Garibasen(he/him/his)

Andrew's research is focused on materials informatics, predictive modeling, and defect engineering. This work involves characterizing and then quantifying a system's internal disorder by using appropriate measurement techniques (microscopy, diffraction, spectroscopy, etc.). Using a computational model, the quantified disorder can be associated with certain system-level properties of interest (band gap energy, filtration efficiency, etc.). The result is a relationship which offers a means of engineering the system to a desired performance. Andrew is specifically interested in exploring how artificial intelligence and computational modeling techniques can enhance our understanding of these relationships.

Prior to beginning his graduate work, Andrew served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Namibia. He excelled at both learning languages and integrating within his community while teaching math and science at the junior high and high school levels. In addition to his teaching commitments, Andrew worked on a number of projects related to community economic development, education, health, and literacy.

The same passion for service and brotherly love that brought Andrew to Peace Corps has led him to volunteer as the Student Outreach Coordinator for Broncos Kitchen. Broncos Kitchen serves cooked meals every school week to southwest Michigan college students at no cost. In this role, Andrew represents Broncos Kitchen both to the Kalamazoo/Portage Michigan college student community and also to other organizations who are interested in partnering with the Broncos Kitchen project.

When not working, Andrew finds enjoyment in music, exercise, and continued learning. One of his favorite ways to spend a day off is to pack a bag, travel to a new park, and find a trail for hiking.