News
October 2024. Hannah Blaha, June Yu and Madhavi Vempuluru present at MS&T2024 conference:
Our group members Hannah Blaha, June Yu and Dr. Madhavi Vempuluru presented their research at the MS&T conference 2024, 6-9th October, Pittsburg. These are the titles of their talks:
- Oral presentation: H. Blaha, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Anisotropic cellulose aerogels for developing mesoporous ceramics”, Symposium: Porous Materials for Energy and Environment Applications, Session: Porous Materials I
- Oral presentation: June Yu and C. Tallon, “Effect of Suspension Solid Concentration on Physical Properties of Diverse Different Geometry UHTCs”, Symposium: Manufacturing and Processing of Advanced Ceramic Materials Session: Advances in Ceramic Processing II: Applications
- Oral presentation: M. Vempuluru, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Microstructural evolution of CNC-PVA porous aerogels”, Symposium: Porous Materials for Energy and Environment Applications Session: Porous Materials II.
Well done!!!
Our group members Hannah Blaha, June Yu and Dr. Madhavi Vempuluru presented their research at the MS&T conference 2024, 6-9th October, Pittsburg. These are the titles of their talks:
- Oral presentation: H. Blaha, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Anisotropic cellulose aerogels for developing mesoporous ceramics”, Symposium: Porous Materials for Energy and Environment Applications, Session: Porous Materials I
- Oral presentation: June Yu and C. Tallon, “Effect of Suspension Solid Concentration on Physical Properties of Diverse Different Geometry UHTCs”, Symposium: Manufacturing and Processing of Advanced Ceramic Materials Session: Advances in Ceramic Processing II: Applications
- Oral presentation: M. Vempuluru, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Microstructural evolution of CNC-PVA porous aerogels”, Symposium: Porous Materials for Energy and Environment Applications Session: Porous Materials II.
Well done!!!
August 2024. Carolina Tallon delivers Keynote Presentation at CMCEE14 in Budapest (Hungary).
Dr. Carolina Tallon delivered a Keynote Presentation at the 14th International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Systems, CMCEE14, 18-22 August 2024, Budapest (Hungary). Her talk was entitled: What Else Can UHTCs Do? Exploring Microstructural Complexity in UHTCs for New Heat Management Strategies and Applications"
Dr. Carolina Tallon delivered a Keynote Presentation at the 14th International Conference on Ceramic Materials and Components for Energy and Environmental Systems, CMCEE14, 18-22 August 2024, Budapest (Hungary). Her talk was entitled: What Else Can UHTCs Do? Exploring Microstructural Complexity in UHTCs for New Heat Management Strategies and Applications"
June 2024. New Collaborative Research Publication.
Our new collaborative research publication is now available in Scripta Materialia. This ViewPoint article summarizes the main concepts developed in our collaborative ARPA-E ULTIMATE program, led by Dr. Elizabeth Opila (MSE, UVA).
Kristyn D. Ardrey, Mackenzie J. Ridley, Kang Wang, Kevin Reuwer, Giavanna Angelo, Kevin Childrey, William Riffe, Mahboobe Jassas, Mukil Ayyasamy, Prasanna V. Balachandran, Patrick E. Hopkins, Jonathan Laurer, Carolina Tallon, BiCheng Zhou, Elizabeth J. Opila, “Opportunities for novel refractory alloy thermal/environmental barrier coatings using multicomponent rare earth oxides”, Scripta Materialia, 251, 116206 (2024).

May 2024. Hugh Scarpa-Friedman selected to participate in CEED Summer Research Program.
Mr. Hugh Scarpa-Friedman was selected to participate in the VT-CEED Summer Research Program, in our group. He presented the highlights of his research project during the CEED Research Conference in 25th July 2025, with a poster entitled "Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) Test Rig: Electronics Modification and Torch Replacement".
Well done, Hugh!!

April 2024. Aliya Kaplan named 2024 MSE Outstanding Senior of the Year.
Aliya Kaplan has been selected as the MSE Outstanding Senior of the Year. Congratulations Aliya!!
Read all the story here

April 2024. Sydney Hulse recipient of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Sydney Hulse is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate.
Sydney, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon, will be studying the role of carbon nanotubes additions to the thermomechanical performance of multi-scale porous Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for extreme applications such as hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Sydney!!!
Sydney Hulse is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate.
Sydney, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon, will be studying the role of carbon nanotubes additions to the thermomechanical performance of multi-scale porous Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for extreme applications such as hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Sydney!!!

December 2023. Commencement Ceremony!
Dr. Shirey participated in the Graduate School commencement ceremony with some of her MSE graduate peers. She was officially hooded as Dr. Shirey!! Congratulations again!!
Dr. Shirey participated in the Graduate School commencement ceremony with some of her MSE graduate peers. She was officially hooded as Dr. Shirey!! Congratulations again!!

