Student Spotlight:
Tiana Tonge

Voiland School graduate student Tiana Tonge received the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

She shares her WSU experiences that have contributed to her success.

What does it mean to receive this award?

Receiving this award is beyond an honor. It gives me the freedom to pursue the research questions that truly excite me in intelligent additive manufacturing without financial constraints. Being recognized by the National Science Foundation is incredibly humbling and motivating. This fellowship will accelerate my work and give me opportunities I would not have had otherwise.

Why did you choose WSU and your program for grad school?

I decided to attend WSU to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering because of the strong engineering and materials program and the support I received from my advisors before arriving here. WSU has a great sense of community, and it has been a great first year of studies.

What is your area of research?

My research develops intelligent metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) systems that predict and prevent defects while enabling the fabrication of functionally graded materials for high-value component repair. I utilize machine learning frameworks trained on low-cost multimodal sensor data that establish predictive relationships between process parameters, thermal history, and microstructural evolution.

How did you get interested in this field of research? Why do you think it’s important?

Defects in metal additive manufacturing create more than $52 billion in wasted materials, machine time, and post-processing costs each year. Current systems to detect these defects are post process and use high-cost sensors such as X-ray. My goal is to use low cost in-situ sensing and machine learning to change parameters as you print to decrease the amount of material waste from metal additive manufacturing.

What advice would you give to students thinking about grad school?

Don’t feel like you need to follow a linear path. I took years off between undergrad and grad school to work in industry, and that experience was invaluable. Find advisors and a research environment that align with your values and working style because the relationship with your advisor will define your graduate experience. It is a very rewarding experience that can give you a lot more opportunities.

What do you like to do on the Palouse when you aren’t working/studying?

I really enjoy going to Coug sporting events and supporting our athletics, especially basketball. When the weather is nice, I enjoy spending time outside such as going on hikes at Kamiak Butte, Moscow Mountain, and going Coeur d’Alene and spending time at the lake.