Faculty Scholarship and Patents

Our community of faculty scholars engage in interdisciplinary research that focuses on real world problems and lays the groundwork for the innovations of tomorrow that can improve the lives and the livelihood of people around the world. Their research generates the knowledge and understanding needed for a better society, and it strengthens our teaching mission by enriching our students' learning experience in and out of the classroom. We encourage you to further explore our featured undergraduate research work.

The 10 featured or most recent scholarship and patent listings are displayed for each faculty member listed below.

Ngo, Truc

Journal Articles

• "Youth aspirations and migration: Challenges and opportunities in rural Dominican Republic," 2026.
• With Jae D Kim, "Controlled Release of Flurbiprofen from 3D-Printed and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Processed Methacrylate-Based Polymer," 2023.
• With PAUL J Wield and Troy T Bui, "Integrating Hands-on Continuous Process Improvement Practices with Traditional Manufacturing Processes Lab," International Journal of Engineering Education (IJEE), 2022.
• "Youth aspirations and migration: Challenges and opportunities in rural Dominican Republic," 2022.
• With Chase, B., "Students’ attitude toward sustainability and humanitarian engineering education using project-based and international field learning pedagogies," International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 22, 2, pp. 254-273, 2021.
• With Lauren Hoffman, Gordon D. Hoople, William Trevena, Udeema Shakya, and Gregory Barr, "Surface morphology and drug loading characterization of 3D-printed methacrylate-based polymer facilitated by supercritical carbon dioxide," Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 2020.
• With Velu, R., Kamarajan, B. P., Ananthasubramanian, M., and Singamneni, S., "Post-Process Composition and Biological Responses of Laser Sintered PMMA and Beta-TCP Composites," Journal of Materials Research, vol. 33, 14, pp. 1987-1998, 2018.
• With Hoffman, L., "Affordable Solar Thermal Water Heating Solution for Rural Dominican Republic," Renewable Energy, vol. 115, pp. 1220-1230, 2018.
• With White, D., Jooste, D., Jerman, K., Hagen, J., and Peterson, J., "Design and Implementation of an Alternative, Low-Cost Water Chlorination System in El Cercado, Dominican Republic," International Journal of Modern Engineering, vol. 18, 2, pp. 13-20, 2018.
• With Blair, S., Kuwahara, K., Christensen, D., Barrera, I., Domingo, M., and Singamneni, S., "Drug Impregnation for Laser Sintered Poly(methyl methacrylate) Biocomposites Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide," The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, vol. 136, pp. 26-29, 2018.
• With Bradley Chase, "Students’ attitude toward sustainability and humanitarian engineering education using project-based and international field learning pedagogies Available," International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2018.
• With Kohl, J., Bierwisch, N., Favaro, G., Rengnet, E., and Schwarzer, N., "Determining the Viscoelastic Behavior of Polyester Fiberglass Composite by Continuous Micro-Indentation and Friction Properties," Wear, vol. 350-351, pp. 63-67, 2016.
• With Lambert, C., Dorren, B., Gee, B., Go, S., and George, R., "Effects of deposition and supercritical CO₂ treatment parameters on physical and electrical properties of pentacene thin films," Synthetic Metals, vol. 220, pp. 384-393, 2016.
• With Kohl, J., Schwarzer, N., Favaro, G., Rengnet, E., and Bierwisch, N., "Determining the Viscoelastic Properties Obtained by Depth Sensing Microindentation of Epoxy and Polyester Thermosets Using a New Phenomenological Method," Materials Research Express/Institute of Physics Publishing, vol. 2, 1, pp. 1-8, 2015.
• With Kohl, J., Paradise, T., Khalily, A., and Simonson, D., "Improving Mechanical Properties of Thermoset Biocomposites by Fiber Coating or Organic Oil Addition," International Journal of Polymer Science, vol. 2015, pp. 1-7, 2015.
• With Lambert, C. A. and Kohl, J. G., "Characterization of Compostability and Mechanical Properties for Linseed Oil Resin Composites Reinforced with Natural Fibers," Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, vol. 53, pp. 1215-122, 2014.
• With Lambert, C., Bliznyuk, M., and Kohl, J. G, "Effect of a Tertiary Oil Phase on the Mechanical Properties of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites," Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, vol. 52, 11, pp. 1160-1168, 2013.
• With Lambert, C., Benz, L., and Chau, M., "Improving the Compostability of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Composites with a Tertiary Oil Phase," Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, vol. 52, 7, pp. 710-717, 2013.
• With Kohl, J., Randall, N., Schwarzer, N., Schockley, J., and Nair, R., "An Investigation of Scratch Testing of Silicone Elastomer Coatings with a Thickness Gradient," Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol. 124, 4, pp. 2978-2986, 2012.
• With Keegan, J. and George, R., "Processing Behaviors of Thin-Film Pentacene and Benzene-1,4-Diboronic Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide," Thin Solid Films, vol. 520, 3, pp. 1022-1026, 2011.
• With Hall, J., Kohl, J., and Perry, L., "Green Surfboards: Investigation of Product Biodegradability at End of Life," Sports Technology, vol. 3, 3, pp. 178-188, 2010.
• With Jessop, P., Stanley, R., Brown, R., Eckert, C., Liotta, C., and Pollet, P., "Neoteric Solvents for Asymmetric Hydrogenation: Supercritical Fluids, Ionic Liquids, and Expanded Ionic Liquids," Green Chemistry, vol. 5, 2, pp. 123-128, 2003.
• With Kazarian, S., Liotta, C., and Eckert, C., "Supercritical Fluid Impregnation of Different Azo-Dyes into Polymer: In situ UV/Vis Spectroscopic Study," Journal of Supercritical Fluids, vol. 27, 2, pp. 215-221, 2003.
• With McCarney, J., Brown, J., Lazzaroni, M., Counts, K., Liotta, C., and Eckert, C., "Surface modification of Polybutadiene Facilitated by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide," Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol. 88, 2, pp. 522-530, 2003.
• With Bush, D., Liotta, C., and Eckert, C., "Spectroscopic Measurement of Solid Solubility in Supercritical Fluids," AIChE Journal, vol. 47, 11, pp. 2566-2572, 2001.