December 2023. Juan Diego Shiraishi Lombard defends his PhD thesis
Juan Diego Shiraishi Lombard defended his PhD thesis "Colloidal Processing, Microstructural Evolution, and Anisotropic Properties of Textured Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics Prepared using Weak Magnetic Fields" on December 8th, 2023.
He did an fantastic job!!
Congratulations Dr. Shiraishi Lombard!
Juan Diego Shiraishi Lombard defended his PhD thesis "Colloidal Processing, Microstructural Evolution, and Anisotropic Properties of Textured Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics Prepared using Weak Magnetic Fields" on December 8th, 2023.
He did an fantastic job!!
Congratulations Dr. Shiraishi Lombard!

October 2023. Poster Presentations at the MII Technical Conference
Ms. Kate Whaley and Dr. Madhavi Vempuluru attended the Macromolecule Innovation Institute (MII) Technical Conference in Blacksburg, VA, 2-4th October, and they presented their research:
Well done Madhavi and Kate!!
Ms. Kate Whaley and Dr. Madhavi Vempuluru attended the Macromolecule Innovation Institute (MII) Technical Conference in Blacksburg, VA, 2-4th October, and they presented their research:
- K. Whaley, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Titanium Isopropoxide Hydrolysis and its Role in Titanium Dioxide Formation for Mesoporous Structure Production”
- M. Vempuluru, E. J. Foster and C. Tallon, “Evaluation of Polyvinyl Alcohol Crosslinked- Cellulose Nanocrystals for Ceramic Mesoporous Processing”
Well done Madhavi and Kate!!

August 2023. Julia Goyer defends her PhD thesis
Julia Goyer defended her PhD thesis "Near-Net-Shaping and Additive Manufacturing of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics via Colloidal Processing" on August 11th 2023. She did an amazing job!!
Congratulations Dr. Goyer!
Julia Goyer defended her PhD thesis "Near-Net-Shaping and Additive Manufacturing of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics via Colloidal Processing" on August 11th 2023. She did an amazing job!!
Congratulations Dr. Goyer!

May 2023. Kaitlyn Shirey defends her PhD thesis
Kaitlyn Shirey defended her PhD thesis "Understanding how tape casting titanium diboride shifts its processing-microstructure-properties paradigm toward new applications" on May 26th 2023. She did a truly outstanding job!!
Congratulations Dr. Shirey!
Kaitlyn Shirey defended her PhD thesis "Understanding how tape casting titanium diboride shifts its processing-microstructure-properties paradigm toward new applications" on May 26th 2023. She did a truly outstanding job!!
Congratulations Dr. Shirey!

April 2023. Senior Design Team Final Presentations
Our senior design team this year, Gia, Hannah, Adi and Sean, presented their final results of their project entitled "Evaluation of Thermal Properties of Porous UHTCs on Thermal Protection Systems for Hypersonic Applications".
Congratulations team!
Our senior design team this year, Gia, Hannah, Adi and Sean, presented their final results of their project entitled "Evaluation of Thermal Properties of Porous UHTCs on Thermal Protection Systems for Hypersonic Applications".
Congratulations team!

April 2023. Julia Goyer Recipient of Torgersen Award, Virginia Tech
Julia Goyer was awarded the 4th position in the overall competition for best overall PhD presentation at the Torgersen Awards in the College of Engineering, at Virginia Tech, on Wed 19th April 2023. From all the graduate students applicants from the College of Engineering, 26 finalists were selected, and she was awarded 1 of the top 4 positions.
Kaitlyn Shirey was also selected as one of the 26 finalists from the College of Engineering.
Congratulations Julia and Kaitlyn!
Julia Goyer was awarded the 4th position in the overall competition for best overall PhD presentation at the Torgersen Awards in the College of Engineering, at Virginia Tech, on Wed 19th April 2023. From all the graduate students applicants from the College of Engineering, 26 finalists were selected, and she was awarded 1 of the top 4 positions.
Kaitlyn Shirey was also selected as one of the 26 finalists from the College of Engineering.
Congratulations Julia and Kaitlyn!

