Class Notes: MSE

As of March 2022, all alumni updates should be submitted to Cornellians, the new digital-first publication dedicated to informing, entertaining, and connecting the Big Red community around the globe. Submit your news via the online news form and look for your update in an upcoming edition of Class Notes!

Degree Year
  • 1993

Language-editing of materials science papers

Degree(s):

  • BS

Hi everyone, I earned my B.S. and M.S. degrees in Materials Science & Engineering from Cornell ('93) and MIT ('96), respectively. I've been language-editing materials science papers since 2001. I'm actually looking to outsource some of my work on a freelance, but frequent, basis. If you're interested, give me a holler. The workload may vary between roughly 10,000 and 20,000 words per month, but feel free to get in touch even if you can handle only a fraction of that. My e-mail address is bg52@cornell.edu.

Bugra Giritlioglu '93

Degree Year
  • 1993

Shaoyi Jiang

Degree(s):

  • PhD

Shaoyi Jiang, ChEME Ph.D. '93, Boeing-Roundhill Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle, has won the 2017 Braskem Award for Excellence in Materials Engineering and Science from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

This award is presented to honor a leading researcher in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Prof. Jiang was recognized for his seminal contributions to the molecular understanding, design and development of zwitterionic materials and coatings for a broad range of applications. Prof. Jiang will deliver an award lecture this November at the AIChE Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

 

Degree Year
  • 2014

photo of rocket

Brandon Liu

Degree(s):

  • BS
  •  Currently Manufacturing Engineer at SpaceX with "Build it, test it, fly it" responsibilities for stage separation and booster recovery mechanisms.
  • Spent 2 years at Air Products as a process engineer for chemicals and liquefied natural gas applications. 

Rocketry's dirtiest secret is that it is 90% plumbing. However, that's not the only reason why I feel so qualified for my job at SpaceX. Chemical Engineers are more than just plumbers, it turns out. I say this in every interview I have, "studying Chemical Engineering has given me one, core skill set. That is, the ability to decipher complex systems, string them into a series of smaller, more digestible parts, and identify key opportunities for iterative improvements."

In my career, I have found that time and time again, Cornell engineering alumni are by far the sharpest and most impressive. This isn't that surprising because our biggest problem is that "no," or "impossible," or "can't be done" is not in our vocabulary. We are seeking out the world's toughest problems and we're delivering solutions. This tenacity leads to recognition, which leads to responsibility. Cornell alumni are truly tomorrow's leaders.

Degree Year
  • 2013

Chidanand Balaji

Degree(s):

  • BS

I am currently the Associate Brand Manager on the Bounce dryer sheet brand at P&G. Bounce is a $300 Million dollar brand in North America.

Prior to this role, I spent 3 years in manufacturing at the Family Care Mehoopany plant in North east Pennsylvania. I was a Process Engineer on Bounty paper machines and then a Machine leader for a Charmin Ultra Strong paper machine. My paper machine produced all the toilet paper for Canada and all of the East coast.

Degree Year
  • 2012

Corey Letcher

Degree(s):

  • BS

I recently left Schlumberger after 3 years as a field engineer, to become an account manager for the Trane company in New York City.  While with Schlumberger I had the opportunity to travel the world and work in two very different places in the US.  It was an extremely valuable experience but after the oil and gas industry started to suffer from the global oil glut, I found it was time to start searching for a new career path, especially one that would allow me to be a little more stationary and start to build a family.  I got married in September of 2015 and a few weeks later began with the Trane company.  My focus now is developing and focusing on energy management and conservation project and helping customers manage their costs more effectively.  I am excited about the opportunity and for what the future holds!