Chapters of Books or Articles within Books

• "Computer-Integrated Manufacturing" in The Handbook of Technology Management, Volume 1: Core Concepts, Financial Tools and Techniques, Operations and Innovation Management. 1st ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2010, pp. 939-952.

Conference Papers and Other Media

• With Blair, S., Jooste, D., Bryant, D., Ashkar, C., Kuwahara, K., Burt, S., Wolf, D.,, and Peterson, J., "Humanitarian Engineering Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Dominican Republic: A Case Study of El Cercado." vol. 2016, IEEE, Proc. IEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Seattle, WA, 2016, pp. 709-716.
• With Khalily, A., Paradise, T., Simonson, D., and Kohl, J., "Effects of Primer Coatings on the Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites." Annual Conference of the International Society for Biomedical Polymers and Polymeric Biomaterials, Washington, DC, 2014, p. 3.
• With Olson, R. and Lord, S., "Comparing First-Year Student Attitudes towards Engineering across a Liberal Arts University." American Society of Engineering Education, 2013.
• With Olson, R., Lord, S., Kasarda, M., Hayhurst, D., Rajala, S., Green, R., and Soldan, D., "Comparing the Attitudes towards Engineering of Honors Students and Engineering Students at a Liberal Arts University." Proc. Frontiers in Education (FIE) Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, 2013.
• With Carpenter, J. and Birmingham, S., "How to Establish a Successful Research Program at Predominately Undergraduate Institutions." Society of Women Engineers, Baltimore, MD, 2013, p. 185.
• With Lambert, C. (USD Student), Dorren B. (CalPoly Student), and George, R., "Modification of Pentacene Thin Films with Benzene-1,4-Diboronic Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide." 223rd Electrochemical Society Meeting, Toronto, Canada, 2013, p. Abstract #809.
• With Schubert, T., Jacobitz, F., and Morse, M., "Prototype Exemplars: The Path to Effective Design or Design Fixation." Proc. ASEE Annual Conference, 2013.
• With Lambert, C. (USD Student) and Kohl, J., "Characterization of Mechanical Properties and Compostability of Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Composites." Proc. IIE Annual Conference, Institute of Industrial Engineers, Orlando, FL, 2012, p. iserc_77.
• With Schubert, T., Jacobitz, F., and Morse, M., "The Impact of a Prototype Exemplar on Design Creativity: A Case Study in Novice Designers." ASEE, 2012.
• With Keegan, J. (USD Student) and George, R. (SPAWAR), "Solubility of Benzene-1,4-Diboronic Acid and Pentacene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide." 11th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Dijon, France, Submitted, p. Abstract P109 p. 203.
• With Hall, J. (USD Student), "Assessing Product Biodegradability at End of Life." Proc. IIE 60th Annual Conference, Institute of Industrial Engineers, Cancun, Mexico, 2010, p. Abstract p. IERC.
• "Introduction to Manufacturing Engineering Technology." 1st ed., vol. Part I, Montezuma Publishing, San Diego, CA, 2007.
• With Whipple, G., "Print Reading for Manufacturing and Engineering." 1st ed., vol. Part II, Montezuma Publishing, San Diego, CA, 2007.
• With Abina, A. and Lyons, E., "Sustaining Manufacturing with Innovative Recruitment Strategies." Proc. American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI, 2007.

