Alex is a PhD student in Materials Science and Engineering, under the co-advisement of Dr. John A. Howarter (MSE & EEE) and Dr. Inez Hua (Civil & EEE). She graduated from Iowa State University in May 2012 with a BS in Materials Engineering. Her area of research is on polymer/inorganic nanocomposites for improved sustainability, i.e. composites for high thermal conductivity PCB materials and epoxy/clay nanocomposites for bromine free flame retardant applications.