Physics Student Phillip Glass wins CHS Student Award for Excellence in Scholarship
May 16, 2025
After graduating from VCU with a BS in Physics Nanoconcentration, Phillip Glass joined Dr. Joung's lab as a Graduate Student Researcher in August 2021, focusing on the 3D printing of functional nanomaterials for biomedical device applications. His most significant project involves developing carbon nanotube, graphene, and ferromagnetic nanoinks to fabricate flexible, wearable devices using customized 3D printers. This work aims to advance next-generation 3D-printed devices for human-machine interfaces. Through this research, Phillip has gained expertise in nanomaterial synthesis, 3D scanning, Multiphysics simulation, G-code robotic control, and 3D printer interfacing. Mastering these skills requires a deep understanding of modern physics, alongside time-intensive learning in engineering and chemistry—an impressive feat for a physics major with limited prior experience in these areas. Notably, he is an independent researcher, capable of identifying research topics, designing experiments, and driving projects forward with minimal supervision. The novel 3D printing technology he is developing offers enhanced flexibility in designing and manufacturing next-generation, patient-specific wearable electronics for motion detection, respiratory monitoring, and advanced personal health applications, including bionic skin.
His outstanding contributions have led to five publications in high-impact journals (three as first-author), three pending patents, and a book chapter. Moreover, his work has also been highlighted twice in VCU News, showcasing the impact of his research.