Media Appearances and Conferences

• With Kim, J., "Alternative approaches to integrating sustainability into engineering education," ABET Symposium, San Diego, CA, 2018.
• "Making a Difference in the World ? One Small Step at a Time" 5LIVE Engineering Series, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, 2016.
• With Blair, S., Jooste, D., Bryant, D., Ashkar, C., Kuwahara, K., Burt, S., Wolf, D., and Peterson, J., "Humanitarian Engineering Opportunities and Challenges in Rural Dominican Republic: A Case Study of El Cercado," IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Seattle, WA, 2016.
• With Hoffman, L., "Implementing Low-Cost Energy Solution to Water Heating in Rural Dominican Republic," IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Seattle, WA, 2016.
• With Medina, J., White, D., Jooste, D., Jerman, K., and Hagen, J., "Adapting an alternative low-cost water chlorination system for third world countries," IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference, Seattle, WA, 2015.
• "Making a Difference with USD Engineering," Southwest High School Eco-Engineering Academy Advisory Board Meeting, San Diego, CA, 2015.
• "Changing the World - One Step at a Time," USD Freshman Engineering Seminar Series, San Diego, CA, 2015.
• "Changing the World Together ? One Step at a Time" College of Arts and Sciences: 5X5 Changemakers Edition, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA, 2014.
• With Khalily, A., Paradise, T., Simonson, D., and Kohl, J., "Effects of Primer Coatings on the Mechanical Properties of Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites," Annual Conference of the International Society for Biomedical Polymers and Polymeric Biomaterials, Washington, DC, 2014.
• With Birmingham, S. and Carpenter, J., "How to Establish a Successful Research Program at Predominately Undergraduate Institutions," Society of Women Engineers Webinar, 2014.
• "Changing the World - One Step at a Time," USD Freshman Engineering Seminar Series, San Diego, CA, 2014.
• With Birmingham, S. and Carpenter, J., "How to Establish a Successful Research Program at Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs)," Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference, Baltimore, MD, 2013.
• With Schubert, T., Jacobitz, F., and Morse, M., "Prototype Exemplars: The Path to Effective Design or Design Fixation," ASEE Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, 2013.
• With Olson, R. and Lord, S., "Comparing First-year Student Attitudes towards Engineering across a Liberal Arts University," Proc. ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Atlanta, GA, 2013.
• With Lambert, C., Dorren, B., and George, R., "Modification of Pentacene Thin Films with Benzene-1,4-Diboronic Acid in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide," 223rd Electrochemical Society Meeting, Toronto, Canada, 2013.
• "Changing the World - One Step at a Time," USD Freshman Engineering Seminar Series, San Diego, CA, 2013.
• With Lambert, C. and Kohl, J., "Characterization of Mechanical Properties and Compostability of Fiber-Reinforced Bio-Composites," IIE 62nd Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, 2012.
• "Changing the World - One Step at a Time," USD Freshman Engineering Seminar Series, San Diego, CA, 2012.
• With Keegan, J. and George, R., "Solubility of Benzene-1,4-Diboronic Acid and Pentacene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide," The 11th International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France, 2011.
• With Hall, J., "Green Surfboards: Assessing Product Biodegradability at End of Life," Advanced Systems & Applied Science Division Seminar Series, SPAWAR Systems Center - Pacific, San Diego, CA, 2010.
• With Hall, J., "Green Manufacturing: Product Optimization Based on Biodegradability and Carbon Footprint," IIE Annual Conference, Cancun, Mexico, 2010.
• "Getting a Job, Keeping a Job," NSF S-STEM Scholarship Seminar Series, San Diego, CA, 2010.
• With Arias, H. and Yavari, P., "A Model 2+2+2 Career Path for Manufacturing Engineering Technology," California Community College Association for Occupational Education, California State Chancellor's Office, Sacramento, CA, 2008.
• With Abina, A. and Lyons, E., "Sustaining Manufacturing with Innovative Recruitment Strategies," American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference, Honolulu, HI, 2007.

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