April 2023. Aliya Kaplan presents at the VSGC conference
Aliya Kaplan attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Conference on 13th April 2023 in Newport News, Virginia. Aliya, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Aliya presented her work on Infiltration of Porous Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Active Cooling.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)! Well done!!
Aliya Kaplan attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Conference on 13th April 2023 in Newport News, Virginia. Aliya, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. Aliya presented her work on Infiltration of Porous Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for Active Cooling.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)! Well done!!
Spring 2023. New publications
These are our newest publications:
- J. Goyer and C. Tallon, “Exploring New Solvent Mixtures for Near-Net Shaping of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics Via Colloidal Processing”, Ceram. Inter., 49, 22256–22266 (2023)
- J.D. Shiraishi Lombard, T. Liu, G. Liu and C. Tallon, “Thermal Treatment of Electrospun Polystyrene Fibers: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior”, J. Mater. Sci., 58, 6009–6024 (2023)
- K. Shirey, B. Bonnett, X. Yang, A. Morris, and C. Tallon, “Preparation of ZrC embedded carbon rods via thermal decomposition of metal organic frameworks”, Materialia, MTLA 28 101716 (2023)
- K. Shirey and C. Tallon, “Cost-Effective Suspension Formulation for Flexible TiB2 tapes”, Inter. J. Appl. Ceram. Technol., 20, 1606–1616 (2023)
Congratulations Julia, Kaitlyn and Juan! and thanks to all of our co-authors and collaborators!
These are our newest publications:
- J. Goyer and C. Tallon, “Exploring New Solvent Mixtures for Near-Net Shaping of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics Via Colloidal Processing”, Ceram. Inter., 49, 22256–22266 (2023)
- J.D. Shiraishi Lombard, T. Liu, G. Liu and C. Tallon, “Thermal Treatment of Electrospun Polystyrene Fibers: Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior”, J. Mater. Sci., 58, 6009–6024 (2023)
- K. Shirey, B. Bonnett, X. Yang, A. Morris, and C. Tallon, “Preparation of ZrC embedded carbon rods via thermal decomposition of metal organic frameworks”, Materialia, MTLA 28 101716 (2023)
- K. Shirey and C. Tallon, “Cost-Effective Suspension Formulation for Flexible TiB2 tapes”, Inter. J. Appl. Ceram. Technol., 20, 1606–1616 (2023)
Congratulations Julia, Kaitlyn and Juan! and thanks to all of our co-authors and collaborators!
November 2022. Kevin Reuwer completes his M. Eng.
Kevin Reuwer completed his M. Eng. this month. His work has focused on Development of Advanced Hybrid Slurry Coating using High Entropy Rare Earth Oxides. Kevin will continue working in our group as a research assistant.
Congratulations Kevin!!
Kevin Reuwer completed his M. Eng. this month. His work has focused on Development of Advanced Hybrid Slurry Coating using High Entropy Rare Earth Oxides. Kevin will continue working in our group as a research assistant.
Congratulations Kevin!!

October 2022. Manufacturing Day at Virginia Tech
Julia Goyer and Carolina Tallon participated in the Manufacturing Day at Virginia Tech, where they shared the latest near-net-shaping and additive manufacturing capabilities of our group.
Julia Goyer and Carolina Tallon participated in the Manufacturing Day at Virginia Tech, where they shared the latest near-net-shaping and additive manufacturing capabilities of our group.

October 2022. Aliya Kaplan wins Undergraduate Student Speaking Contest at MS&T conference
Aliya Kaplan was the winner of the Materials Advantage Undergraduate Student Speaking Contest at this year MS&T conference. Her presentation "New Ceramic Approach to Active Cooling" received the first place. She competed against undergraduate students from universities across the country.
Congratulations Aliya!!!
Aliya Kaplan was the winner of the Materials Advantage Undergraduate Student Speaking Contest at this year MS&T conference. Her presentation "New Ceramic Approach to Active Cooling" received the first place. She competed against undergraduate students from universities across the country.
Congratulations Aliya!!!

Spring 2022. Aliya Kaplan recipient of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Aliya Kaplan is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.
Aliya, advised by Dr. Tallon, will be studying how multi-scale porous UHTC can be utilized for active cooling for extreme conditions. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Aliya!!!
Aliya Kaplan is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2022-2023 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.
Aliya, advised by Dr. Tallon, will be studying how multi-scale porous UHTC can be utilized for active cooling for extreme conditions. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Aliya!!!

May 2019. Congratulations to our new graduates Julia, Peter, Kevin and Faulkner.
Julia Goyer, Peter Kazmareck, Kevin Gjata and Faulkner Custer completed their degrees Materials Science and Engineering.
Peter and Kevin have been part of our research group since Fall 2016 and Summer 2017 respectively, and their work has greatly contributed to launch our lab and our current projects. Julia and Faulkner will continue doing research in our group as they progress towards their PhD and M.S degrees respectively, as part of the Accelerator Program of the MSE Department.
We wish them the best of luck for their next stages in their professional careers! Congratulations!!!
Julia Goyer, Peter Kazmareck, Kevin Gjata and Faulkner Custer completed their degrees Materials Science and Engineering.
Peter and Kevin have been part of our research group since Fall 2016 and Summer 2017 respectively, and their work has greatly contributed to launch our lab and our current projects. Julia and Faulkner will continue doing research in our group as they progress towards their PhD and M.S degrees respectively, as part of the Accelerator Program of the MSE Department.
We wish them the best of luck for their next stages in their professional careers! Congratulations!!!

April 2019. Julia Goyer presents her research at the 2019 Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference
Julia Goyer presents her research during the 2019 Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference, at the Moss Art Center, in Blacksburg, on 19th April 2019.
Her poster focused on interparticle forces calculations for optimal processing of UHTCs. Great job!
Julia Goyer presents her research during the 2019 Dennis Dean Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Conference, at the Moss Art Center, in Blacksburg, on 19th April 2019.
Her poster focused on interparticle forces calculations for optimal processing of UHTCs. Great job!

April 2019. Kaitlyn Shirey presents her research at the ICTAS Doctoral Scholar Symposium.
Kaitlyn Shirey presented her research results after her first semester as a PhD student at the ICTAS Doctoral Scholar Symposium, held at the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science on 19th April 2019. Her poster focused on energy applications for titanium diboride.
Kaitlyn is a ICTAS Doctoral Scholar advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon finalizing her first year as graduate student.
Well done Kaitlyn!
Kaitlyn Shirey presented her research results after her first semester as a PhD student at the ICTAS Doctoral Scholar Symposium, held at the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science on 19th April 2019. Her poster focused on energy applications for titanium diboride.
Kaitlyn is a ICTAS Doctoral Scholar advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon finalizing her first year as graduate student.
Well done Kaitlyn!

