1. Samanthule Nola
312 Olive St., Unit 2, Ypsilanti, MI 48197  samnola@umich.edu (734) 717-1569
SUMMARY Experienced at understanding structure-property relationships in materials at multiple
length scales using both physical and computational materials research methods.
Computational research experience using atomistic simulation methods, primarily
investigating self-assembly processes. Hands on research experience in energy
conversion materials and devices, and ceramic processing. Training and laboratory
experience with materials processing and characterization techniques. Strong interest in
problem solving approaches, particularly to relevant engineering challenges.
EDUCATION PhD, Macromolecular Science and Engineering May 2016
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
Thesis: “Crystallization and clustering in systems of hard polyhedra”
BSE, Materials Science and Engineering May 2009
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
Highlighted coursework: Material failure analysis, materials fabrication, physics of polymers.
RESEARCH Glotzer research group University of Michigan Sept. 2011–present
Graduate research assistant – Simulation of hard polyhedra crystallization.
 Used molecular dynamics (HOOMD) and Monte Carlo (HPMC) simulation packages
on several remote high performance computing clusters including flux and comet.
 Used MongoDB along with python and C++ custom analysis software to manage and
analyze large data sets.
 Measured crystallization probabilities in simulated hard polyhedra systems.
 Developed methods to understand the predictive ability of order parameters for phase
transitions.
 Implemented and developed a variety of simulation sampling methods tools to
observe rare event phase transitions.
Shtein research group University of Michigan Oct. 2009 – April 2011
Graduate research assistant – Thermal and electrical conductivity in composite films.
 Set up, used, and maintained vacuum thermal evaporation equipment.
 Developed metal and organic semiconductor thin-film co-evaporation procedures.
 Measured composite thin film thermal conductivity using 3ω method.
 Fabricated and analyzed pentacene transistors.
Thornton research group University of Michigan April 2009 – Sept. 2009
Undergraduate research assistant – Computational materials science eng. education.
 Managed and processed survey data on computational education methods.
Halloran research group University of Michigan April. 2008 – Dec 2008
Undergraduate research assistant – Photolithographic fabrication of ceramic molds.
 Developed and used procedure for making ceramic test specimens and preparing for
strength testing.
 Performed indirect tensile strength tests by diameter compression.
 Used x-ray diffraction to determine phase changes dependent on heat treatment.
PUBLICATIONS “Metastable fluids of sphere-like hard polyhedra”, S. Nola, J. Dshemuchadse, S. C. Glotzer, In
preparation.
“Improving thermoelectric efficiency in organic-metal nanocomposits via extra-low thermal
boundary conductance”, Y. Jin, S. Nola, K. P. Pipe, and M. Shtein, Journal of Applied
Physics, 114 (19), 194303 - 194303-6, (2013). DOI: 10.1063/1.4828882

2. “Computational materials science and engineering education: A survey of trends and needs”,
K. Thornton, S. Nola, R.E. Garcia, M. Asta and G.B. Olson, JOM 61 (2009), p. 12.
SELECTED “Nucleation of FCC Crystals from Hard Polyhedra of Various Shapes.” Oral presentation,
TALKS AiChe 2014 Annual Meeting, Atlanta Ga. Nov 19 2014
“Computational study of entropically driven crystal nucleation,” Sam Nola, Richmond
Newman, Sharon Glotzer, Poster, Engineering Graduate symposium, Ann Arbor MI, Nov.
2013.
MRS Spring Meeting, April 2011, oral presentation “Nanoscale thermal and electrical
transport within metal-organic composites”.
Poster at MACRO symposium, October 28, 2010, “Nanoscale energy transport within metal-
organic composites”. Sam Nola, Yansha Jin, Max Shtein.
STUDENT Sustainable and Alternative Energy Student Council (SAESC)
PROJECTS Member Fall 2007-Spring 2010
Executive council member Jan 2009 – Dec 2009
 Obtained funding from Dean of Engineering and Memorial Phoenix Institution for 5
members to attend WINDPOWER conference in Huston Texas July 2008.
 Designed a self contained, deployable water purification system using commercially
available power sources including a wind turbine.
 Fall 2008 independent study course produced specifications and computer models for
deployable water filtration system, including electrical storage and management,
structural components, and modular packaging for transport and set up.
Design Group Project – piezoelectric power source Fall 2008
 Designed piezoelectric generator for tire pressure monitoring system.
 Developed manufacturing process for piezoelectric component.
SKILLS Laboratory:
 Vacuum thermal evaporation fabrication multicomponent test samples.
 Electrical testing of diodes and related semiconductor devices.
 Materials evaluation: absorption spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, TGA, DSC,
mechanical strength testing.
 Microscopy: optical, SEM, TEM, AFM.
 Maintained safe work practices and comprehensive laboratory notebook.
 General Lab skills: Welding (TIG and oxy-acetylene), Design and build custom
benches with 80/20 parts, setting up vacuum and nitrogen lines.
Computer:
 Microsoft Office / OpenOffice / Iwork, LaTeX, Illustrator, chrome.
 Specialized commercial or open source software: Git, MongoDB, sublime, Solidworks,
labview.
 Languages: Python, matlab, C++, Java.
 Familiar with running on various platforms and distributed resources using remote
command line interface.
 Use and development of Hoomd-Blue open source parallel Molecular Dynamics
software, and its not yet released Monte Carlo add on, HPMC.
 Used and developed analysis tools for calculating local order: local density, rdf,
spherical harmonic based cluster identification.
 Analysis and organization of large data sets for multidimensional correlations.
General:
 Able to present technical information and concepts, including advanced materials
functionality and specific research results, to audiences with different backgrounds
and interests.
 Motivated to maintain problem solving approach working alone and in diverse groups.