Cristina Gandolfo

Cristina Gandolfo

Born and raised in New York City, I am a materials engineer passionate about solving real-world challenges through innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. My work spans advanced materials research, manufacturing, student leadership, and emerging technologies.

Beyond the lab, I am dedicated to empowering the next generation of innovators through personalized K-12/college STEM tutoring and 1:1 college application coaching. My approach focuses on bridging the gap between rigorous academic theory and real-world impact, a philosophy that carries directly into my research and startup ventures.

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Education

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Bachelor of Science in Material Science and Engineering Minor in Economics 2026

Relevant Engineering Coursework

Structures, Kinetics, Synthesis and Processing, Electrical and Optical Properties, Polymers, Natural Polymers, Biomaterials, Thermodynamics, Mechanical Properties, Materials Selection, Computational Materials Design

Relevant Economics Coursework

Environmental Economics, Medical Technology and Health Economics, Microeconomics, Law and Ethics, Business Analytics

New York University

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

Expected 2028

Experience

Industry

My industry experience spans semiconductor manufacturing, advanced polymer development, and startup innovation. Through roles at GlobalFoundries, SABIC Specialty Plastics, and emerging healthcare ventures, I have applied materials science principles to solve real-world engineering challenges while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.

GlobalFoundries

Advanced Lithography Engineering Intern • Summer 2025

At GlobalFoundries, I created a new metrology-driven strategy for scanning test wafers, allowing for earlier fault detection in production. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate these measurements across various tools and processes, which helped us proactively address equipment and batch issues.

SABIC Specialty Plastics

R&D Intern • May 2024–December 2024

At SABIC, I explored the intersection of high-performance aerospace thermoplastics and large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM). I designed experiments to optimize critical production variables such as layer timing and temperature and used advanced microscopy and mechanical testing to validate the results.

Research

My research focuses on understanding the relationship between processing, structure, and performance in advanced materials. I have conducted characterization-driven investigations in polymers, composites, biomaterials, and metallurgical systems using techniques including SEM, XRD, GPC, CT imaging, and mechanical testing.

Spent Coffee Grounds (SCGs) in Biopolymers

Student Researcher, RPI

Enhanced methods to treat SCGs using chemical modifications and grafting techniques, established standardized drying protocols, and used TGA, tensile, three-point bend, shear, and XRD testing to assess mechanical performance.

Hemp Fiber Composites

Student Researcher, RPI

Conducted a literature review on commercial biocomposites to inform new experimental methods, developed a fold-mixing method to reduce air bubble defects, and established a repeatable fabrication and testing protocol for tensile and flexural evaluation.

Leadership

Leadership has been a defining part of my engineering journey. Through organizations such as Material Advantage, the Society of Women Engineers, and Engineers Without Borders, I have built programs, secured funding, led multidisciplinary teams, and created opportunities that empower students and strengthen engineering communities.

Community

K–12 STEM Outreach

Engineering should be accessible, engaging, and inspiring for every student. Through programs at RPI and the Society of Women Engineers, I have led hands-on STEM experiences in materials science, engineering design, and scientific discovery. My outreach has reached hundreds of middle and high school students through lab demonstrations, workshops, mentoring, and Girl Scout initiatives. I am passionate about helping students see themselves as future engineers and researchers by combining technical learning with mentorship to make STEM approachable and impactful.

Volunteering & Service

Community engagement has been central to my college experience. Through Engineers Without Borders, Panhellenic Council, Alpha Gamma Delta, and other campus initiatives, I have supported projects in education, sustainability, philanthropy, and community development. My involvement includes contributing to international water infrastructure projects, organizing service events, fundraising for charitable causes, and mentoring students. These experiences have reinforced my belief that engineers have a responsibility to create positive impact both inside and outside the workplace.

Services

K-12 STEM Tutoring

Build confidence and curiosity through personalized STEM instruction designed for elementary, middle, and high school students. Lessons are tailored to each student's learning style and focus on developing strong foundations in science, mathematics, and engineering concepts. My goal is to make STEM engaging, approachable, and inspiring for the next generation of innovators.

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College Level Tutoring

One-on-one academic support for undergraduate students in materials science, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and related STEM disciplines. Sessions focus on strengthening conceptual understanding, improving problem-solving skills, and preparing students for exams, projects, and research opportunities. Drawing from my experience as both a researcher and engineer, I help students connect classroom theory to real-world applications.

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1:1 College Application Coaching

Navigate the college application process with personalized guidance tailored to your academic goals and aspirations. From crafting compelling essays and resumes to selecting schools and preparing for interviews, I provide strategic support at every stage of the application journey. Having successfully earned admission to competitive engineering programs and scholarships, I help students present their strongest and most authentic selves.