April 2019. Julia Goyer attends the VSGC Conference
Julia Goyer attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium on 11th April 2019 in Hampton University. Julia, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Julia, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) presented her work on exploring solvent mixtures for colloidal processing of UHTCs.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)! Well done Julia!!
Julia Goyer attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium on 11th April 2019 in Hampton University. Julia, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Julia, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) presented her work on exploring solvent mixtures for colloidal processing of UHTCs.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)! Well done Julia!!

February 2019. Attendance to Women and Gender in Development Conference 2019: Out of the theory and into the field.
Julia Goyer, Kaitlyn Shirey, Juan Shiraishi and Carolina Tallon attended the conference "Women and Gender in Development Conference: Out of the theory and into the field", in Blacksburg (VA) during Feb 28 and March 1st. Nearly 200 international researchers, faculty, students and practitioners attended this two day conference.
Julia Goyer, Kaitlyn Shirey, Juan Shiraishi and Carolina Tallon attended the conference "Women and Gender in Development Conference: Out of the theory and into the field", in Blacksburg (VA) during Feb 28 and March 1st. Nearly 200 international researchers, faculty, students and practitioners attended this two day conference.

January 2019. Attendance to ICACC in Daytona Beach
Dr. Carolina Tallon, Mr. Chris Garza and Mr. Stefan Povolny attended the 43rd International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC 2019), in Daytona Beach (Florida).
The presentations (2 invited talks and 3 oral contributions( that our group gave at the conference are the following:
- (Invited Talk) C. Tallon, “Design and Manufacturing of Multi-Scale Porous UHTCs for Passive and Active Cooling Components”
- (Invited Talk) C. Tallon, “Processing Enabling Microstructure Control and Manufacturing of Bio-inspired Ceramics"
- C. Garza and C. Tallon, "Hot Isostatic Pressing of Zirconium Diboride for Advanced Manufacturing of Near-Net-Shaped UHTCs components"
- S. Povolny, G. Seidel and C. Tallon, “Understanding and predicting the thermomechanical behavior of multiscale porous UHTCs via microstructure-properties using Material Point Method"
- D. Pinnisi, K. Gjata, N. Craft, K. Mueller, J. Slagle, L. Backman, E. Opila and C. Tallon, “Oxidation Behavior of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics Fabricated by Colloidal Processing Routes".
Dr. Carolina Tallon, Mr. Chris Garza and Mr. Stefan Povolny attended the 43rd International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC 2019), in Daytona Beach (Florida).
The presentations (2 invited talks and 3 oral contributions( that our group gave at the conference are the following:
- (Invited Talk) C. Tallon, “Design and Manufacturing of Multi-Scale Porous UHTCs for Passive and Active Cooling Components”
- (Invited Talk) C. Tallon, “Processing Enabling Microstructure Control and Manufacturing of Bio-inspired Ceramics"
- C. Garza and C. Tallon, "Hot Isostatic Pressing of Zirconium Diboride for Advanced Manufacturing of Near-Net-Shaped UHTCs components"
- S. Povolny, G. Seidel and C. Tallon, “Understanding and predicting the thermomechanical behavior of multiscale porous UHTCs via microstructure-properties using Material Point Method"
- D. Pinnisi, K. Gjata, N. Craft, K. Mueller, J. Slagle, L. Backman, E. Opila and C. Tallon, “Oxidation Behavior of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics Fabricated by Colloidal Processing Routes".

December 2018. Mr.David Hicks obtains his Master of Science in MSE.
Mr. David Hicks obtained his Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
On 11th December 2018, David defended his M.S. Thesis entitled "Aligned Continuous Cylindrical Pores Derived from Electrospun Polymer Fibers in Titanium Diboride".
Congratulations David!!!
Mr. David Hicks obtained his Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
On 11th December 2018, David defended his M.S. Thesis entitled "Aligned Continuous Cylindrical Pores Derived from Electrospun Polymer Fibers in Titanium Diboride".
Congratulations David!!!

November 2018. Mr. Nizad Zahed obtains his Master of Science in MSE.
Mr. Nizar Zahed obtained his Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
On 26th November 2018, Nizar defended his M.S. Thesis entitled "Formation of Meso-Structured Multi-Scale Porous Titanium Dioxide by Combined Soft-Templating, Freeze-Casting and Hard-Templating Using Cellulose Nanocrystals".
Congratulations Nizar!!
Mr. Nizar Zahed obtained his Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering.
On 26th November 2018, Nizar defended his M.S. Thesis entitled "Formation of Meso-Structured Multi-Scale Porous Titanium Dioxide by Combined Soft-Templating, Freeze-Casting and Hard-Templating Using Cellulose Nanocrystals".
Congratulations Nizar!!

