PhD candidate David Scannapieco recently published his first scientific paper, “In-Situ Alloying of GRCop-42 via Additive Manufacturing: Precipitate Analysis,” along with co-authors Professor John Lewandowski and NASA Glenn researchers Richard Rogers and David Ellis.  Scannapieco was “very excited” that his paper generated “positive buzz in the additive manufacturing industry” shortly after it was published.

Publishing his first paper and getting attention in the additive manufacturing industry is an important step for Scannapieco, who hopes to start a career in alloy development with additive manufacturing after he graduates.  His research in alloy development is a “very technical manifestation” of his interest in streamlining.  “I love making things look simple and beautiful.”

A triathlete, Scannapieco’s interest in materials science began when he looked at different materials of bikes he considered purchasing.  “The frames are made of steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber and it was always a big question as to why they were different, what made them better than others, and what made the prices so different,” he said.

Scannapieco also completed his Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Engineering at CWRU and was specifically drawn to CWRU because of the materials science program.  He has worked with most of the faculty in the department as both an undergraduate student and now as a graduate student, each of whom has helped him in their own way.  “The key take away from all of them is that they all aim to support my creative, professional, charitable, or technical endeavors,” he said.  “Never at CWRU have I simply been told ‘no’ there has always been some form of ‘let's try this path’ when I seek out advice.”   Having lived in many different places, including Buffalo, Houston and Abu Dabi, he now considers Cleveland home.