Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Material Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2019
  • M.S., Material Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2017
  • B.S., Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Minas Gerais, 2009
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical and Materials (CA)
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical and Materials (WA)
Additional Education & Training
  • Teaching Assistant, Carnegie Mellon University, 2016-2018
  • Computational Thermodynamics, Dr. Webler, Fall 2018
  • Structures of Materials, Dr. Sokalski, Fall 2017
  • Phase Relations and Diagrams, Dr. Porter, Spring 2017
  • Engineering the Materials of the Future, Dr. Heard, Fall 2016
  • Engineering the Materials of the Future, Dr. Heard, Spring 2016
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society for Materials (ASM)
  • Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST)
Languages
  • Portuguese
  • Spanish

Dr. Giacomin is a distinguished materials engineer with extensive expertise in failure analysis, fractographic examination, and both laboratory and field analysis across a diverse range of materials. His comprehensive experience encompasses ferrous metallurgy, materials characterization, pipeline metallurgy, corrosion analysis, process control, statistical analysis for process improvement, failure analysis and prevention, defect detection, and degradation mechanism identification for a wide variety of materials. Dr. Giacomin provides technical support directly to industrial clients and serves as an expert consultant in legal and insurance matters. 

His professional achievements include the development and training of steel refining (electric arc and ladle furnaces) standard operating procedures (SOPs), [GG1] process control parameter optimization, and quality assurance during the startup of a one-million-ton steelmaking plant for an Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) manufacturer.

In the academic realm, Dr. Giacomin has spearheaded investigations into the mechanical properties and microstructure of innovative advanced high-strength steel grades aiming to create lightweight parts for the automotive industry. His research has resulted in improved methods for steel production.

Dr. Giacomin played a pivotal role in establishing a state-of-the-art hardware failure analysis lab in Redmond, WA. In this capacity, he conducted comprehensive reliability and root cause analysis investigations on Microsoft's microelectronic devices, prototype builds, and data center hardware. His responsibilities extended to leading in-depth failure investigations of data center facilities, addressing issues related to structural integrity, electrical systems, and HVAC operations. Additionally, he provided critical technical analysis and consulting services, significantly influencing and empowering design, manufacturing, and assembly teams to enhance their processes and outcomes.

Dr. Giacomin provided expert technical consulting and litigation support to insurance companies, various industries, and the legal community. He conducted thorough failure analysis and forensic engineering investigations on a wide range of materials and equipment, from large-scale industrial accidents and structural failures to small residential plumbing issues. His specialization in materials characterization, metallurgical testing, and corrosion analysis was instrumental in these investigations. He also performed meticulous scene documentation, evidence retrieval, laboratory examinations, background research, and report preparation. Additionally, he supported testifying experts in various legal matters, ensuring comprehensive and accurate technical insights.

Spearheaded investigations into the mechanical properties and microstructure of innovative steel grades, aiming to create high-strength, lightweight automotive components. His work involved pinpointing the precise process parameters and chemical compositions that lead to material embrittlement. This critical research played a key role in refining industrial practices and ensuring the production of defect-free cast products.

Oversaw quality assurance for steelmaking products at a newly established one-million tons per year steel mill. Joining the team before the plant's startup, he played a crucial role in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and training operators as the mill came online. Post startup, he devised methods to ensure the cleanliness and mechanical properties of both new and existing steelmaking products through meticulous process data analysis and characterization testing. Dr. Giacomin managed a team of 2 supervisors and 17 lab technicians, leading a cross-functional team to reduce scrap material generation by over 50% at the start of steel production. Additionally, he led the quality team in optimizing testing methodologies, cutting chemical analysis time by 30%. He also coordinated a continuous improvement group focused on safety, successfully reducing the risk index (RPI) of workstations by over 50%, earning the "Stand-out Group" award.