Spotlight on Mechanical Engineering

Student highlight

Name: Claudia Bird
Degree: MS and PhD in Mechanical Engineering
Faculty lab: Professor Luisa Chiesa
Hometown: Oroville, CA

Why Tufts? 
My undergraduate experience in a superconducting magnet research lab excited me and motivated me to pursue a PhD. When I was searching for graduate programs, I learned of Dr. Chiesa's superconductivity lab and Tufts quickly became my top choice. As a current graduate student, Tufts' broad range of research, culture of collaboration, and academic rigor have confirmed that I am in the right place.

Favorite thing about living in the Medford/Somerville and Boston area? 
It's hard to pick just one, but if I had to choose, I'd say my favorite thing is immersing myself in the rich history of the area. Living in the greater Boston area allows me to delve deeper into American history within its context.

Any advice you’d give to prospective students or new graduate students? 
My suggestion for prospective students is to find programs or research topics that excite them! Part of the value a student gains from their program is directly related to the enthusiasm they bring and how they apply it. For new graduate students, I suggest they use the resources Tufts has to offer. 

Faculty highlight

Name: Professor Luisa Chiesa
Research interests: Sustainable energy, superconducting materials, materials science

About Professor Chiesa: 
Luisa Chiesa’s primary research interest is superconducting materials for large powerful magnets to be used in particle accelerators, medical devices, and fusion energy machines. Her current research focus is the electro-mechanical behavior of superconducting materials for large magnets used in fusion power devices. Fusion reactors could play a key role in the power production of future generations. This research is also of interest for other energy applications, such as superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) and superconducting transmission lines. These technologies could play a significant role in power storage and delivery, which are the backbone for the successful implementation of renewable energy sources. As these energy sources (solar and wind, in particular) are inherently intermittent, efficient ways of storing and delivering energy are necessary components to improve their reliability. The measurements performed in Chiesa's laboratory are unique and focus mainly on superconductors, but the equipment available can be used to test different categories of materials.