Book a FREE Consultation

Let’s start with a conversation about what matters most: your goals, your unique academic journey, and exactly where you want to go. Whether you’re looking for a specific boost or long-term guidance, I adapt my approach to fit your individual learning style. With extensive experience supporting students navigating ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism, I provide a safe, inclusive space, online or in-person (at local libraries), that meets you exactly where you are. There are no minimums and no pressure; just personalized support designed to fit your life. You deserve a plan that works for you, not the other way around.

Ready to get started? Let’s talk! Book your free consultation today.

Lab & Manufacturing Skills

Characterization

GC-MS, GPC, SEM, XRD, CT imaging, thermal analysis, tensile, three-point bend, and shear testing.

Fabrication & Processing

Forge welding, metallurgy and heat treatment, stock removal, abrasive finishing, bandsaw operation, composite layup, extrusion, and additive manufacturing.

Presentations

Senior Capstone Design Showcase — Troy, NY, May 2026
"The Effect of Thermal Degradation on FMVA Gasket Under Extreme Temperatures" (Poster & Presentation)
GlobalFoundries Summer Intern Poster Session — Malta, NY, August 2025
"Enabling Critical Dimension Measurements on Photo Track Monitor Test Wafers" (Poster)
The Minerals Metals and Materials Society (TMS) Conference — Las Vegas, Nevada, March 2025
"Deriving Biodegradable Polymers from Spent Coffee Grounds" (Poster)
SABIC Specialty Plastics Intern Presentation Session — Pittsfield, MA, December 2024
"The Effects of Printing Parameters on Microstructure and Fiber Alignment in Thermoplastic Resin" (Presentation)

Professional Memberships

The Chemistry Club (2026)

The Minerals Metals and Materials Society (2022-Present)

Material Advantage Student Program (2022-Present)

Society of Women Engineers (2022-Present)

Engineers Without Borders (2022-2024)

Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity for Women (2023-Present)

Featured Projects

RPI Senior Capstone Design: Thermal Degradation of Silicone Gasket and Adhesion to Aluminum

I spearheaded an industry sponsored investigation into gasket degradation, focusing on silicone-aluminum adhesion under thermal stress. Beyond executing characterization protocols like GPC and GC-MS to identify residue-forming species, I engineered a more reliable residue collection method that improved data accuracy compared to traditional techniques. My analysis bridged the gap between raw data and actionable engineering, providing key insights that drove design decisions to reduce gasket adhesion.

Competitive Bladesmithing Team (Material Advantage)

I founded and led a multidisciplinary team to design, forge, and characterize "Excelsior"—a custom Damascus steel "knork" created for the 2026 TMS Material Advantage Bladesmithing Competition. The project was an deep dive into the art and science of metallurgy. We forged our blade using alternating layers of 1095 high-carbon and 15N20 nickel-alloy steels, combining traditional hand-forging techniques with precise thermal heat treatments to ensure maximum durability. Beyond the forge, I led the technical characterization of our work, utilizing metallography, SEM, EDS, and microhardness testing to map the complex relationships between our thermomechanical processing and the blade's final performance. Managing this project from concept to competition required constant collaboration, balancing the needs of our student team with guidance from academic faculty and industrial mentors.

Co-founder of "sidetask"

Community app made by college students for college students. More to come soon!

Honors & Awards

Lila and Gerald Ellsworth '50 Scholarship (RPI)
Annual award for academic excellence in Material Science.

Rensselaer Leadership Award (RPI)
Merit-based scholarship recognizing academic achievements and leadership.

Women's Leadership Scholarship (RPI)
Awarded for demonstrated leadership in academics and extracurriculars.

Conference Travel Awards (SWE, Material Advantage)
Sponsored attendance at SWE National (2024, 2025), SWE Local Cherry Hill (2025), AIST Women In Steel (2024), MS&T (2024), and TMS (2025, research presenter).

ASU Materials Winter School Scholarship
Selected for competitive research Materials Research Conference (2024).

Italian American Women of New York Scholarship
Community award for academic excellence and cultural leadership (2022).

Personal Interests

My interests extend far beyond engineering. I am deeply passionate about entrepreneurship, education, music, theology, behavioral economics, and religion, and I enjoy bringing people together around bold ideas and meaningful causes. Through research, outreach, and creative pursuits, I strive to build a life defined by curiosity, impact, and continuous growth.

Check Out My Music!

Visit my instagram to message me for weddings, funerals, parties and events!

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Let's Connect

Reach out to discuss research collaborations, industry partnerships, or speaking opportunities.

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