Brett Emery

Mary Gates Research Scholar, Autumn 2021

Research Project: Applied Viscous Thread Instability for Manufacturing 3D Printed Foams

Project Description: My research combines mechanical engineering and physics to manipulate a side effect of filament-based polymer 3D printing to create an entirely new and customizable method of 3D printing foam-like geometries, out of a wide range of unique and interesting materials, where conventional methods of manufacturing foams with such materials are cumbersome or generally impossible.

What have you learned throughout your research project?

My research has made me profoundly aware of my desire to work on the cutting edge of technology, creatively exploring the boundaries of what is possible and how I can truly influence that growth. 

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants?

Pursue what makes you curious and excited. Think of creative ways to combine your interests or hobbies in ways that may seem unconventional or unexplored. Never underestimate how much of an impact exploring these things can have on your life. For me 3D printing started as a fun hobby of mine more than seven years ago, and now I will be pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering, specifically focused on additive manufacturing because of the work I’ve done with 3D printing after I finally started looking into how I could apply my experience.