Mr. Gavin DeBrun | Computational Methods | Best Researcher Award

R&D Staff, Sandia National Laboratories, United States

Gavin DeBrun is a dynamic and multidisciplinary researcher with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, supplemented by minors in Computer Science, Statistics, and Mathematics. His diverse research spans computational materials science, atmospheric modeling, nuclear corrosion safety, and machine learning applications. Gavin’s work includes prestigious appointments at Sandia National Laboratories, and his publications demonstrate active contribution to materials innovation, energy systems, and algorithm design. He is recognized for blending advanced simulation, data analysis, and scientific software development to solve complex real-world problems with academic rigor and technical depth.

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📚 Early Academic Pursuits

From his undergraduate years, Gavin pursued an intensive and well-rounded curriculum combining physics, computer science, statistics, and math. At the University of Illinois, he rapidly immersed himself in research labs across departments, from atmospheric science to applied physics. His early work on storm evolution using radar data and split ventilator circuit designs during COVID-19 set the stage for a career shaped by both scientific creativity and societal impact. By sophomore year, he was already engaged in publication-worthy projects, a rare distinction that reflects both intellectual curiosity and a strong research aptitude at an early stage.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Gavin has held research roles in seven different labs, including Sandia National Laboratories, where he currently develops molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning classification pipelines. His career reflects extraordinary versatility ranging from photovoltaic optimization algorithms to nuclear fuel canister corrosion studies using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Notably, he contributed to the Geubelle Computational Mechanics Group, refining finite element models for polymer composites. His consistent engagement with cross-disciplinary teams and national laboratories highlights not just technical skill, but also adaptability, collaboration, and a genuine drive to explore science at the interface of computation and engineering.

🧭 Contributions and Research Focus

Gavin’s research focus is deeply rooted in computational physics and materials engineering, with contributions spanning hydrogen diffusion, quantum computing emulation, and additive manufacturing. He has co-authored peer-reviewed papers on topics like frontal polymerization, corrosion-resistant coatings, and solid-state battery simulations. His work combines physics-based modeling with modern data-driven techniques, such as ML classifiers and simulation automation. Gavin excels in building software tools, running large-scale simulations, and validating models using real-world experimental data, positioning himself at the cutting edge of next-generation material innovation and sustainable energy solutions.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Gavin’s influence is evident in the multidisciplinary breadth of his projects and the applied nature of his research, which addresses critical challenges in renewable energy, quantum computing, and nuclear safety. He has contributed to innovations that enhance solar power efficiency, extend the life of nuclear infrastructure, and optimize advanced manufacturing methods. His efforts are not confined to academia several works have national implications, especially within energy and defense research sectors. His publication record and national lab affiliations showcase a rising research leader, poised to impact both fundamental science and applied technology development.

📄 Academic Citations

Gavin is a co-author of multiple peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings, with publications in Composite Structures, Composites Part A, and Coatings, among others. His research has earned citations across materials science, energy systems, and applied physics communities. Most notably, his paper on irradiation effects in corrosion-resistant coatings (Coatings, 2025) and his work on frontal polymerization have gained early recognition. He has presented at prestigious venues like IMECE 2023 and ASC 2023, signaling his growing academic presence. As he continues publishing and expanding collaborations, his citation index is expected to grow rapidly in coming years.

🛠️ Research Skills

Gavin possesses advanced programming skills (C++, Python, SQL, R) and experience with scientific computing tools like FEniCS, PyTorch, NumPy, and ParaView. His expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and simulation modeling is supported by fluency in parallel programming, HPC environments, and scientific visualization. He has built quantum emulators, designed Monte Carlo simulations for hydrogen diffusion, and led data integration across weather models and radar systems. His blend of computational fluency, physical intuition, and data science methodologies equips him with a rare skillset ideal for solving high-dimensional, multidisciplinary problems.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Gavin DeBrun is building a legacy rooted in scientific versatility and computational innovation. His work spans multiple high-impact domains, and he consistently contributes to solving some of today’s most pressing energy and materials challenges. In the near future, he is poised to become a thought leader in computational materials science, with strong potential for Ph.D. pursuits, interdisciplinary publications, and industry collaborations. As an innovator, educator, and systems thinker, his contributions will likely influence the development of resilient energy systems, smart materials, and next-generation simulation tools for years to come.

Publications Top Notes

Multiscale modeling of frontal polymerization in laminated and woven composites

• Authors: Michael Zakoworotny, Gavin DeBrun, Sameh H. Tawfick, Jeffery W. Baur, Philippe H. Geubelle
  Journal: Composite Structures
  Year: 2025

Reactive extrusion of frontally polymerizing continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites

• Authors: Nadim S. Hmeidat, Michael Zakoworotny, Yun Seong Kim, Thien B. Le, Gavin DeBrun, Rohan Shah, Jacob J. Lessard, Jeffery S. Moore, Jeffery W. Baur, Philippe H. Geubelle
  Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
  Year: 2025

Impact of Irradiation on Corrosion Performance of Hybrid Organic/Inorganic Coatings on Austenitic Stainless Steel

• Authors: Natalie Click, Andrew Knight, Brendan Nation, Makeila Maguire, Samay Verma, Gavin DeBrun, Tyler McCready, Adam Goff, Audrey Rotert, Don Hanson
  Journal: Coatings
  Year: 2025

Additive Manufacturing of Frontally-Polymerizable Continuous Carbon Fiber Tow-Based Composites

• Authors: Nadim S. Hmeidat, Michael Zakoworotny, Nil A. Parikh, Thien B. Le, Pranjal Agrawal, Gavin DeBrun, Jeffery Baur, Philippe H. Geubelle, Sameh H. Tawfick, Nancy R. Sottos
  Journal: Proceedings of the American Society for Composites (ASC)
  Year: 2023