Meet an undergraduate engineering student who spent her summer conducting research at Texas A&M

Tailyn Lopez, a  third-year student majoring in mechanical engineering at Case Western Reserve University, spent her summer learning the ups and downs of research, which she described as a “rollercoaster.” 

Lopez was part of the Texas A&M Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU), a 10-week research-intensive program for undergraduate students, funded by the National Science Foundation to offer hands-on research experience to students interested in pursuing a master’s or PhD. Her program focused on metrology and inspection research. Lopez spent her time measuring, testing, and researching the quality and performance of copper at Texas A&M University. 

Lopez has had a passion for math and computer-aided design (CAD) since high school. She enjoyed learning how to CAD isometric and orthographic drawings and turn them into reality. Her mother, a math teacher, and her brother, an electrical engineer, gave her insight into the engineering field and helped Lopez realize that her passion for designing and manufacturing made mechanical engineering the perfect field of study. 

At CWRU, Lopez is a part of the Nord Family Emerging Scholars Program, which promotes success through support and advising for undergraduates. Lopez, who grew up in St. Bernard, Louisiana, was drawn to Case Western Reserve for its strong engineering programs. 

Since coming to CWRU, Lopez has found her community in several student organizations, including the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), African American Society (AfroAM), and Underrepresented Minority Women in STEM (UMWS), having served as the first-year representative and treasurer of the organization. Being a part of these organizations has allowed Lopez to foster a community of women of color in STEM, where people can share their experiences in engineering and research, and support each other's career goals. 

Learn more about Lopez’s summer research experience. 

Answers have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

1. How was your research with Texas A&M University? What appealed to you about this research?

My research with Texas A&M University has been great. I believe that experience has shown me how much of a rollercoaster research can be. I have experienced days where I have nothing to do because it takes time for samples to be printed, and other days where I am writing up full lab reports. 

I was drawn to this research because I wanted the experience of undergraduate research without the stress of having classes while pursuing it. I wanted the opportunity to present my research, engage in a research project, and deepen my understanding of what it is like to participate in research. During my time at TAMU, I was also able to learn more about graduate school, which I had never seen as something I would pursue. 

2. What does your research there entail?

My research focuses on how different process parameters affect the porosity of copper powder material extrusion (PME) cubes. Research on this topic is important because the quality and performance of copper can be affected by porosity. My lab partner and I used computer vision techniques, specifically the optimization tool in MATLAB, which is able to quantify the porosity within the cross-sections of the printed specimens that we imaged. We specifically investigated how the printing process, build orientation, and debinding and sintering conditions played a part in the cubes’ porosity. Overall, conducting this research has strengthened my metrology knowledge, image analysis skills, and taught me more about different manufacturing machinery. 

3. How has the Nord Family Emerging Scholars Program played a role in your experience?

Being a part of the Nord Family Emerging Scholars Program has allowed me to grow and network. During my first year, the program covered all expenses for me to attend the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) conference, where I was able to develop my networking skills, pitch myself to different companies, and connect with like-minded students from across the country. I was also able to learn about the Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU) through the Nord Family ESP. Furthermore, they helped me secure a job with the Step Up program, where I tutor kindergarten through second-grade students, which has been truly wonderful. 

4. What are your future career aspirations?

Before doing research, I believed that I would go straight into industry, but now I would like to go to graduate school. I plan on getting my master's in manufacturing engineering.