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July 2024: Crysthal Alvarez’s Groundbreaking Research at CRYO2024

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Udit Guleria

We are delighted to announce that Crysthal Alvarez, a PhD candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, recently showcased her innovative research at CRYO2024. This prestigious event focuses on advancing the field of cryobiology by breaking down boundaries and engineering solutions for life and sustainability.

Pioneering Research in Cryopreservation

Crysthal presented a poster on her pioneering work utilizing digital holography interferometry for in-situ temperature analysis during the cryopreservation cooling and rewarming processes. Her research is revolutionizing cryopreservation by providing a sophisticated tool for analyzing and observing the temperature changes in cryoprotective agent (CPA) solutions and biological samples.

By creating detailed temperature maps, Crysthal’s work ensures uniform temperature changes, which are critical for enhancing the viability of preserved specimens. Additionally, her research allows for the observation of optical properties, such as the refractive index, offering deeper insights into the preservation process.

CRYO2024: Engineering Cryobiology for Life and Sustainability

CRYO2024, with its theme of “Removing Boundaries: Engineering Cryobiology for Life and Sustainability,” served as an ideal platform for experts from academia, industry, government, and non-profit organizations to exchange their latest findings and forward-looking perspectives. The event highlighted the significant role of engineering in cryobiology, showcasing developments in innovative cryo-devices and materials, techniques to control ice formation, and strategies for improving cryopreservation and cryosurgery.

Driving Innovation at AGUIlab and Beyond

Crysthal’s contributions to AGUIlab and the NSF ERC Advanced Technologies for the Preservation of Biological Systems (ATP-Bio) program are driving innovation in the field of cryopreservation. Her leadership and mentorship have been invaluable to the team, and we eagerly anticipate her future successes in advancing the science of cryobiology.

Balaji Baskar Is Awarded Best Presentation at ASME 2024 SHTC

Posted on July 19, 2024 by Johaynah Al-Riffi

We are excited to share that Balaji Baskar has been honored with the Best Presentation Award for the K9-08 Session at the ASME 2024 Heat Transfer Summer Conference (SHTC) in Anaheim, CA.

His award-winning presentation, titled “Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Nanostructures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy,” showcased the benefits of using femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional multi-step clean room processed nano substrates used in SERS sensing applications.

SERS sensors have significant applications across various fields, including the food industry, biotechnology, environmental monitoring, photocatalysis, and medical care. There is strong community interest in achieving femtomolar and attomolar level sensitivity. The hotspots in laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS)—such as nanogaps, nanoripples, and nanogrooves—can greatly enhance the electromagnetic field and Raman response. LIPSS on noble metals (Au, Ag, Cu) and semiconductors hold tremendous potential to serve as highly effective SERS substrates.

In addition, laser-based surface functionalization can significantly enhance wetting properties and alter cavitation bubble dynamics. Research conducted in AGUI-Lab evaluated the effects of laser-engraved microstructures, nanostructures, and hierarchical structures on cavitation erosion, yielding promising results. Future work involving simulations will further validate and enhance these experimental findings

News

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Balaji Baskar

Congratulations to Balaji Baskar for passing the fall 2023 Ph.D. Qualifying exam, October 2023
Welcome our new Ph.D. student Atiqul Islam Ahad from Bangladesh, August 2023
Congratulations to Crysthal Alvarez for receiving the Continuing Student Fellowship from J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, June 2023
Congratulations to Balaji Baskar for receiving the Graduate Summer Research Grant from J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, May 2023

News

Posted on October 11, 2023 by Guillermo Aguilar

July 2024: Crysthal Alvarez’s Groundbreaking Research at CRYO2024

Balaji Baskar Is Awarded Best Presentation at ASME 2024 SHTC

We are thrilled to announce that Balaji Baskar has received the K9-08 Session’s Best Presentation Award at the ASME 2024 Heat Transfer Summer Conference (SHTC) 2024 in Anaheim CA.

March 2024: Balaji Elected as Year 5 SLC Communications Lead

Balaji Baskar has been elected as the Communications Lead for the Scholar Leadership Council (SLC) for Year 5. Balaji aims to enhance communication within our academic community. Read more…

March 2024: Crysthal Alvarez Secures 2nd Place in ATP-Bio Poster Competition

Crysthal Alvarez achieved 2nd place at the ATP-Bio Y4 Annual Meeting poster competition for her pioneering research in cryopreservation technology. Read more…

October 2023: Congratulations to Balaji Baskar

Balaji Baskar has successfully passed the Ph.D. Qualifying exam in October 2023. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his academic career. Congratulations, Balaji, on your hard work and perseverance!

August 2023: Welcome Ph.D. Student Atiqul Islam Ahad

In August 2023, we warmly welcomed our new Ph.D. student from Bangladesh, Atiqul Islam Ahad. Atiqul’s addition to our department is greatly anticipated, and we look forward to the innovative research and fresh perspectives he brings to our academic community.

July 2023: Crysthal Alvarez Receives MEEN Graduate Student Travel Award

Crysthal Alvarez was honored with the MEEN Graduate Student TravelAward in July 2023, enabling her to attend and present her research at the CRYO2023 conference. This achievement not only highlights Crysthal’s dedication to her field but also her ability to make significant contributions to the scientific community. Congratulations, Crysthal!

June 2023: Crysthal Alvarez Awarded Continuing Student Fellowship

Crysthal Alvarez received the Continuing Student Fellowship from the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in June 2023. This fellowship recognizes Crysthal’s academic excellence and potential for future success in her field. We’re proud of your accomplishments, Crysthal!

June 2023: Funding Grant for Senior Design Team

In June 2023, Crysthal Alvarez and Dr. Carla Berrospe-Rodriguez were awarded the ATP-Bio Senior Design and Research Program Funding Grant. They are mentoring a MEEN senior design team in developing a droplet vitrification storage system for the Spring and Fall of 2023, aimed at enhancing temperature characterization and warming studies. This project is a testament to their innovative spirit and dedication to advancing research.

May 2023: Graduate Summer Research Grant

Balaji Baskar was the recipient of the Graduate Summer Research Grant from the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in May 2023. This grant supports Balaji’s research over the summer, furthering our department’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking research. Congratulations, Balaji!

May 2023: ATP-Bio Research Funding

Dr. Carla Berrospe-Rodriguez and Crysthal Alvarez were awarded an ATP-Bio Request for Funding Proposal Grant in May 2023 for their project on optical tools for in-situ studies during cryopreservation. Their collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital underscores the interdisciplinary and impactful nature of their research. Well done on this remarkable achievement!

May 2023: Investigation of Injury and Death Mechanisms During Embryonic Cryopreservation

Crysthal Alvarez took part in a significant project funded by the ATP-Bio Request for Funding Proposal Grant in May 2023. Focusing on investigating injury and death mechanisms during embryonic cryopreservation, this collaboration with the University of Minnesota is crucial for advancements in cryopreservation techniques. Congratulations to Crysthal for contributing to this important research.

Fall 2022: Welcome New Ph.D. Students

In Fall 2022, our department was pleased to welcome new Ph.D. students, Ahad Ullah from Pakistan and Balaji Baskar from India. Their presence enriches our academic community with diverse perspectives and a shared commitment to research excellence. We’re excited to see the contributions they will make to their respective fields.