Materials Technology Group

Alba Mariel Valero Morales

Aniqa Ibnat Lim

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. (EECE), MIST (Military Institute of Science & Technology); 2018.
• Master’s Degree: M.S. (Photonics), SSSA, Italy  & Aston, UK; 2021.
• Current Degree: Ph.D. (ECE), University of Houston, US. In progress (Graduation: July 2025).
• About Research: Real-Time Infrared Thermography on Additive Manufacturing for Defect Mitigation using an In Operando Machine Learning Approach. The pursuit of this research is to demonstrate in-situ thermal image analysis as an effective and efficient approach for identifying defects, focusing on porosity in the inter-layers of the 3D built structure with other pronounced geometric distortions on the surface of 3D printed steel alloys. We validate our method by comparing these defects with actual locations of flaws via SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), CT (Computed Tomography), optical microscopy, and visible imaging. It involves identification of defects (porosity, balling effect, geometric distortions) with different imaging techniques and thorough correlation with IR imaging. Moreover, this research illustrates the direct association of process variables with the temperature profile of build parts and connects them with anomalous regions in the structure.

Maria Camila Belduque Correa

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. Aeronautical Engineering, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, CO; 2017.
• Master’s Degree: M.S. Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Texas State University, US; 2019.
• Current Degree: Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering, University of Houston, US; Present.
• About Research: I am currently working on analyzing the mechanical properties of thermite welds treated under different vibration conditions. This project involves the selection of such conditions, vibration source development, statistical analysis, CAD, material testing and data analysis.

Denise Torres Avalos

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Material Science and Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico Nacional, Instituto Tecnologico de Morelia, MX; 2019- 
• Current Degree: Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, University of Houston; 2025-Present.
• About Research: Atomically thin memory resistors for neuromorphic circuits. Machine Learning for materials characterization. Materials Science and Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Isaac Oppong Yeboah

• Bachelor’s Degree: B. S. in Engineering (Material Science and Engineering), University of Ghana, GH; 2016-2020.
• Master’s Degree: M. in Physics, Cleveland State University; 2023-2024.
• Current Degree: Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, University of Houston, US; 2025-Present.
• About Research: My current research focuses on the synthesis and advanced characterization of photocatalytic materials, particularly TiO₂ and modified TiO₂-based systems, for applications in water splitting and environmental sustainability, including water pollutant degradation.

Paulina Lopez Eligio

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Materials Engineering, with a Specialty in Steel Metallurgy and Welding, Instituto Tecnológico de Morelia, MX; 2010-2015.
• Master’s Degree: M.S. Metallurgy and Materials Science (specializing in Welding and Corrosion), Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo; 2015-2017.
• Current Degree: Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences (focus on Steel Characterization and Metallurgy), 2022-Present.
• About Research: I am currently focused on microstructural characterization of steels, studying how various processes affect mechanical properties. My research aims to deepen the understanding relationship between steel microstructure and its mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, with a particular attention to the effects of heat treatments.

Samprash Risal          

• Bachelor’s Degree: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Tribhuvan University; 2018.
• Current Degree: Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering, University of Houston, US; 2022-Present.
• About Research: My research focuses on the development and optimization of solid-state batteries (SSBs), with a particular emphasis on fabricating thin, flexible solid electrolyte films using both dry and wet slurry methods to enhance their mechanical strength. I investigate metal-carbon interlayers to achieve uniform lithium deposition and stripping, thereby improving the cycling stability of full cells. My work encompasses electrochemical characterization and advanced thin-film fabrication techniques, including PVD, Sputtering, and doctor blade coating, for solid-state energy storage applications.