Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at Northwestern University. I completed my M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech in May 2026, researching additive manufacturing of shape memory alloys (SMAs).
My studies are guided by a vision for the field: a future where new materials are developed at speed, from chemistry and property prediction using physics-based models, all the way through to large-scale manufacturing. I'm particularly interested in alloys for extreme environments and the advanced manufacturing techniques that enable them.
Alongside my studies, I work part-time at Havelar, a startup developing concrete 3D construction printing (3DCP) technology, where I contribute to hands-on engineering and business development. For fun, I practice Muay Thai, work out with friends, travel, and read.
Automated irradiation embrittlement and fracture mechanic calculations (ART, USE, PTS, UCC) for Pressure-Temperature safety curves. Evaluated corrosion of reactor materials under primary water conditions to support component integrity assessments.
May - Aug. 2025Lead the development of a novel insulating material and its material delivery system for 3D printing technologies, performed extensive testing on cement-based materials, and printed various concrete structures on-site.
May - Aug. 2024Performed extensive optical and drift diffusion simulations and models of colored DBRs applied to perovskite solar cells and measured the external quantum efficiency and J-V curves of the BIPVs.
May - Aug. 2023Performed microstructural and chemical analysis of Wire-Arc Additive Manufactured (WAAM) NiTi SMAs.
CASMART 6th Student Design Challenge: fabricated elastocaloric NiTiCu SMAs, tested and characterized materials with DSC, SEM, cyclical compression, and presented research findings at SMST 2024.
Optimized ultrasonic atomization of metal powder, impurity detection and reduction, for feedstock on demand
Design, fabricate, and characterize fully-solution processed polymer-based thin films, distributed Bragg reflectors, and optical microcavities for photonic applications.
Sept. 2021 - Sept. 2024
Currently, I serve as the TA for ME/MSE 4790 assisting students in an advanced Material Selection and Design course using Ashby's method and Ansys software.
As the TA for MSE 3001 from August 2023 through May 2025, I assisted 125+ students in a core MSE course, explained thermodynamic concepts, and graded homework/exams.
As CTO of the Characterization team at the MILL, I maintained, repaired, and procured equipment, and managed the team/laboratory. Additionally, I supported on-campus research, and trained users/staffers on optical and electron microscopy, optical profilometry, infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, and X-Ray Fluorescence.
The phase diagram above is generated by The Materials Project. The ground state energies of the compounds selected are calculated by mixing the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA) and GGA+U approximations to Density Functional Theory (DFT). If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind it and/or generate your own phase diagrams, check out the references below.
Havelar is a 3D printing construction company focused on advancing construction technology to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and provide solutions to the global housing crisis. Havelar plans to accomplish its goals through architecture excellence, by partnering with Pritzker laureates and world-renowned architects, and cutting-edge technology.
Fabricated elastocaloric NiTiCu shape memory alloys (SMAs) and performed tests and characterizations using DSC, SEM, and cyclical compression tests. I also gained experience with Vacuum Arc Melter, wire EDM, and ultrasonic powder atomizer. Presented the research results at the Shape Memory and Superelastic Technology (SMST) 2024 conference in Portugal.
Otiima Garage is a classic car restoration shop. So far, I have fully restored a 1961 Citroën HY, 1972 Porsche 914 Targa, 1963 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1, and 1968 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAM 1750. Here, I have gained experience in panel beating, welding, engine restoration, and machining.
© 2026 António Ferreira
