Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2018
  • M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, 2016
  • B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Cornell University, 2013
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical, California, #2038
Professional Honors
  • Recipient, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, 2013
  • Member, Tau Beta Pi engineering honors society
Professional Affiliations
  • ASTM International, American Society of Metals (member)
  • IEEE, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (member)
  • TMS, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (member)
  • Tau Beta Pi (member)

 Dr. Thurston specializes in characterization of engineering systems and their modes of failure from fractographic analyses of individual defective units to extent of condition analyses across multifaceted utility networks. Dr. Thurston has experience with a broad range of material families including metals, polymer photovoltaics, glasses, ceramics, and composites with clients from industries including energy, automotive, personal electronics, and academic collaborators. In addition to classic failure analysis investigations, she has extensive experience working with utility sector clients on asset health, management, and maintenance strategies with a focus towards risk management and mitigation.

In the laboratory, Dr. Thurston is experienced in the design and implementation of mechanical testing and post-testing analyses on a range of materials including metals, glasses, composites, and polymers. Dr. Thurston has significant experience with a versatile array of fractographic and spectroscopic analysis techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fluorescence confocal microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXD), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Thurston studied the mechanical and microstructural properties of unusual metallic alloy systems such as bulk metallic glasses and 'high-entropy' alloys with a particular focus on their fatigue and fracture behavior under extreme temperature conditions. She is well-versed in the development and execution of mechanical testing procedures with a variety of test-specimen geometries and has extensive practice working with servo-hydraulic load frames. Her Ph.D. thesis examined the temperature dependence of the crack-propagation behavior in the 'high-entropy' alloy CrMnFeCoNi under high-cycle fatigue with a focus on the impact of cryogenic conditions.

In addition to her academic and professional work, Dr. Thurston has extensive experience working hands-on with a wide array of materials in a variety of positions such as a laboratory teaching assistant, ceramics studio intern, and stained glass studio instructor. This varied background ensures she can relate complex ideas in a way that is both accessible and engaging.