UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #1124

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Catherine Fidd
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: she/her
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Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): cf22k@fsu.edu
Position Title: Graduate Student
Faculty Advisor Name: Brandon Krick
Faculty Advisor's FSU Email: bkrick@eng.famu.fsu.edu
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Mechanical Engineering, Material Science and Engineering
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Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): {Empty}
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Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}
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Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Tribology of PTFE Composites
Project Keywords: wear, friction, PTFE
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: Yes
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all Majors

Project Location:: AME Building- 2003 Levy Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32310 
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Bus
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 5-10
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a popular polymer for tribological applications due to it's remarkably low coefficient of friction. Unfortunately, it's high wear rate limits many of its applications. To combat this issue, composites of PTFE filled with microparticles or polymer blends have been created to reduce the wear rate with minimal impacts on frictional properties. This project is centered around creating PTFE composites and testing their friction and wear capabilities in various environmental conditions on an in-house made tribometer. Additionally, characterization of the polymer composites with be performed with electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and other characterization methods to determine the mechanism for the observed friction and wear properties in the polymer.

Research Tasks:
-Polymer manufacturing
-Surface energy measurements using contact angle
-Post-processing of sample (sintering)
-Machining of manufactured polymer into testable samples
-Testing of sample on tribometer, data collection
-Data processing in MATLAB

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
-MATLAB (recommended)
-Calculus
-Machining (recommended)
-Understanding of basic mechanics, especially friction
*all skills necessary for this project will be taught

Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy revolves around fostering independence while providing support and guidance. In the context of polymer processing and mechanical testing, my approach emphasizes empowering students to take ownership of their project, starting with foundational training and evolving into self-directed work. I believe in the ultimate goal of developing critical thinking skills through data processing and analysis. I encourage students to delve deeply into relevant literature, linking past research with their experimental results. By maintaining open lines of communication,  I aim to create an environment where questions are welcomed, and curiosity is nurtured. Our lab has a multi-tiered mentoring structure, where the student will be able to talk to both the graduate student and faculty advisor regarding the project. My role is to guide and support, helping students navigate challenges and refine their understanding, ultimately leading to a more profound grasp of both the theoretical and practical aspects of their project. 

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://web1.eng.famu.fsu.edu/~bkrick/
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
This project has some work that can be conducted on main campus as well.


Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: Yes
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548
Tuesday September 2nd (3:30-5:30pm)
Thursday September 4th (12:30-2:30pm)

Roundtable Info:
- Day: Tuesday, September 2
  Start Time: 3:30
  End Time: 5:30
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548
- Day: Thursday, September 4
  Start Time: 12:30
  End Time: 2:30
  Zoom Link: https://fsu.zoom.us/j/92219172548

UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes
Faculty Advisor Confirmation: Yes

Are you interested in attending in a UROP Research Mentor Workshop Series?: No
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Year: 2025
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=2IwlaEPoiHKCUH3EKLnkFsTupJybifFpHnM9Vg1r7Cw