Materials • Mechanics • Integrated Systems
I investigate smart materials and carbon nanotube composites that connect structural performance with sensing and energy storage.
My work brings together fabrication, electrical and thermal characterization, experimental mechanics, and systems integration. At The Catholic University of America, I contribute to research in multifunctional materials and structural health monitoring, including NASA- and Department of Defense-supported projects.
I am interested in research collaborations and academic opportunities in smart materials, multifunctional composites, experimental validation, and advanced manufacturing.
Selected research
Development and electrochemical characterization of three CNT yarn supercapacitor architectures, examining capacitance, energy density, and power density for integrated structural monitoring.
Electrical and thermal response of embedded CNT sensing elements, including thermal cycling, resistance drift, hysteresis, and the effects of post-cure processing.
Research, prototype fabrication, and testing of smart hull concepts for underwater unmanned vehicles, connecting composite materials with structural sensing.
Four-probe and impedance measurements, calibrated RF measurements, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and instrumented mechanical and thermal testing.
Selected peer-reviewed work
Alowaid, M., et al. (including A. S. Binfaris).
Journal of Composites Science, 10(5), 268.
Binfaris, A. S.; Zestos, A. G.; Abot, J. L.
Energies, 16(15), 5736.
Academic & engineering experience
The Catholic University of America
CNT fibers, composites, multifunctional materials, optical and fiber-based sensing, and experimental validation.
The Catholic University of America
Intelligent Materials Laboratory, The Catholic University of America
Smart materials and smart hull research; coordination of mechanical design, electronics, data acquisition, and experimental analysis.
IntSensing
Multidisciplinary sensing development, prototype verification, system interfaces, and infrastructure monitoring deployment planning.
AccuStrata
Systems engineering for the CONSTELLATION portable optical water-testing program, integrating optics, fluid handling, electronics, calibration, and software.
ATSC
Hybrid power architecture, load analysis, electrical protection, generation, storage, distribution, and supervisory control.
The Catholic University of America
Education
The Catholic University of America · Smart Materials and Systems
Dissertation: Development of CNT Yarn Supercapacitors and Energy Storage for Integrated Structural Health Monitoring.
Director: Jandro L. Abot, Ph.D.
The Catholic University of America · Renewable Energy and Cleaner Production
The Catholic University of America · Aerospace
Teaching • Mentoring • Service
I connect engineering principles with physical measurements, practical design decisions, and careful interpretation of evidence. My research mentoring experience includes nine doctoral researchers.
Trinity Washington University · January–December 2022
Instruction in power and environmental topics, incorporating renewable energy applications.
The Catholic University of America · September 2017–May 2020
CUA School of Engineering · January 2018–January 2020