September 2018. Kaitlyn Shirey recipient of the ICTAS Doctoral Scholarship.
Kaitlyn Shirey has been selected as one of the prestigious ICTAS Doctoral Scholars.
The ICTAS (Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences) Doctoral Scholars Program honors exceptional Ph.D. candidates interested in interdisciplinary research with a competitive graduate fellowship. This scholarship offers full graduate tuition support, competitive stipend and associated benefits for the period of Ph.D. pursuit to a maximum of four years, partial travel support for professional development and external presentations and experience in interdisciplinary research and opportunities for cross-pollination.
Kaitlyn will be pursuing her PhD advised by Dr. Tallon, focusing on new energy applications of
ceramic borides.
Congratulations Kaitlyn!!
Kaitlyn Shirey has been selected as one of the prestigious ICTAS Doctoral Scholars.
The ICTAS (Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Sciences) Doctoral Scholars Program honors exceptional Ph.D. candidates interested in interdisciplinary research with a competitive graduate fellowship. This scholarship offers full graduate tuition support, competitive stipend and associated benefits for the period of Ph.D. pursuit to a maximum of four years, partial travel support for professional development and external presentations and experience in interdisciplinary research and opportunities for cross-pollination.
Kaitlyn will be pursuing her PhD advised by Dr. Tallon, focusing on new energy applications of
ceramic borides.
Congratulations Kaitlyn!!
September 2018. New Publications
Our group has three new publications:
1) D.C Hicks, Z. Zhou, G. Liu and C. Tallon, "Aligned continuous cylindrical pores derived from electrospun polymer fibers in titanium
diboride", Int. J. Appl. Ceram. Technol. 2018; 00: 1–12.
2) E.J. Foster, N. Zahed and C. Tallon, "The Transformative and Versatile Role of Cellulose Nanomaterials in Templating and Shaping Multi-Scale Mesostructured Ceramics", Small 2018, 1802068.
3) D. P. H. Hasselman, "Can the Temperature Dependence of the Heat Transfer Coefficient of the Wire–Nanofluid Interface Explain
the “Anomalous” Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids Measured by the Hot-Wire Method?", International Journal of Thermophysics (2018) 39:109
Our group has three new publications:
1) D.C Hicks, Z. Zhou, G. Liu and C. Tallon, "Aligned continuous cylindrical pores derived from electrospun polymer fibers in titanium
diboride", Int. J. Appl. Ceram. Technol. 2018; 00: 1–12.
2) E.J. Foster, N. Zahed and C. Tallon, "The Transformative and Versatile Role of Cellulose Nanomaterials in Templating and Shaping Multi-Scale Mesostructured Ceramics", Small 2018, 1802068.
3) D. P. H. Hasselman, "Can the Temperature Dependence of the Heat Transfer Coefficient of the Wire–Nanofluid Interface Explain
the “Anomalous” Thermal Conductivity of Nanofluids Measured by the Hot-Wire Method?", International Journal of Thermophysics (2018) 39:109
August 2018. Welcome new group members!!!
We are growing!
Our group is welcoming Juan Shiraishi, Julia Goyer, Adrian Davila and Kaitlyn Shirey as our new graduate students.
We are also welcoming Allison Slominski, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Fall Semester.
Welcome everyone!
We are growing!
Our group is welcoming Juan Shiraishi, Julia Goyer, Adrian Davila and Kaitlyn Shirey as our new graduate students.
We are also welcoming Allison Slominski, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Fall Semester.
Welcome everyone!

17-21 June 2018. Carolina Tallon attended the ICC7 conference in Foz do Iguacu (Brazil)
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the 7th International Conference on Ceramics (ICC7) in Foz do Iguacu (Brazil).
She gave two Invited Presentations:
1) "The power of colloidal processing for bio-inspired ceramics: from particle-particle interaction to manufacturing"
2) "Multi-Scale Porous UHTCs: Dual Approach to Passive Cooling Components Design and Manufacturing"
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the 7th International Conference on Ceramics (ICC7) in Foz do Iguacu (Brazil).
She gave two Invited Presentations:
1) "The power of colloidal processing for bio-inspired ceramics: from particle-particle interaction to manufacturing"
2) "Multi-Scale Porous UHTCs: Dual Approach to Passive Cooling Components Design and Manufacturing"

4-10 June 2018. Carolina Tallon attended the CIMTEC Conference in Perugia (Italy).
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the CIMTEC 2018-14th International Ceramic Congress in Perugia (Italy).
She gave an Invited Presentation entitled "Developing cost-effective manufacturing methods and processing strategies for UHTCs".
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the CIMTEC 2018-14th International Ceramic Congress in Perugia (Italy).
She gave an Invited Presentation entitled "Developing cost-effective manufacturing methods and processing strategies for UHTCs".
May 2018. Welcome new group members for Summer 2018.
Mr. Matt Rotondi, Mr. Nick Green, Mr. Patrick Miele and Ms. Kylie DeClue will be undertaking undergraduate resarch with out group this summer.
Welcome everyone!!!
Mr. Matt Rotondi, Mr. Nick Green, Mr. Patrick Miele and Ms. Kylie DeClue will be undertaking undergraduate resarch with out group this summer.
Welcome everyone!!!

