+ Selected to design and build a precision, microtome-style device capable of producing ~10 µm reproducible sections of soft, compliant polymers without embedding or cryogenic stiffening.
+ Developing custom clamping, micron-scale feed mechanisms, and blade kinematics to minimize compression, shear, and deformation during sectioning.
+ Engineering a non-contaminating mechanical sectioning workflow to enable accurate refractive-index depth profiling across the first 100–1000 µm of material.
+ Validating section thickness accuracy, flatness, and repeatability using optical microscopy and mechanical calibration methods.
+ Industry-sponsored project in collaboration with faculty advisors; scope spans mechanical design, prototyping, and experimental validation.
*NOTE: Work is being conducted entirely for Yale's MENG 4991 (Special Projects I) class for 1.0 Yale College Credit (Spring 2026 semester). Not being paid or remunerated/compensated in any way, shape, or form by Johnson & Johnson Vision.