Punnathat B
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Yale University
Expertise
Metallurgy, Materials Science, Manufacturing, Metrology
Bio
I am deeply passionate about materials science and engineering, with a focus on metallurgy and advanced manufacturing processes. My academic journey has led me to explore cutting-edge techniques in material design, testing, and qualification, particularly for aerospace and defense applications. I enjoy tackling complex problems through research and innovation, turning scientific theory into practical solutions. Collaborating with diverse teams to push the boundaries of science is what excites me most. Outside of the lab, I enjoy spending time with board games and tending my garden. Both hobbies allow me to exercise patience, strategy, and creativity in a different context, while also providing a relaxing counterbalance to my academic work. These activities inspire curiosity and problem-solving skills that feed back into my research and daily life.Project ideas
Fracture Mechanics of Food Items
In this project, students could explore how different foods break, crack, or deform under stress. For example, they might measure the force needed to snap a cookie, crush a carrot, or bend a chocolate bar, and analyze how texture, moisture content, or shape affects the results. Students could design experiments using simple tools like weights, clamps, or household presses, and record observations to connect material properties to fracture behavior. This project introduces concepts from materials science—like stress, strain, and toughness—in a fun and accessible way, while encouraging hands-on experimentation and data analysis.
Modeling and Observing Crystal Structures
Students could explore how atoms arrange themselves in different crystal structures and how this affects material properties. They might build 3D models of simple structures like cubic, hexagonal, or tetrahedral lattices using balls and sticks, marshmallows, or LEGO bricks. They could also investigate how packing efficiency relates to density or how defects in the structure might influence strength. For a hands-on twist, students could compare crystals formed from salt, sugar, or other household substances under different conditions, observing shapes, sizes, and growth patterns. This project introduces fundamental concepts in materials science while combining modeling, observation, and experimentation.