Liam Meyer - Class of 2017
February 9th, 2022
Alumnus Enrolled in UH Mānoa’s Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program
Liam Meyer '17 is a mechanical engineering graduate student at the University of Hawai`i at Manoa, researching high-performance ceramics and composites at the Hawaii Nanotechnology Laboratory. These materials play a vital role in the aerospace industry, particularly in applications such as space shuttle heat shield systems and space telescope mirrors. Their favorable material properties, such as high strength, thermal stability, low thermal expansion, and lightweight nature, make them ideal for withstanding extreme conditions. In space shuttles, materials like reinforced carbon-carbon and ceramic tiles offer critical protection during atmospheric re-entry, enduring temperatures up to 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit (2,500 degrees Celsius).
For space telescope mirrors, ultra-low-expansion ceramics ensure optical performance and stability by maintaining the mirror's shape and effectively dissipating heat in the rapidly changing thermal environment of space.
While Liam was receiving his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (also from the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa), he participated in projects which include autonomous drone technologies and the Formula SAE Electric racing team. When asked what led him to pursue his master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Liam said, “I knew I wanted to go into a field with a good mix of both technical and hands-on work. Mechanical engineering inherently satisfies both very well, as you need both skills to succeed in the field.”
Dean of Students Liane Viloria had this to say about her former student, “I’m very proud of Liam! He was always determined and motivated to succeed. I remember he came to visit me at PBA after going through an academically rigorous semester at UH Mānoa. He told me, 'I wanted to show you that I could do it!' I never doubted it, and I knew with his perspective and drive, he was destined for great things. Congratulations Liam!”
As Liam finishes up one year in the graduate program, he’s optimistic about entering the workforce. “I’m looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills I have acquired to real-world challenges. Meanwhile, I’m working diligently in my program. There are of course some stressful and memorable moments such as a time I walked into a class that I had been regularly skipped only to find out there was an exam that day. Overall, it’s been a great opportunity and I’m enjoying my research with nano composite materials.”
PBA wishes Liam success as he continues to advance in his program
