EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering - University of California, San Diego
M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering - University of California, San Diego
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering - California State University, Los Angeles
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to my faculty page! This page highlights some of my interests in terms of teaching, research and service. As a faculty member I aim to create engaging and inclusive teaching environments through my courses. As well as opportunities for professional and technical development for students through my research and service activities. I am a Cal State LA alumna and using that experience and knowledge my goals as a faculty member now are to provide opportunities for students that will help them feel like they belong in engineering and help them be successful in their academic and professional careers. Please feel free to reach out for any questions via my contact information above.
TEACHING
- ENGR 1500 - INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
- ME 2050 - STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
- ME 2070 - MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
- ME 4310 - MATERIALS SCIENCE LABORATORY
- ME 5130 - ADVANCED STRUCTURE OF MATERIALS
- ME 5350 - MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
RESEARCH
My research interests lie in the synthesis, processing, characterization and testing of ceramic materials for extreme environments. More specifically, my lab has a large focus on understanding ultra-high temperature (UHTCs) for applications in high-speed flight. This includes developing new material systems through various synthesis processes and exploring processing methods to improve mechanical, oxidation and thermal properties. Future work will also explore various ceramic material systems for alternate energy sources.
Current Grants and Funding Support:
- Air Force Research Laboratory Minority Leaders - Research Collaboration Program (ML-RCP)
- National Science Foundation (NSF) CREST CATSUS
Current Students:
- Eric Galstyan, Undergraduate Student in Mechanical Engineering
- Project Title: Particle Size Control of Rare-earth Oxides through Precipitation Method
- Stephen Salazar, Master's Student in Materials Science and Engineering
- Project Title: Integrated Sol-Gel Method to Develop Rare-Earth Doped Zirconium Diboride
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
M. Sanchez, K. A. Acord, S. Freuh, L. Rueschhoff, O. A. Graeve, “Phase transitions and oxidation behavior during oxyacetylene torch testing of TaC-HfC solid solutions”, Advanced Engineering Materials, 2023, 2300138. DOI: 10.1002/adem.202300138
J. Ha, E. Novitskaya, N. Lam, M. Sanchez, Y.H. Kim, Z. Li, W.B. Im, O.A. Graeve, J. McKittrick, “Synthesis of Mn4+ activated Na2SiF6 red-emitting phosphors using an ionic liquid,”, Journal of Luminescence, Volume 218, Feb 2020, 116835. DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2019.116835
J. Ha, Y.H. Kim, E. Novitskaya, M. Sanchez, O.A. Graeve, W.B. Im, S.P. Ong, and J. McKittrick, "ColorTunable Single-phase Eu2+ and Ce3+ Co-activated Sr2LiAlO4 Phosphors," Journal of Materials Chemistry C, in print (2019). DOI: 10.1039/C8TC05777J
M. Sanchez, “Synthesis and testing of ceramic materials”, CATSUS Research Center, California State University, Los Angeles, October 6, 2023
M. Sanchez, K.A. Acord, O.A. Graeve, L. Rueschhoff, “Oxidation of TaC-HfC blends densified by SPS”, Gordon Research Conference (GRC) Solid State Studies in Ceramics, South Hadley, MA, August 6-12, 2022
M. Sanchez, K.A. Acord, O.A. Graeve, L. Rueschhoff, “Oxidation of TaC-HfC blends densified by SPS”, Engineering Conferences International (ECI) Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics, Snowbird, UT, June 5-8, 2022
M. Sanchez, O. A. Graeve, “Ordered arrangements of BaTiO3 powders of cubic morphologies”, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) 2020 Annual Meeting and Exhibition, San Diego, CA, February 25, 2020
AWARDS AND FELLOWSHIPS
- Exceptional Levels of Service Award (AY 2024-2025)
- Alfred P. Sloan Foundation's Minority Ph.D. (MPHD) Program Scholar
- American Association of University Women (AAUW) Dissertation Fellow (2021)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Graduate Student Role Model (2018)
SERVICE
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Faculty Advisor
- SHPE National Convention Planning Committee - Corporate Relations
- Department of Mechanical Engineering - Curriculum Committee Member
- Department of Mechanical Engineering - Academic Advisor