ACRC UCI Researchers and Staff, Spring 2025
ACRC The Ohio State University Researchers
University of California, Irvine
Current Research Staff
Dr. Söderhjelm received his PhD from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and continued his research for the Advanced Casting Research Center. As a Postdoctoral researcher he worked on particulate reinforcement of aluminum alloys, as well as novel metal additive manufacturing process development. His current research for ACRC is focused on processing semi-solid and liquid metals, as well as incorporation of additive manufacturing into the aluminum die casting industry.
Sakshi is a postdoctoral scholar in the department of Materials Science and Engineering at UCI. She works with the NSF-MRSEC team studying the interfacial science of the Complex Concentrated Alloys (CCAs). Sakshi’s PhD research is focused on the processing kinetics and microstructure evolution in the CrCoNi FCC CCAs which are known for their exceptional mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures. Sakshi obtained her Bachelor of Technology degree in Metallurgical and Materials engineering from Malaviya National Institute of Technology, India. For her undergrad thesis, she studied the effect of heating rate on the cold rolled low carbon steels. In free time, Sakshi enjoys acrylic painting, cooking and reading.
Mahsa Amiri is a postdoctoral scholar with the Department of Materials and Manufacturing Technology, University of California Irvine (UCI). She obtained her MSc from Sharif University of Technology, Iran.
During the past few years at UCI, Mahsa has been studying mechanisms that control the microstructure and mechanical properties of cold sprayed deposits, with a focus on the effects of the feedstock powder properties including (1) particle size and distribution; (2) surface oxide layer thickness and crystallinity; (3) presence of interstitials; and (4) microstructure of powder.
Recently, she started a new project on the high strain rate properties of selectively laser melted (SLM) materials. She has experimental expertise in microstructural analysis and materials characterization via SEM, HRTEM, STEM, XPS, EBSD, and micro-mechanical in-situ testing.
Her hobbies are swimming, cycling, dining out, watching movies, and hanging out with friends and family.
Dr. Zang completed a PhD at the University of British Columbia, where his research centered on aluminum alloys and wrought manufacturing. His work emphasized multilevel simulation, connecting the manufacturing history of materials to their in-service mechanical performance. Currently, Dr. Zang’s Postdoctoral research work at the Pratt & Whitney Center of Excellence is focused on the casting of single crystal nickel-based superalloy turbine blades, with an emphasis on the phenomenon of recrystallization and the critical interactions between casting shells and metals.
Cheolmin currently serves as a Doctoral student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UCI. As a member of the ACRC team, Cheolmin is working on a research project focused on thermal management for metal. He received his M.S. in February 2021 from the National Korea Maritime and Ocean University, Republic of Korea, and researched the creep characteristic of hypoeutectic Al-Si alloy manufactured by a high-pressure die-casting process. In idle moments, Cheolmin enjoys playing soccer, doing workouts, listening to music, and swimming.
Raquel earned her B.S. from UC Riverside in 2022 and is now a doctoral student studying Materials Science & Engineering at UCI. Raquel’s previous research focused on High Entropy Alloys and processing via Electromagnetic Levitation in which she co-authored a publication on the effects of the addition of Fe to CoCrCuTi alloys. Here at the ACRC she works on the use of ultrasonic treatment in molten aluminum to enhance the mechanical behavior and be applied in foundry processes including degassing, grain refinement, and intermetallic phase modification. In her free time, Raquel enjoys building film props, volleyball, photography, ballet, and OHV riding in the desert.
Aoudarya is a Doctoral candidate in the Department of Material Science and Engineering at UCI. She received her Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering from JNTUH, India. She earned her M.S. in Scientific Instrumentation from EAH Jena, Germany where she studied the heat-affected zone (HAZ) behavior in stainless steel of varying thicknesses under laser welding, employing combinations of shielding gases (N₂, Ar, H₂). Performed metallographic sample preparation to compare the influence of these mixtures on weld quality and mechanical properties. In her spare time, Aoudarya enjoys cooking, painting and singing”
Kentaro Lunn is a Doctoral candidate in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UCI. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona in 2018, recently completed his M.S. in Materials Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona in 2023, and has been working as an engineer within the motorsports industry. Kentaro’s role as an engineer involves detailed mechanical design and simulation for racing-related endeavors. This design process entails the evaluation of applicable materials and the introduction of novel materials as well. Kentaro will be pursuing a research project on the development of castable, high conductivity Al alloys. Kentaro enjoys music and cooking in his free time 🤙
Jack G. Webster is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of California, Irvine. He earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Materials Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona in 2023. As an undergraduate research assistant, Jack contributed to multiple projects aimed at developing materials and processes to mitigate high-temperature corrosion in aerospace and nuclear components.