May 2018. Congratulations to our new graduates Kelsey and Jacob.
Kelsey Niehoff and Jacob Slagle completed their degrees in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, respectively.
Kelsey (co-advised by Dr. Bortner (CHE) and Dr. Tallon) and Jacob have been part of our research group since Fall 2016 and their work has greatly contributed to launch our lab and our current projects.
We wish them the best of luck for their next stages in their professional careers!
Congratulations!!!
Kelsey Niehoff and Jacob Slagle completed their degrees in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, respectively.
Kelsey (co-advised by Dr. Bortner (CHE) and Dr. Tallon) and Jacob have been part of our research group since Fall 2016 and their work has greatly contributed to launch our lab and our current projects.
We wish them the best of luck for their next stages in their professional careers!
Congratulations!!!

April 2018. Julia Goyer recipient of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Julia Goyer is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.
Julia, advised by Dr. Tallon, is studying how interparticle forces and colloidal chemistry mechanisms for ultra-high-temperature ceramics can be used to enable new near-net-shaping manufacturing approaches for aerospace components. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Julia!!!
Julia Goyer is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance.
Julia, advised by Dr. Tallon, is studying how interparticle forces and colloidal chemistry mechanisms for ultra-high-temperature ceramics can be used to enable new near-net-shaping manufacturing approaches for aerospace components. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles.
Congratulations Julia!!!

April 2018. Senior Design Teams in the MSE Senior Design Final.
Our two Senior Design Teams were part of the final 8 teams selected to compete for the 2017 MSE Best Senior Design Award on 27th April 2018.
The two teams are:
- Nuclear Team: Zachary Schiemann, Bryan Hendry, Sam Hertz and Trevor Cassiday, co-advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon and Dr. Celine Hin, Project: "Attraction of Inert Gases to Mesoporous Silica Microspheres in ODS Fe Alloy"
- Cool Team: Thomas Maulbeck, Merve Rath and Garrett Houghton ; Project: "Freezing Maps for Freeze Casting of Advanced Ceramics"
Congratulations Teams!!
Our two Senior Design Teams were part of the final 8 teams selected to compete for the 2017 MSE Best Senior Design Award on 27th April 2018.
The two teams are:
- Nuclear Team: Zachary Schiemann, Bryan Hendry, Sam Hertz and Trevor Cassiday, co-advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon and Dr. Celine Hin, Project: "Attraction of Inert Gases to Mesoporous Silica Microspheres in ODS Fe Alloy"
- Cool Team: Thomas Maulbeck, Merve Rath and Garrett Houghton ; Project: "Freezing Maps for Freeze Casting of Advanced Ceramics"
Congratulations Teams!!

April 2018. Jacob Slagle attends the Virginia Tech XL Undergraduate Conference
Jacob Slagle attended the XL Undergraduate Conference at Virginia Tech on 13th April 2018 where he presented his work in oxidation testing of colloidally-processed UHTCs.
This work is part of a collaborative project with Prof. Beth Opila and Ms. Kendall Mueller (MSE Department of University of Virginia), funded by 4VA.
Great job Jacob!
Jacob Slagle attended the XL Undergraduate Conference at Virginia Tech on 13th April 2018 where he presented his work in oxidation testing of colloidally-processed UHTCs.
This work is part of a collaborative project with Prof. Beth Opila and Ms. Kendall Mueller (MSE Department of University of Virginia), funded by 4VA.
Great job Jacob!

April 2018. Kelsey Niehoff attends the VSGC Conference.
Kelsey Niehoff attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium on 11th April 2018 in Old Dominion University. Kelsey, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Kelsey, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) and Dr. Michael Bortner (ChE) presented her work on developing porous ultra high temperature ceramics with nanomaterial reinforcements for improved mechanical and thermal properties.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)!
Well done Kelsey!!
Kelsey Niehoff attended the Virginia Space Grant Consortium on 11th April 2018 in Old Dominion University. Kelsey, was one of the recipients of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year.
Kelsey, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) and Dr. Michael Bortner (ChE) presented her work on developing porous ultra high temperature ceramics with nanomaterial reinforcements for improved mechanical and thermal properties.
And during the conference she had the opportunity to explain her research project to President Tim Sands (President of Virginia Tech)!
Well done Kelsey!!

April 2018. Peter Kacmareck attended the Meeting of the Minds Conference.
Peter Kaczmarek was selected by the Office of Undergraduate Research at Virginia Tech to attend and present his undergraduate research project in the Atlantic Coast Conference Meeting of the Minds (ACCMOM)), on 6-8 April 2018, in Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. His research focuses on developing functionally graded porosity using ice templating in UHTCs.
Well done Peter!!
Peter Kaczmarek was selected by the Office of Undergraduate Research at Virginia Tech to attend and present his undergraduate research project in the Atlantic Coast Conference Meeting of the Minds (ACCMOM)), on 6-8 April 2018, in Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. His research focuses on developing functionally graded porosity using ice templating in UHTCs.
Well done Peter!!
February 2018. Nizar Zahed and David Hicks received Dr. Gary S. Clevinger, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
Mr. Nizar Zahed and Mr. David Hicks were two of the recipients of the Dr. Gary S. Clevinger, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship for 2018. Nizar and David are finishing their M.S. in our group in June and July 2018, respectively.
Congratulations!!
Mr. Nizar Zahed and Mr. David Hicks were two of the recipients of the Dr. Gary S. Clevinger, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship for 2018. Nizar and David are finishing their M.S. in our group in June and July 2018, respectively.
Congratulations!!

