Institution: University of Central Florida
Graduate Program: Material Science and Engineering
Education: Ph.D. Fall 2023, University of Central Florida; Master of Material Science and Physics, University of Central Florida; Bachelor of Science, University of Texas at San Antonio; Associate degree, Northwest Vista Community College,
Mentors:
Dr. Miguel Jose Yacaman-University of Texas at San Antonio;
Dr. Kelly Nash- University of Texas at San Antonio;
Dr. Hao F. Zhang- Northwestern University;
Dr. Swaminathan Rajaraman- University of Central Florida;
Dr. Peter Delfeyett- University of Central Florida;
Dr. Qiaoying Zhou - Northwest Vista Community College;
Dr. Ali Gordon- University of Central Florida;
Dr. Laurene Tetard - University of Central Florida
In high school, André Childs wasn’t particularly interested in higher ed. He wasn’t surrounded by college graduates or even friends who were planning to enroll. However, he was curious about some aspects of science and engineering, so he decided he’d try community college.
Fast forward to 2023. Childs is an award-winning Ph.D. candidate in material science and engineering at the University of Central Florida. His vita includes an impressive list of research accomplishments including published work on fabrication and optimization techniques for the polymer Kapton for use in biomedical research experiments involving cell growth and impedance.
“Growing up without the guidance or precedent of family members who have experienced the college journey, André has faced unique challenges and uncertainties along the way,” Dr. Ali P. Gordon wrote in his letter nominating Childs as a Diverse Rising Graduate Scholar. “Despite these circumstances, André has embraced the path of higher education with courage, determination, and grit to receive the power of knowledge and learning.”
Although Childs is proud of his research, he is quick to point out that one of his highest honors was receiving the first place Physics Teaching GTA Award in fall 2017. “I was teaching three different physics laboratory sections with 33 to 34 students each,” he recalled. He said none of his 100 students dropped his physics classes. None. “I’m pretty proud of that fact because a lot of students do drop physics,” he added with a chuckle.
In addition to his other responsibilities, Childs said he has taken on the role of mentor for five undergraduate students, a responsibility that he takes seriously, but also views as enjoyable.
