SSL Staff

I grew up in a small town in Iowa, in a house over 100 years old, with my great-grandparents just up the street. My family spent a lot of time outdoors, whether in nature with our dogs or on 40-mile weekend bike rides. I was often reading, climbing trees, or attempting both at the same time. My dad built a treehouse with a zipline in our backyard, and we always had a project in the works, which sparked my love for building and fixing things.

I’ve always been very curious and enjoyed learning new things. In middle school, my best friend and I began teaching ourselves foreign languages for fun, an interest I pursued by taking over five years of language classes. In 2016, I transferred to BSU after my parents relocated to Boise, but I paused my studies to work as a phlebotomist. In that role, I was trained as a technician on apheresis machines, where I developed an appreciation for mechanical systems and awakened a curiosity about how they function.

Recently, I re-enrolled as an engineering student and am enjoying the opportunity to gain an understanding of mechanics and material properties. I’ve had the chance to gain hands-on experience in the SSL, where I was introduced to Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Learning what can be analyzed at the nanoscale has been fascinating, and the skills I’m developing in the lab will be invaluable as I prepare to navigate the engineering field.

Eric grew up on the East Coast, where he developed a love for the outdoors, often spending his time hiking and exploring nature. After earning his bachelor’s degree in ecology from SUNY Binghamton, Eric decided to pursue a different path, drawn to the technical challenges of engineering. He began his journey as a non-traditional student at Boise State University, where he is now studying mechanical engineering and minoring in biomedical engineering.

In Fall 2023, Eric joined the Surface Science Lab (SSL) and was excited by the lab’s multidisciplinary approach. His research on magnesium alloys involves utilizing advanced techniques such as KPFM (Kelvin probe force microscopy) to study corrosion mechanisms and QNM (quantitative nanomechanical mapping) to examine the mechanical properties of biocompatible coatings. Passionate about biomedical engineering, Eric aims to develop solutions that improve implant performance and predictability. Expected to graduate in Fall 2025, Eric continues to explore the intersection of materials science and biomedical applications, with the hope of making a meaningful impact in the field.”