UC student mentors Cincinnati State co-op students at laser lab

The nine students did their co-op research work under Kattoura’s supervision, assisting with PhD level research, including his own. In addition, he trained the students about equipment, teaching engineering concepts related to the different research in progress at the lab.

The LSP lab specializes in utilizing advanced surface treatments such as high energy laser and high-speed impact machine to enhance the properties of metals. In addition, the lab investigates advanced processing and manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (3-D printing) and additive stir friction. Many of the research projects at the LSP lab put students at the cutting edge of these industries, providing valuable professional experiences they would not typically have in a two-year degree program.

Students on co-op at the LSP as they worked on two types of research work. First, they assisted graduate students in their projects, including Kattoura’s own research. The LSP also offers co-op students their own ongoing research project to work on and present in the LSMCE annual conferences. The goal is to give the students a more independent research experience where they are required to present it on a national level. In this case, the Louis Stokes Midwest Center of Excellence (LSMCE) annual conferences.

“My role on the team was to provide students with work experiences, guidance and support to continue their education in four-year program universities and pursue fulfilling careers,” says Kattoura.

Professors Vijay Vasudevan (materials science and engineering) and S.R. Mannava (mechanical engineering), who coordinate the center, are strong advocates for the LSAMP program. They are just two of many UC faculty members who have provided opportunities for co-op and research for Cincinnati State students, strengthening the alliance between the schools.

“These stories highlight the commitment of Dr. Vasudevan and Dr. Mannava and their goal of providing opportunities for Cincinnati State students,” says Kenneth Simonson, PI for LSAMP and Recruitment and Yield Specialist, Office of Inclusive Excellence & Community Engagement for CEAS.

Kattoura is deeply grateful for the students who helped with his research: Joshua Black, Dezeray Butts, Joseph Stanford, Omar Eddins, Luisa Anaya, William Edwards, Gabriel Dennery and Naasson Crawford, each of whom he acknowledges along with LSAMP in all of his recent publications and PhD dissertation.

“I am extremely thankful for all the help they provided and for the great memories,” says Kattoura, who also worked at UC as a visiting research associate this year.

Kattoura currently works at LSP Technologies in Dublin, Ohio, which provides laser peening surface enhancement services and equipment, and other laser technologies.