Finian O'Neal

Mechanical engineering student and math enthusiast; my strengths are in stress analysis, mechanical design, and numerical methods. I enjoy diving head-first into complex challenges and strongly believe that the best solutions come from a thorough understanding of theory and consideration of diverse perspectives. In my spare time you can find me exploring the pacific northwest, cooking, or obsessing over my plants.

Projects

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How does it work? Check out the write-up below

Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant -- Metal Additive & Gradient Microstructure Alloys Laboratory (Dec. 2024 - Present)

• Provide wire-EDM machining and metallographic support to lab-related projects
• Train new members on equipment including wire-EDM, resin mounters, and polishing equipment
• Protect intellectual property of research sponsors
• Maintain lab safety & cleanliness standards

Research

Wire Laser Direct Energy Deposition Parameter Development of Niobium Alloy c103 Thin Wall Structures

• Investigation into wire based additive manufacturing of c103 which is used in energy and aerospace applications
• Fabricated dozens of tensile bars to ASTM E8M standards for process-structure-property testing
• Supported preliminary investigation into printing parameters by preparing microscopy samples from numerous test plates
• Contributions acknowledged on poster presentation of some results at TMS2026
• Co-author on paper (in preparation)