Marissa Lafata
Education
- B.S.E. in Materials Science & Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Awards & Honors
- 2016 TMS International Symposium on Superalloys Scholarship
- 2014 Best Cooperative Presentation Award, ACEEES 2014
- 2013 Distinguished Undergraduate Student Achievement Award, MS&E Dept., Univ. of Mich.
- 2012 TMS Light Metals Division Scholarship
- 2011 & 2012 Hosford Endowed Scholarship
- 2011 Investment Casting Institute Scholarship
Biography
Marissa investigates the role of bond coatings on oxide-assisted fatigue crack growth in single crystal superalloys termed sustained peak low-cycle fatigue (SPLCF). Her work requires an understanding of mechanical testing, creep, oxidation, and characterization techniques such as EBSD and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Marissa graduated from the University of Michigan in 2013 with her B.S.E. in Materials Science and Engineering. She interned at Alcoa Howmet during the summers of 2011 and 2012 where she learned about the processing and defect formation in investment cast superalloys. Continuing her interest in high temperature materials, she now focuses on the role bond coatings play in thermomechanical fatigue. Marissa had the opportunity to spend the summer of 2015 at GE Global Research in Niskayuna, NY where she studied cyclic oxidation of nickel superalloys. When she isn't in the lab, Marissa enjoys gluten free cooking and baking (she's had Celiac as long as she can remember) and hiking.
