27
May
2015
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00:00 AM
Europe/Amsterdam

Research paper earns grad student a Microscopy and Microanalysis Presidential Scholar Award

PITTSBURGH (May 27, 2015) ... Kai Zweiacker, a graduate student in mechanical engineering and materials science at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, has been named a recipient of the 2015 Presidential Scholar award from the Microscopy Society of America . Mr. Zweiacker's winning research paper, "Quantitative Phase Analysis of Rapid Solidification Products in Al-Cu Alloys by Automated Crystal Orientation Mapping in the TEM," was selected from more than 300 proceedings papers. Zweiacker will present his paper at the Microscopy and Microanalysis 2015 conference , August 2-6, where he will receive the award.

Mr. Zweiacker's research paper analyzed the formation of nano-scale crystals from an aluminum-copper alloy after laser melting. Laser-assisted fabrication has applications in electronic, electromagnetic and electro-optical micro-devices, as well as in bio-medical, petrochemical, energy generation and transportation technologies.

"I am very pleased for Kai receiving this award. It represents recognition of the high quality and relevance of his unique research," said his adviser, Dr. Jörg M.K. Wiezorek . "It uses cutting edge in-situ transmission electron microscopy techniques to reveal details of melting and crystallization in metals and alloys after laser irradiation.

"Understanding the mechanisms of how alloy microstructures evolve after laser melting is scientifically interesting," continued Dr. Wiezorek, "and is important to many advanced laser-based processing technologies for joining, sintering and additive manufacturing of materials. I look forward to Kai's presentation and award ceremony in Portland, OR, in August."

Born and raised in Cologne, Germany, Mr. Zweiacker received his Diplom-Ingenieur (MS) degree from the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen in 2009. He joined Dr. Wiezorek's research team at the University of Pittsburgh the following year.

The Microscopy Society of America is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of techniques and applications of microscopy and microanalysis in all relevant scientific disciplines.


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Author: Paul Kovach

Contact: Paul Kovach