Muzaffar Rafique

Graduate Student (Macromolecular Science & Engineering)

I originally hail from Pakistan and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Bilkent University in Turkey. During my master’s program, my research primarily centered around exploring the mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte hydrogels by employing computational techniques. Presently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in the Macromolecular Science and Engineering department at CWRU, where my research is focused on examining the microscopic and rheological aspects of dense suspensions. In my leisure time, I enjoy activities such as indulging in music and podcasts, immersing myself in literature, participating in volleyball matches, and engaging in workouts at the gym. One interesting tidbit about me is my deep fascination with Formula 1 cars, as they represent the epitome of engineering excellence.

Armin Aminimajd

Graduate Student (Macromolecular Science and Engineering, co-advised with Joao Maia)

I'm originally from Tehran, Iran, and I've got a background in Polymer Engineering. Currently, at CWRU, I'm knee-deep in my PhD research, exploring "Applying Machine Learning to Suspensions." Beyond academics, I find immense joy in activities that connect me with nature: hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and engaging in sports like volleyball and ping pong. Whenever I have free time, you'll likely find me out in nature with my friends, camping or having a picnic. One fun fact about me is that I'm a big fan of Persian food, and I'm trying my hand at cooking up some delicious dishes.

Alessandro D’Amico

Undergraduate Student (Chemical Engineering)

I’m from San Francisco, CA (USA). I’m studying Chemical Engineering and currently taking OChem 2, Circuits, Thermodynamics, and Intro to Chemical Systems. I’m working on analyzing mesoscale characteristics of simulation data. My biggest hobby is theater: freshman year I was in a theater department shows; this semester I will be a Player’s Theater Group theater production (hopefully, my odds are pretty good). A fun fact about me is that I love to SCUBA dive and love talking about corals, sponges, and fish!

Lucas Maciel Bueno

Undergraduate Student (Physics)

I am from Olinda, one of the original settlements on the North East coasts of Brazil. I am an undergraduate Majoring in Physics and Math currently taking linear algebra and complex analysis. Also, I am one of the SIs for the first-year mechanics class this semester. I am focusing on developing a community detection algorithm using new strategies from topological data analysis. Besides school, I enjoy going to the gym with my roommate, binge-watching movies and TV shows with my friends, and reading philosophy books.

Caroline Kier

Undergraduate Student (Macromolecular Science & Engineering)

I am from Wheaton, IL, which is a suburb of Chicago. I am studying polymer science and engineering on the biomaterials track. The classes that I am most interested in this semester are Physical chemistry for engineers (EMAC 351) and Intro to Polymer Science and Engineering (EMAC 270). I am working on a visualization of particle interactions. Apart from academics I am also involved in the rowing team at CWRU as a coxswain, meaning I am the short person who yells at the rowers telling them what to do. A fun fact is that the quetzalcoatlus is the largest flying animal ever recorded and had an estimated wingspan of 10m. A fun fact about me is that I can name most of the geologic time periods in order.

Ryan Pappalardo

Undergraduate Student (Chemistry)

I’m originally from Warrenton, Virginia (about an hour west of DC), and I’m here at CWRU studying chemistry. My research focuses on particles with attractive stresses, specifically, how different properties(strength of attraction, system size, initial conditions, etc.) impact the yield stress of the suspension. I also work as a TA for ENGR 145. Outside of academics, I like to read, build and launch rockets, and work out.

Temple Shema

Undergraduate Student (Computer and Data Science)

TBD