Research Assistant Development Intern

Connor

Wasick

Passionate Michigan State University engineering student with technical knowledge and research skills seeking to help solve problems and gain expertise from those at a reputable organization while contributing to business goals and objectives.

Education

August 2022 - May 2025 GPA 3.827

Bachelor of Science / Materials Science and Engineering - Polymeric Engineering

Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Experience

May 2024-August 2024

Materials R&D Intern / Physical Sciences Inc., Andover, MA

Research and development intern working on multiple projects including shape engineering metal-organic frameworks as part of PSI’s novel approach to continuous metal-organic framework synthesis and energetic polymer synthesis

Worked in a collaborative environment improving communication, writing, and presentation skills as well as effectively completing tasks while balancing various projects

Learned new skills materials synthesis and characterization including NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy, gas sorption testing while continuing to improve on other characterization techniques learned previously

August 2022-May 2024

Professorial Assistant / Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Undergraduate researcher working to conduct research into various topics, the chief of which focuses on high pressure torsion of zinc magnesium alloys for applications in biomedical settings

Acquired skills and knowledge in metallurgy, metallurgical sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy, and other metallurgical research techniques through hands on experience and in broader research techniques

Gained valuable time management skills to efficiently manage tasks of various importance and find a balance between work and other activities like schooling

June 2023-August 2023

Research Assistant / IMDEA Materials, Getafe, Spain

Summer research assistant in the biomaterials research group and conducted research into 3D printed polyurethane polymers and resins as part of the CARDIOBOOST-CM project, learning how to collaborate and work with others

Synthesized the polymer resin, designed 3D printed parts using CAD, and characterized the printed parts and uncured resin using rheometers, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and other techniques

Gained experience in polymer characterization techniques and turning results and data into presentations this data for a wide audience

Skills

Metallographic sample preparation

Proficient in Python

Work in scanning electron microscope imaging

Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite

Synthesis and characterization of polymers

Characterization of metal samples

Work in biological safety cabinets

Plotting software like Origin and KaleidaGraph

Strong leader who is good under pressure

Awards and Honors

Michigan State University Dean’s List (Fall 2022, 2023, 2024 Spring 2023, 2024, 2025)

Ranked Third in High School Graduating Class May 2022

National Merit Scholarship Distinguished Scholar December 2021

Activities

Michigan State University Running Club Travel Coordinator/President (2022-Present)

Nike Running Footwear Tester (2022-Present)

Michigan State University Honors College Member (2022-Present)

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