Emilia Mann
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Expected Graduation Date and Degree: 2030, Ph.D.
Hometown: Amherst, MA
LinkedIn: Emilia Mann
Personal Website: Emilia Mann
Q: What broad problem does your thesis aim to address?
A: My research focuses on creating an advanced and sustainable manufacturing system through the development of reconfigurable and programmable knitted textiles. By combining advanced materials, such as Carbon Nanotube Fibers (CNTFs), with mechanical tunability, this knit system can seamlessly manufacture complex structures that are engineered for end-of-life disassembly, material reclamation, and reuse. These structures find a broad range of applications, from robotics to wearables.
Q: Can you provide a more detailed explanation of your research for specialists in your field?
A: My research focuses on developing reconfigurable and programmable knitted textiles for advanced, sustainable manufacturing. Knitted textiles and their behaviors are governed by three interacting structural scales associated with: (1) yarn properties, (2) stitch topology, and (3) global shaping.
By investigating the mathematical and physical principles that govern bulk material behavior and unravel-ability at the stitch and global scale, I aim to develop a reusable, reconfigurable, manufacturing system capable of working with advanced materials, such as Carbon Nanotube Fibers (CNTFs), to produce geometrically complex structures. These structures find a broad range of applications, from robotics to wearables.
Q: What scholarly products have resulted from your work so far?
A: I delivered an oral presentation at the 40th Annual Smalley-Curl Institute Summer Research Colloquium, where I received the Platinum Award (first place).
Q: In your view, what is the most pressing sustainability challenge today?
A: In regards to direct, immediate impact on human life, I believe freshwater accessibility and pollution are among the most pressing sustainability challenges. Looking at the long-term consequences, I consider climate change to be one of the greatest challenges facing society.
Q: How do you see your research contributing to solutions for sustainability challenges?
A: My research advances sustainability by developing a circular advanced manufacturing system that meets complex modern demands while enabling material recovery and reuse at the end of a product’s life.
Q: Do you have any forthcoming publications, presentations or creative scholarly products?
A: I recently submitted my first first-author manuscript for publication.
Q: What are your career aspirations after graduation?
A: After completing my Ph.D., I hope to pursue a career as a university professor.
Q: Would you like to acknowledge any funding sources or advisors who have been especially supportive of your research journey?
A: I would like to acknowledge the Department of Energy, the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship, and the Draper Scholar program for their support. I am also grateful to Dr. Vanessa Sanchez (current advisor), Professor Catherine Andreozzi (undergraduate advisor), and Dr. Conor Walsh (professor at Harvard University).