Graduate Student: Alex Stramel, M.S. Candidate, University of Virginia
Research Project: Novel Applications of NASA Langley Developed 2.0 Micron Laser for Materials Processing
University Advisor: Prof. Mool Gupta, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Virginia
NASA Mentor: Chris Edwards and Dr. Jirong Yu, Laser Remote Sensing Branch, Research and Technology Directorate (RTD)

Research will be in the general area of laser processing of materials.  The graduate student will conduct experimental research investigating advantages of using high-powered, pulsed, infrared laser sources for micromachining and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of polymer nanostructures and thin films compared with conventional laser sources.  The research will be advised by Prof. Mool Gupta of the University of Virginia, and NASA sponsors, Chris Edwards and Jirong Yu, of the Laser Remote Sensing Branch at NASA Langley Research Center.