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Hi There! I’m Nima Alizadeh

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Bio

I am currently working as a senior research engineer in the Saint-Gobain ENC team, where I develop sustainable high-temperature materials that offer high performance for use in the aviation, aerospace, and automotive industries.

Previously, I worked as a postdoctoral scholar in the Materials Department at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). During my time there, I developed DLP 3D printing resin capable of surface modification using multilayer polymer electrolytes. Additionally, I designed and synthesized new block copolymer materials for selective deposition of block copolymer thin films.

I achieved my Ph.D. and master in the Polymer and Fiber Engineering program of the Chemical Engineering Department at Auburn University. For my master’s research, I synthesized novel photocurable polymers capable of being used in different additive manufacturing technologies. As one of my Ph.D. research topics, I synthesized a special polymer blend called interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) with excellent transparency and fracture toughness properties better than traditional transparent materials. Other topics that I worked on include IPNs matrix carbon fiber-reinforced composites, modeling stress relaxation behavior of IPNs, and thermal energy storage applications of IPNs.

I have worked in various problems and have become experienced in different polymer manufacturing methods such as plastic molding and a wide variety of structural, thermal, mechanical, and thermomechanical characterization methods. I am skilled in using characterization machines and software related to Polymer and Chemical Engineering, such as ChemDraw and Mnova NMR, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

In addition to technical research, my participation in various publications and presentations has made me proficient in technical writing and scientific presentations for a variety of immediate audiences. Besides my research experience, I pursued opportunities to serve as a senator and president in the Graduate Student Council (GSC) overseeing 4000 graduate students, additionally mentoring and training students in chemical Labs. Such experiences have made me skilled at leading operations and staff, and exceptional communication skills in working collaboratively with diverse groups.

 

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Education

Jan. 2017 - May 2021

Thesis focus: Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high-performance applications.

Jan. 2017 - Dec. 2018

Thesis focus: Crosslinkable 3D printing inks for biomedical applications.

University of Tehran

B.Sc., Polymer engineering

Sep. 2011 - Feb. 2016

Thesis focus: Nano-biocomposites: properties, manufacturing processes, and applications in developing eco-friendly products used for packaging and agriculture.

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Work/Research Experience

Saint-Gobain
Mobility - ENC

Senior Research Engineer 1

Jan. 2024 - July 2024

(1) Develop high-temperature materials that are sustainable and offer high performance for use in the aviation, aerospace, and automotive industries.

(2) Hands-on experience with extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, Block-on-Ring, tensile testing, and other testing methods.

(3) Conducted instrument troubleshooting, followed ASTM standards, and contributed to experimental planning and data analysis.

 

Jun. 2021 - Sep. 2023

(1) Developed DLP 3D printing resin capable of surface modification using multilayer polymer electrolytes. This enables diverse surface property changes in 3D-printed components with precise control over their thickness.

(2) Designed and synthesized new block copolymer materials for selective deposition of block copolymer thin films. This approach addresses opportunities in patterning advanced device architectures like faster computer chips.

(3) Utilized polymer processing tools such as 3D printing and spin coating, along with advanced characterization techniques such as FTIR, NMR, XPS, AFM, UV-Vis, and Ellipsometry, among others.

(4) Conducted instrument troubleshooting and led experimental setup and optimization across synthesis and characterization workflows.

Auburn University

Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites

Graduate Research Assistant

Jan. 2017 - May 2021

(Ph.D. ResearchSynthesized high performance acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). The phase separation between two polymers were removed using optimum percentage of polymers precursors and best experimental condition. The synthesized IPN has immense applications for transparent high impact structural, polymer matrix composite, and thermal energy storage applications.

(1) Processed polymers using compression molding, plastic molding, and 3D printing, and performed characterization using DMA, tensile, DSC, TGA, rheology, and SEM, among other techniques.
(2) Troubleshot and maintained lab instruments, ensured alignment with ASTM standards, and carried out data analysis using technical software such as TA Universal Analysis.

