Materials Scientist/Engineer
Resume:
Indunil N. Lokuhewa, Ph.D.
Alfred, NY 14802
*******.*********@*****.***
SKILLS
• Extensive experience in synthesis of materials including high temperature solid state synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, nano scale synthesis via sol-gel processing, precipitation method, and synthesis in inert atmospheres using vacuum lines and glove box.
• Strong powder processing skills including pressing, sintering, milling and nano scale powder processing.
• Broad experience in materials characterization and testing including X-ray Powder Diffraction and Rietveld Method, Single Crystal Diffraction, UV-vis, Impedance Spectroscopy, FT-IR, Column Chromatography, DLS, DSC, TG, DTA, NMR, BET, SEM, GC, XRF.
• Expansive computer skills including Microsoft Office programs, Sigma Plot, Mathcad, Endnote, along with X-ray diffraction and crystallography software including Shelx, Jade, Diamond, Powdercell, Topas, Gsas, LMTO, Castep.
• Strong laboratory and research skills along with strong presentation, communication, analytical, and management skills.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Inorganic Chemistry (Solid-State Materials), GPA: 3.6, September 2008
The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
M.A., Inorganic Chemistry, December 2002
University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
B.S., Chemistry, with Honors, Minors: Botany and Zoology, December 1999
University of Kelaniya, Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Postdoctoral Research Associate,
Materials Science and Engineering, Alfred University January 2009 – March 2010
• Designed a synthetic route and synthesized photocatalytically active complex Aurivillius compounds, Bi2A2TiM2O12 (A= Ca, Sr, Ba; M= Nb, Ta), in nano scale through sol-gel processing, with enhanced photocatalytic properties. Ion exchanged parent Aurivillius compounds with protons to increase photocatalytic properties. Modeled diffraction patterns of parent and ion-exchanged phases.
• Performed a high temperature in situ X-ray diffraction experiment on V2O5 in reducing CO/CO2 atmospheres. Isolated and stabilized optical switching materials VO2 and V2O3 in different CO concentrations.
Graduate Research Assistant, The Ohio State University 2004 – 2008
• Designed an experiment and synthesized new double pervskite oxyfluoride compounds, A2AgMO3F3 (A= Na, K, Rb, Ag; M= Mo, W), by high temperature solid state method in inert atmospheres. Elucidated the structures of new compounds by powder diffraction methods. Studied phase transitions of new compounds using Isotropy software, thermal analysis, and variable temperature X-ray diffraction.
• Analyzed the reaction system of SrCO3-Fe2O3 at high temperatures in CO2, air, and argon atmospheres by variable temperature in situ X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis.
• Solved unknown structures of Bi2SrTeO7 and Ba2Nb2TeO10 by real space and reciprocal space methods using lab X-ray, synchrotron X-ray, and neutron powder diffraction data. Compared advantages and disadvantages of each method on solving structures in parallel to using different types of data sets.
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Arizona 2001 – 2002
• Designed and synthesized new organometallic ruthenium dithiocarbamate complexes, [Ru(S2CR2)3], using vacuum lines and inert atmospheres for photovoltaic applications. Characterized newly synthesized compounds using various characterization techniques.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Ohio State University 2003 – 2007
• Taught undergraduate general chemistry for four years. Evaluated students as a teaching assistant for a graduate level solid state chemistry class.
Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Arizona 2001 – 2002
• Instructed undergraduate general chemistry for one year.
Teaching Assistant, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka 2000 – 2001
• Taught undergraduate general chemistry for one year.
Teacher, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka 1992 – 1998
• Taught general science and designed science curriculum for grades 6-11 meeting district standards. Effectively communicated with parents about students’ progress.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Intern, Lanka Ceramics, Colombo, Sri Lanka May 1998 – August 1998
• Examined the production process of ceramics. Performed laboratory testing for ceramic materials.
AWARDS AND TRAINING
• Travel award with an opportunity to give an oral presentation, 2006, Pittsburgh Diffraction Society Meeting, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
• Summer school of small molecular crystallography, 2004, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania.
RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
1. Poster presentation: Nano scale synthesis and photocatalytic properties of three layered Aurivillius compounds, Bi2A2TiM2O12 (A= Ca, Sr, Ba; M= Nb, Ta). Indunil N. Lokuhewa, Rob Koch, Scott T. Misture, Materials Science & Technology Conference, Convention Center, Houston, Texas, 2010.
2. Poster presentation: Rock-salt ordered oxyfluorides, Ag3WO3F3 and Ag3MoO3F3. Indunil N. Lokuhewa, Patrick M. Woodward, North American Solid State Chemistry Conference, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 2007.
3. Research talk: In situ X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the reaction system, 2SrCO3-Fe2O3 in atmospheres of CO2, air, and argon. Indunil N. Lokuhewa, Patrick M. Woodward, Patrick K. Gallagher, John P. Sanders, 64th Pittsburgh Diffraction Society Meeting, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2006.
4. Poster presentation: Structure solution of Bi2SrTeO7 and Ba2Nb2TeO10 by real space and reciprocal space methods from laboratory X-ray, synchrotron X-ray, and neutron powder diffraction data. Indunil N. Lokuhewa, Patrick Woodward, Midwest Solid State Chemistry Conference, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, 2005.
Contact this candidate