His current research at the Advanced Casting Research Center seeks to leverage the use of wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) to produce tooling for the aluminum die casting industry. This work emphasizes two key areas: (I) the integration of novel thermal management technologies in die casting and (II) the development of materials tailored to the unique demands of additive manufacturing processes. During his free time, Jack enjoys spending his time playing music, reading, cooking, and surfing.
Undergraduate Interns
Ana is an undergraduate Materials Science and Engineering student at UCI. In her previous research experience, Ana has worked with the mechanical testing of density-graded polyurea at San Diego State University. Currently, she is working on the ultrasonic treatment project at the ACRC under Raquel. In her free time, Ana enjoys watching movies, snowboarding, and dancing Ballet Folklórico.
Eric is an undergraduate student in Materials Science and Engineering at University of California, Irvine. Eric is a Materials Science and Engineering Junior at UCI. He is currently working on the Physics of Ultrasonic Treatment with Raquel. During his free time, Eric enjoys Skiing and strategy games such as Chess.
Adrianne is a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate student at UCI working on the ultrasonic treatment project under Raquel. Robotics sparked her interest in engineering and she hopes to contribute to the sustainable reuse of materials in the biomedical device industry in the future. Her favorite pastimes include painting, doing crafts, and video editing.
Landon is an undergraduate electrical and computer engineering student at Georgia Institute of Technology. As an engineer in the computer industry, he hopes to contribute to the development of new materials for quantum computing and other forms of novel computing methods. Over the summer, Landon is working on the ultrasonic treatment project with Raquel. In his free time, Landon enjoys reading, painting, and hiking with friends.
Regina is entering into her fourth year at UCI, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. She will initially be shadowing the lab, and then joining a project in the Winter. She chose engineering because she wants to help others and provide a more equitable future. During her free time, you will find her asleep in the most random places on campus.
Recent Graduates
Peter graduated with a Master’s Degree in Materials Science at UCI in 2025. He earned his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from UC Riverside in 2023. During his undergraduate education, Peter was also a UC LEADS fellow, where he had an opportunity to research sustainable practices of upcycling materials. Within the ACRC, his work focused on sustainable Al alloy development. In his free time, Peter likes to exercise, go plane-spotting, and spend time with his friends & family.
Shrivatsav received his PhD in Materials Science at UCI in June 2025. Within the ACRC, Shri developed Al alloys directly from scrap streams, focusing on recovery and reuse of Al. He received his M.S in June 2021 in Material Science and Engineering at UCI. He focuses his studies on sustainability and failure analysis of materials. To relax, Shri enjoys listening to music, watching movies, skating, and photography.
The Ohio State University
Jiashi Miao received his PhD degree in materials science and engineering from the University of Michigan in 2010. After graduation, he worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Michigan, prior to joining Professor Luo’s group in 2016. His research mainly focuses on microstructure characterization of lightweight alloys using electron microscopy.
Jianyue Zhang earned his B.S. and M.S. in Material Science from Chongqing University in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and his PhD degree from Purdue University in 2019. Jianyue joined Professor Luo’s group in 2020. His research focuses on the development of lightweight die casting alloys and wrought magnesium alloys.
Ravi completed his M.S. in Materials Science at the University of Cincinnati where his research focused on the superconductivity of refractory high-entropy alloys (RCCAs). He joined Professor Luo’s group as a PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University in January 2025. His research is related to modeling of solidification microstructure and development of new lightweight alloys.
Gabriel earned his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 2020. The following year, he joined Professor Luo’s Research group as a PhD student. His research is focusing on the improvement of secondary aluminum alloys and recycling and casting processes.
Albert earned his B.S. in Chemical and Materials Engineering from National Central University in Taiwan in 2022. After graduation, he joined Professor Luo’s group as a PhD student, working on advanced magnesium alloys and processing.
Emmanuel graduated with his B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University in 2021. After graduation, he joined Professor Luo’s group as a PhD student. His research focuses on microstructure and diffusion simulation of aluminum alloys during solidification processing.
Alphan pursued B.S. and M.S. degrees in Materials Engineering and gained experience in both academia and industry before joining Professor Luo’s group as a Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering at The Ohio State University in August 2024. His research focuses on the formation of intermetallic phases in cast aluminum alloys and their corrosion behavior. With a background in materials characterization and electrochemistry, he has been involved in various research projects related to material’s design and processing.