Auburn University

Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites

Graduate Research Assistant

Jan. 2017 - Dec. 2018

(M.S. Research) Synthesized novel 3D printing inks specialized for Direct Ink Writing (DIW) technology for tissue engineering, orthodontic, and organ modeling. 

University of Tehran

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jan. 2015 - Sep. 2015

(B.Sc Research) Studied properties, manufacturing processes, and applications of nano-biocomposites in developing eco-friendly products for packaging and agriculture. Nano-biocomposites enable packaging and agricultural industry to produce sustainable and eco-friendly products with better bio-degradable properties.

University of Tehran
Summer Intern

Summer 2013

Studied and reviewed the manufacturing process, modification and behavior of polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Technical Skills

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Materials Characterization

Mechanical Analysis, Thermomechanical Analysis, DMA, Tensile, Shear Analysis, Impact Resistance, Rheology, Block-on-Ring, DSC, TGA, UV Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, NMR, XPS, XRD, SEM, AFM, Polarized Optical Microscopy, Ellipsometry 

Polymer Processing

Formulation, Injection Molding, Plastic Extrusion, Compression molding,  FDM, SLA, and DIW 3D Printing, Spin Coating 

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Technical Software

ChemDraw, Mnova NMR, TA Universal Analysis, DataGraph, Latex, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop

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Programming

Python, MATLAB, C++

Certifications

Fundamentals of PCB fabrication and assembly, IPC EDGE, Apr. 2025.

The Complete Python Bootcamp From Zero to Hero in Python, Udemy - Instructor: Jose Portilla, Pierien Training, Apr. 2025.

C++, Sololearn, July 2024.

Introduction to MATLAB, Tehran Institute of Technology, Aug. 2016.

Selected Projects

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Aerospace Applications of Composite Materials

Fall 2018

Studied the effect of fiber orientation and fiber length on the mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites which has high technology applications such as military, aerospace and automotive industries.

Journal Publications

P. Nguyen, D. Callan, E. Plunkett, M. Gruschka, N. Alizadeh, M. Landsman, G. Su, E. Gann, C. Bates, D. DeLongchamp, M. Chabinyc,tes, "Resonant soft X-ray scattering reveals the distribution of dopants in semicrystalline conjugated polymers", The Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2024, 128 (50), 12597-12611.

Journal Publications

J. Blankenship, A. Levi, D. Goldfeld, J. Self, N. Alizadeh, D. Chen, G. Fredrickson, C. Bates, "Asymmetric miktoarm star polymers as polyester thermoplastic elastomers", Macromolecules 2022, 55 (12), 4929-4936.

Conference Publications/Posters

N. Alizadeh, R. Broughton, M. Auad, “Acrylic-polyurethane based graft semi-interpenetrating polymer networks for phase change applications”, This is Research: Student Symposium 2021, Auburn University, March 2021.

N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, “Flexible graft-interpenetrating polymer networks consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer for transparent, high-performance applications”, SPE Automotive Composites Conference & Exhibition (ACCE) 2020,  September 2020.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for high impact structural applications”, American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting, August 2020.

N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, “Flexible acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent applications”, American Chemical Society Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting, August 2020.

N. Alizadeh, R. Farag, M. Auad, “Flexible graft-interpenetrating polymer networks consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer for high impact structural applications”, CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2020, Auburn University, August 2020.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “High-performance acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent applications”, This is Research: Student Symposium 2020, Auburn University, April 2020.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel graft-interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyurethane and acrylic copolymer for protection applications”, Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2019, Auburn University, November 2019.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for advanced applications”, Chemical Engineering Open House 2019, Auburn University, November 2019.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel graft-interpenetrating polymer networks comprising polyurethane and acrylic copolymer for transparent applications”, CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2019, Auburn University, June 2019.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for transparent applications”, This is Research: Student Symposium 2019, Auburn University, April 2019.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “3D bioprinting inks for ultraviolet-assisted direct ink writing technology”, American Chemical Society Spring 2019 National Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 2019.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel graft-interpenetrating polymer networks comprising polyurethane and acrylic copolymer for military applications”, Chemical Engineering Open House 2018, Auburn University, November 2018.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks for military applications”, Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2018, Auburn University, October 2018.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Novel graft-interpenetrating polymer networks consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer", Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites (CPAC) advisory board meeting 2018, Auburn University, October 2018.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Novel 3D printing inks for biomedical applications”, Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2018, Auburn University, October 2018.