January 2018. Attendance to the ICACC conference in Daytona Beach.
Dr. Carolina Tallon, Mr. Nizar Zahed and Mr. David Hicks attended the 42nd International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC 2018), in Daytona Beach (Florida).
The three oral presentations that our group gave at the conference are the following:
1) N. Zahed, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, Controllable Morphology of Multi-Scale Porous Titanium Dioxide.
2) D. Hicks, Z. Zhou, G. Liu and C. Tallon, Aligned Continuous Cylindrical Pores Derived from Electrospun Polymer Fibers in Titanium Diboride.
3) C. Tallon, S. Leo and G.V. Franks, New Avenues for Near-Net-Shaping of UHTCs.
Dr. Carolina Tallon, Mr. Nizar Zahed and Mr. David Hicks attended the 42nd International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC 2018), in Daytona Beach (Florida).
The three oral presentations that our group gave at the conference are the following:
1) N. Zahed, E.J. Foster and C. Tallon, Controllable Morphology of Multi-Scale Porous Titanium Dioxide.
2) D. Hicks, Z. Zhou, G. Liu and C. Tallon, Aligned Continuous Cylindrical Pores Derived from Electrospun Polymer Fibers in Titanium Diboride.
3) C. Tallon, S. Leo and G.V. Franks, New Avenues for Near-Net-Shaping of UHTCs.
January 2018. Welcome New Group Members!
It is our absolute pleasure to welcome Whittemore Professor Emeritus of Engineering D.P.H. Hasselman, as an honorary member of our group.
We are also welcoming Mr. Tyler Seguine and Mr. Jared Cohen, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Spring Semester.
Welcome everyone!
It is our absolute pleasure to welcome Whittemore Professor Emeritus of Engineering D.P.H. Hasselman, as an honorary member of our group.
We are also welcoming Mr. Tyler Seguine and Mr. Jared Cohen, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Spring Semester.
Welcome everyone!
December 2017. Tallon Research Group Semester Awards :-)
We just finished another great semester for research in our group and handed out our first Tallon Research Group Semester Awards.
The recipients of this Fall 2017 semester were:
- Julia Goyer: Best undergraduate oral presentation.
- Jacob Slagle and Peter Kazmareck: Most frequent winners of the Key Outcome of the Week.
- Nizar Zahed, Winner of the End of the Semester Research Questions Contest.
Congratulations!!
We just finished another great semester for research in our group and handed out our first Tallon Research Group Semester Awards.
The recipients of this Fall 2017 semester were:
- Julia Goyer: Best undergraduate oral presentation.
- Jacob Slagle and Peter Kazmareck: Most frequent winners of the Key Outcome of the Week.
- Nizar Zahed, Winner of the End of the Semester Research Questions Contest.
Congratulations!!
September 2017. Carolina Tallon attended the UHTC-IV Conference in UK.
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the conference Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Materials for Extreme Environment Applications IV, in Windsor (UK). She was one of the members of the organizing committee for this conference.
She gave a presentation entitled Enabling the next generation of near-net-shaping techniques for UHTCs.
Dr. Carolina Tallon attended the conference Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Materials for Extreme Environment Applications IV, in Windsor (UK). She was one of the members of the organizing committee for this conference.
She gave a presentation entitled Enabling the next generation of near-net-shaping techniques for UHTCs.

August 2017. Welcome New Group Members!
We are ready for another great semester in research!
Our group is welcoming Chris Garza (photo) as our new graduate student. His PhD will focus on Densification
of UHTCs made by Near-Net-Shaping Manufacturing Processes.
We are also welcoming Julia, Helen and Peter, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Fall Semester.
And finally, we are very excited about our two new Senior Design Teams (Bryan, Sam, Zach and Trevor, and Thomas, Garrett and Merve)
Welcome everyone!
We are ready for another great semester in research!
Our group is welcoming Chris Garza (photo) as our new graduate student. His PhD will focus on Densification
of UHTCs made by Near-Net-Shaping Manufacturing Processes.
We are also welcoming Julia, Helen and Peter, who will be undertaking their undergraduate research in our group this Fall Semester.
And finally, we are very excited about our two new Senior Design Teams (Bryan, Sam, Zach and Trevor, and Thomas, Garrett and Merve)
Welcome everyone!
June 2017. Welcoming our new group members.
Mr. Kevin Gjata and Ms. Lauren Wade will be undertaking undergraduate research with our group this summer. Welcome!
Mr. Kevin Gjata and Ms. Lauren Wade will be undertaking undergraduate research with our group this summer. Welcome!

