Innovating in Materials Science and Engineering
About Me
I am a Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (expected graduation May 2026), with research and engineering design experience spanning materials science, advanced manufacturing, and applied mechanics. My work has led to multiple peer-reviewed publications and practical industry solutions.
Design Portfolio
Microscale Characterization of Additively Manufactured Nickel Aluminum Bronze
Designed and implemented experimental methodology to investigate microstructural and mechanical properties of additively manufactured (AM) NAB. Developed SEM/EDX, nanoindentation, and sample prep workflows to compare AM vs. traditional cast NAB alloys. Results showed improved hardness and modulus in AM NAB for maritime applications.
Nanoscale Changes in Bone Composition and Mechanics at Peri-Lacunar Regions
Designed nanoscale experimental workflows integrating LSM, AFM-IR, and nanoindentation to study bone fragility in postmenopausal women with Type 1 diabetes. Findings revealed nanoscale mechanical and compositional changes linked to osteocyte microenvironments.
Research & Publications
Grant-Funded Research
- Nanoscale Investigation of Bone Tissue Near Lacunae in Type-1 Diabetic Postmenopausal Women – 2-year project analyzing diabetic bone tissue using advanced nanocharacterization techniques.
- Microscale Characterization of Additively Manufactured Nickel Aluminum Bronze – 1-year study investigating mechanical properties of 3D-printed NAB alloys, presented at the Summer Research Symposium.
Highlighted Publications
- Nanoscale Properties of Cortical Bone Tissue within Peri-lacunar Regions – Microscopy and Microanalysis (2025).
- Microstructural Investigation of Graphene Reinforced Nickel Aluminum Bronze Prepared via Laser Powder Bed Fusion – Journal of Laser Applications (2025).
- Additively Manufactured Nickel Aluminum Bronze via Laser Powder Bed Fusion Shows Excellent Anticorrosion – Microscopy and Microanalysis (2024).
Engineering Experience
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Nano Engineering Research Assistant – Nano-Engineering Research Core Facility (Jan 2024 – Present)
Contributed data and analysis to 3 peer-reviewed publications, developed Python scripts for data analysis, and presented research at professional symposiums.
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Design Engineering Intern – Kelley Engineered Equipment (May 2025 – Aug 2025)
Created SolidWorks models and drawings, assisted in moving projects from concept to fabrication, and gained hands-on shop experience in custom mining equipment.
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Statics Learning Assistant – UNL College of Engineering (Jan 2024 – May 2024)
Supported students in MECH 223 coursework through tutoring and problem-solving sessions.
Contact
Email: luke.schwaninger@gmail.com
Phone: 402-637-7808
Location: Lincoln, NE