Svetlana Griego

M.Sc.

Materials

Science with hands-on testing and characterization across metals, composites, and biological materials. Characterized 500+ samples using nanoindentation (Bruker), SEM-EDX, FIB, AFM, and mechanical testing, delivering reproducible, statistically validated results. Built repeatable test workflows, SOPs, and calibration controls that improved data quality, reproducibility, and audit-ready traceability.

Maintained zero reportable safety incidents while serving as primary point of contact for laboratory operations across multiple researchers.

Research Engineer, Materials Characterization at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (2025-10 – 2026-05)

• Improved measurement repeatability and data quality by standardizing instrument settings, defining acceptance criteria, and building re-run triggers into testing and characterization workflows.
• Generated traceable mechanical and materials datasets by operating universal testing machine load frames, nanoindentation (Bruker), and SEM-EDX under QC-dashboard monitoring with automated outlier screening.
• Supported sensitive measurements by operating and troubleshooting ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) systems and preparing samples through gold sputter coating (Leica) for SEM analysis.
• Reduced operating variability by authoring SOPs, work instructions, and commissioning checklists covering routine operation, calibration, and equipment verification.
• Resolved anomalous and nominal results by partnering cross-functionally with scientists, engineers, and technicians to run root-cause analysis and refine test procedures.
• Served as primary point of contact for lab operations, overseeing equipment use, chemical inventory, and safety across multiple researchers.

Materials Science Research Assistant at Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (2024-04 – 2025-09)

• Delivered reproducible results across 500+ characterized samples by designing and executing mechanical testing, nanoindentation (Bruker), AFM, and SEM-EDX on metals, composites, and biological materials, validating data through statistical analysis in MATLAB.
• Identified trends and discrepancies in test data by processing and analyzing results in MATLAB and Python, then communicating findings in technical reports and data visualizations.
• Improved methods by adapting sample-preparation and characterization protocols to material behavior and contributing feedback for continuous process improvement.
• Sustained zero reportable incidents by managing chemical inventory, equipment maintenance, calibration tracking, and laboratory safety.

Biomedical Engineer / Associate Scientist (Process R&D) at Nature's Toolbox (2021-06 – 2022-06)

• Improved yield and throughput while scaling from R&D to production by designing and optimizing continuous-flow in vitro transcription (IVT) processes on hollow-fiber bioreactors.
• Verified product integrity and process consistency by creating and validating assay and QC test methods for closed-system operations.
• Ensured compliant, safe operations by maintaining cGMP-aligned documentation and safety records and adhering to hazardous-material handling protocols.

Biomedical Student Research Assistant at Diekman Lab, UNC Thurston Arthritis Research Center (2019-08 – 2020-05)

• Linked formulation changes to performance outcomes by designing, fabricating, and characterizing hydrogel materials, including UTM/compression mechanical testing of constructs.
• Quantified material properties by performing 2D/3D cell culture, biochemical assays (DNA, GAG, collagen), and mechanical testing, recording and analyzing experimental data.
• Improved data reliability by refining protocols and communicating findings in manuscripts and lab meetings.

M.Sc. in Materials Science – University of Stuttgart (2026-03)

B.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – UNC Chapel Hill & NC State University (2021)

A.A.S. in Engineering – Sandhills Community College (2017)