Aleisha Reese Cerny

Fuel flexible, efficient, clean tech with the mission to decarbonize complex industries.

MIE315: Design for the Environment (Winter 2023) MIE243: Mechanical Engineering Design (Fall 2021, Fall 2022) • Conducted one-on-one mock interviews with students • Marked and provided feedback to final design portfolios MATA32: Calculus for Management I (Winter 2022) • Taught in-person weekly tutorials to approximately 30 students • Prepared weekly tutorial problem sets and solutions based on curriculum taught in lectures • Created, marked and took-up bi-weekly quizzes; Marked midterm and final exams • Held office hours with students to provide additional help and clarification on calculus topics Exam Invigilator/Proctor for the Engineering Communication Program, Mechanical Engineering Department, and Computer Science/ Math department

Master's research student in the Smart Polymers and Composites research lab, within the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department. My research focused on conductive polymer composites for applications in environmental sensors as well as bipolar plates in hydrogen fuel cells. • Study 1: Successfully developed, fabricated, and prototyped two types of moisture sensing technologies using metallic materials and conductive polymer foams. I prepared all samples, fabricated sensing substrates and tested moisture sensors in various environments. This research project was completed and published in ACS Publications. • Study 2: Investigated and fabricated different conductive polymer composite materials for use as bipolar plates in hydrogen fuel cells for automotive applications. Samples were prepared with different conductive filler loadings, and their material properties were tested and characterized. Designed custom mold, fabricated composite bipolar plates and tested performance in a commercial fuel cell stack. • Procured and handled raw materials, fabricated, analyzed, and characterized materials based on their chemical, mechanical, electrical, thermal properties (such as SEM, EDS, XRD, TGA, DSC, DEA, tensile/compression/flexural bend testing) • Mentored and supervised 2 students to assist in my research; Trained each student on lab equipment, and fabrication of components, ensuring safety was always prioritized. • Coordinated and managed weekly research meetings with other lab members and Supervisor Prof. Hani E. Naguib; Presented my research at seminars and conferences.

• Helped develop and update a new website for the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Department using PHP and HTML at UBC • Interviewed professors, wrote and published articles about their research and awards, as well as graduate and postdoctoral student projects onto the ECE university website • Solely created and distributed weekly issues of the Graduate Student Newsletter to over 500 students, staff and faculty, aimed to engage student culture through various medias

Focused on optimization and characterization of the process and production of microporous layers (MPLs) for PEM hydrogen fuel cells.

Hydrogen Technologies | Research and Development Independently and successfully designed an experimental procedure, researched, and selected materials for creating a new type of structured microporous layer within the membrane electrode assembly of a hydrogen fuel cell, to improve water management and conductivity. Conducted experimental research by producing test samples of a new type of patterned cathodic catalyst layer that reduces platinum loading while increasing overall cell performance Specifically: • Laser cut and engraved different materials using a Trotec Laser and design software • Ink processing using carbon materials and solvents • Application of the material using various methods (e.g. screenprinting, frames) • Heat treated the structures, and experimented with different times and temperatures • Transferred the material using compression methods while manipulating pressure, temperature and time Focused on process optimization in for both components by continuously manipulating various parameters (ie. pressure, temperature, time) during application, drying, compression and transferring. Prototyped samples were produced and all structures were tested on state-of-the-art CCMs using the ExpertISE test cell.

• Supported overhead designers and engineers in organizing and constantly updating files, documents and the main database to ensure complete accuracy in all inputted data • Prepared all necessary documentation including: proposals, budgets, schedules, work plans, tender documents, bid evaluation, technical reports, project calculation, work order packages and construction packages as well as set up meetings ensuring all projects are on track • Received formal training in design and project management software including Microsoft Access, Bluebeam, BillQuick Enterprise, Core and Asana • Helped develop a business plan on implementing EV charging stations across the Greater Vancouver Area

Recently completed my Master's of Applied Science degree in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and worked in Toronto Smart Materials and Structures (TSMART) research lab. I successfully defended my research-based thesis on conductive polymer composites for energy applications and published one article. I also completed four graduate courses and worked as a Teaching Assistant for three different courses.

My undergrad in Materials Engineering provided me with a solid foundation in the field and an interest in polymers, metallurgy and corrosion, material and mechanical design, failure analysis, life cycle assessments, and nanotechnology. I specialized in Manufacturing and Performance.

Exchange Program - Materials Science