13th May 2017. Nizar Zahed named Oustanding Senior for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering for 2017.
Nizar Zahed was named the Outstanding Senior for the Department of Materials Science and Engienering for 2017. Nizar models exemplary skills in leadership and service.
Nizar is working on his M.S. under the supervision of Dr. Carolina and Tallon and Dr. Johan Foster (MSE) developing mesostructured titania using polymeric materials as templates. He will be completing his M.S. in May 2018.
Congratulations Nizar!!!
Nizar Zahed was named the Outstanding Senior for the Department of Materials Science and Engienering for 2017. Nizar models exemplary skills in leadership and service.
Nizar is working on his M.S. under the supervision of Dr. Carolina and Tallon and Dr. Johan Foster (MSE) developing mesostructured titania using polymeric materials as templates. He will be completing his M.S. in May 2018.
Congratulations Nizar!!!
2nd May 2017. David Hicks recipient of the Paul E. Torgersen Research Excellent Award for this M.S. Poster
David Hicks won the First Place of the prestigious Paul E. Torgersen Research Excellence Award in the category M.S. Poster Presentation for his M.S. project entitled Meso-scale Continuous Electrospun Polymeric Fibers to establish multi-scale porosity in UHTCs.
The competition night included 11 finalists poster presentations and 6 finalists oral presentations from M.S. and PhD students across the whole College of Engineering. These finalists were selected from more than 70 applications received. David is in his first year of M.S, and he will be completing his M.S. in May 2018.
Congratulations David!!!
David Hicks won the First Place of the prestigious Paul E. Torgersen Research Excellence Award in the category M.S. Poster Presentation for his M.S. project entitled Meso-scale Continuous Electrospun Polymeric Fibers to establish multi-scale porosity in UHTCs.
The competition night included 11 finalists poster presentations and 6 finalists oral presentations from M.S. and PhD students across the whole College of Engineering. These finalists were selected from more than 70 applications received. David is in his first year of M.S, and he will be completing his M.S. in May 2018.
Congratulations David!!!

28th April 2017. Finalist team of the 2017 MSE Senior Design Project
Our Senior Design Team, David Hicks, Jesse Dubrowsky, David Henderson and Joey Griffith, was one of the final 8 teams selected to compete for the 2017 MSE Best Senior Design Award. Their project was focused on the Design of an inexpensive testing rig to estimate relevant material properties of UHTCs,
Nizar Zahed's team also made it to the final 8, with his Senior Design team working in PZT composites for energy harvesting shoe-wear applications.
Our Senior Design Team, David Hicks, Jesse Dubrowsky, David Henderson and Joey Griffith, was one of the final 8 teams selected to compete for the 2017 MSE Best Senior Design Award. Their project was focused on the Design of an inexpensive testing rig to estimate relevant material properties of UHTCs,
Nizar Zahed's team also made it to the final 8, with his Senior Design team working in PZT composites for energy harvesting shoe-wear applications.

April 2017. Kelsey Niehoff recipient of the Virginia Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship
Kelsey Niehoff is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance. Kelsey, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) and Dr. Michael Bortner (ChE) and , is studying how the mechanical and thermal properties of porous ultra high temperature ceramics can be improved with nanomaterial reinforcements. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles
Congratulations Kelsey!!!
Kelsey Niehoff is one of the recipients of the prestigious Virginia Space Grant Consortium (VSGC) Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship for the 2017-2018 academic year. The VSGC Undergraduate STEM Research Scholarship Program provides scholarships to rising juniors and seniors in STEM fields who have a specific faculty-mentored research project that has NASA or aerospace relevance. Kelsey, advised by Dr. Carolina Tallon (MSE) and Dr. Michael Bortner (ChE) and , is studying how the mechanical and thermal properties of porous ultra high temperature ceramics can be improved with nanomaterial reinforcements. Her research aligns with NASA's Space Technology mission directorate through applications such as re-entry and hypersonic vehicles
Congratulations Kelsey!!!

April 2017. Mark Marut receives one of the Pratt International Scholarship
Mark Marut has received one of the MSE Pratt International Scholarships to carry out summer research with Prof. Bras in Grenoble (France). Mark is a MSE sophomore who has been working in our group for the past year developing mesostructured alumina using polymeric materials as template, in a collaborative project with Dr. Johan Foster (MSE)
Congratulations Mark!!!
Mark Marut has received one of the MSE Pratt International Scholarships to carry out summer research with Prof. Bras in Grenoble (France). Mark is a MSE sophomore who has been working in our group for the past year developing mesostructured alumina using polymeric materials as template, in a collaborative project with Dr. Johan Foster (MSE)
Congratulations Mark!!!

16th February 2017: Cover and Feature article in the Journal of the American Ceramic Feb issue.
We have just published an feature article in the centennial issue of the Journal of the American Ceramic Society:
"Colloidal processing: enabling complex shaped ceramics with unique multiscale structures",
by G. V. Franks, C. Tallon, A.R. Studart, M. L. Sesso and S. Leo.
Cover of the February issue designed by C. Tallon.
We have just published an feature article in the centennial issue of the Journal of the American Ceramic Society:
"Colloidal processing: enabling complex shaped ceramics with unique multiscale structures",
by G. V. Franks, C. Tallon, A.R. Studart, M. L. Sesso and S. Leo.
Cover of the February issue designed by C. Tallon.