applications,” short course at Northrop Grumman Corp., El Segundo, CA, Dec. 15, 2005.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites: Overview, Processing, Characterization, and Applications,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2005 Technical Conference, Seattle, WA. Oct. 31, 2005.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials: Introduction, Processing, Characterization, and Applications,” One-day short course offered at the Boeing Company, Everett, WA, Mar. 3, 2005.
• Lecturer, “Flammability of Polymer Nanocomposites,” at the Boeing 1st Annual Nanotechnology Road Mapping Workshop, Everett, WA, Feb. 28-Mar. 2, 2005.
• Lecturer, “Nanocomposites – Opportunities and Challenges,” SAMPE tutorial at the 36th International SAMPE Technical Conference, San Diego, CA, Nov. 15, 2004.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for High Temperature Applications,” short course at ATK Thiokol Propulsion, Brigham City, UT, Sept 29 2004.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanocomposites Technology and Applications,” Vapor Grown Carbon Nanofibers and Applications Workshop, Kettering OH, Sept. 14 – 15, 2004.
• Lecturer, “Polymer Nanostructured Materials for High-Temperature Applications,” short course at Aerojet Propulsion, Sacramento, CA, Sept. 9, 2004.
• Lecturer, “Nanocomposites Technology,” SAMPE tutorial at SAMPE 2004 International Symposium, Long Beach, CA, May 17, 2004.
• Lecturer, “Nanocomposites Fabrication & Characterization,” Workshop on the Design, Modeling, Fabrication and Characterization of Nanotube-Reinforced Composite Materials for Multifunctional Applications, Florida A&M University/Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, Mar. 23-24, 2004.
• Lecturer, “Overview of Nanomaterials,” workshop at The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA, July 9, 2003.
• Lecturer, “Nanotechnology/Nanocomposites,” SAMPE tutorial at the SAMPE 2003 International Symposium, Long Beach, CA, May 11, 2003.
• Lecturer, “Development of Thermal Protection Technology,” short course offered at Chung Shan Institute of Science and Technology, Lungtan, Taiwan, ROC, December 18, 1995.
• Lecturer, “Military Usage of Thermal Protection Technology,” short course offered at Chung Cheng Institute of Technology, Tao Yuan, Taiwan, ROC, December 9, 1993.
• Lecturer, “Current Development and Advances of Thermal Protection Materials,” short course offered at Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC, December 7, 1993.