N. Alizadeh, B. Cleary, M. Auad, “Cross-linkable hydrogels for 3D printing”, Thermal and Catalytic Sciences Symposium (TCS) 2018, Auburn University, October 2018.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Thermo-mechanical characterization of transparent acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks”, NanoBio Summit 2018, Montgomery, AL, July 2018.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Photo-curable inks for 3D printing”, CPAC Graduate Summer Seminar Series 2018, Auburn University, July 2018.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Graft-interpenetrating polymer networks comprising polyurethane and acrylic copolymer”, This is Research: Student Symposium 2018, Auburn University, March 2018.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “ Cross-linkable Hydrogels for 3D Bioprinting”, American Chemical Society Spring 2018 National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2018.

N. Alizadeh, V. Agrawal, A. Celestine, M. Auad, “Acrylic-polyurethane based Graft-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks”, American Chemical Society Spring 2018 National Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2018.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Transparent acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks”, Graduate Engineering Research Showcase 2017, Auburn University, November 2017.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Graft-interpenetrating polymer networks consisting of polyurethane and acrylic copolymer”, Chemical Engineering Open House 2017, Auburn University, April 2017.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Thermo-mechanical characterization of acrylic-polyurethane based graft-interpenetrating polymer networks”, This is Research: Student Symposium 2017, Auburn University, April 2017.

N. Alizadeh, M. Auad, “Characterization of graft-interpenetrating polymer networks with polyurethane and acrylic copolymer”, Weaver Lecture Series to feature international scientists Orlando Rojas and David Fowler, Auburn University, March 2017.

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Leadership & Engagement

Scientific Journal Reviewer


Serving as scientific reviewer of manuscripts for high-impact scientific journals including Journal of applied polymer science, and Polymer international.

May 2019 - May 2020

Served as Auburn’s Graduate Student representative on the Graduate Council and the Faculty Senate with more than 4000 graduate students, served as chair and presided over the Executive Board meetings, approved all official GSC communication and financial forms and appointed graduate students to University and GSC Committees.

Auburn University Graduate Student Council (GSC)
Senator

Aug. 2018 - May 2019

Served unique needs of Auburn’s graduate and professional students through a network of support and encouragement, operated as a collective voice for chemical engineering department, served as official graduate student representation in university affairs and the Student Government Association (SGA) ,and sponsored events offering graduate students a chance to showcase research.

Events Committee of Auburn Graduate Student Council (GSC)
Member

Aug. 2018 - May 2019

Coordinated a wide range of networking and social events, Outstanding Graduate Mentor program, and “This is Research:Student Symposium”.

NODET Hoger Scientific Conference
Executive Director

Mar. 2010

Collaborated in organizing Hoger scientific conferences organized by National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET).

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Honors and Awards

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
Three Minutes Thesis (3MT)

Nov. 2020

Selected as finalist in Auburn University Three Minutes Thesis (3MT) competition.

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
Finish in 5

Nov. 2020

Selected as finalist in Auburn University Council of Engineering Graduate Students (CEGS) finish in 5 (5 minutes presentation) competition.

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
American Chemical Society (ACS)

Jan. 2020

Selected to receive a Graduate Research and Travel Fellowship for American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2020 National Meeting.

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
Three Minutes Thesis (3MT)

Nov. 2019

Selected as finalist in Auburn University Three Minutes Thesis (3MT) competition.

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
Finish in 5

Mar. 2019

Awarded runner up prize in Auburn University Council of Engineering Graduate Students (CEGS) finish in 5 (5 minutes presentation) competition.

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
Graduate Student Council (GSC)

Apr. 2019

Awarded certificate of appreciation in recognition of dedicated service to the Auburn University Graduate Student Council (GSC).

HONORS
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"Believe you can and you're halfway there"

Theodore Roosevelt

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