Research interests

• Characterization of mechanical properties of polymers
• Assessment of polymer aging
• Optical sensor/device development
• Endovascular device design and testing

Current position(s)

• Characterization Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Polymer Additive Manufacturing
• Mechanical Aging & Assessments Technical Lead
• Weapon Technologies & Engineering (WTE) Aging & Lifetimes Program Principal Investigator (PI), Mechanical Property Assessments of Polymers
• Responsible Individual (RI) for B132S polymer formulation and characterization labs

Career path

• Graduate Student Employee, UC Davis Department of Applied Science and LLNL Medical Technology Program
• Scientist and Project Manager, Miravant Medical Technologies, Santa Barbara, CA
• Research Scientist, Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, LLNL

Subject Matter Expertise

Polymer testing, polymer aging, polymer mechanical properties, polymer characterization

PhD Engineering—Applied Science, UC Davis, 1998

BS Engineering Physics, UC San Diego, 1993

Selected publications

Van Meerbeek IM, Lenhardt JM, Small W, Bryson TM, Duoss EB, Wilson TS, Weisgraber TH. Compressive properties of silicone bouligand structures. MRS Bulletin 2023; 48:1-7.

Maiti A, Small W, Kroonblawd M, Lewicki J, Goldman N, Wilson T, Saab A. Constitutive model of radiation aging effects in filled silicone elastomer under strain. Journal of Physical Chemistry B 2021; 125:10047-10057.

Maiti A, Small W, Lewicki JP, Chinn SC, Wilson TS, Saab AP. Age-aware constitutive materials model for a 3D printed polymeric foam. Scientific Reports 2019; 9:15923.

Wu AS, Small W, IV, Bryson TM, Cheng E, Metz TR, Schulze SE, Duoss EB, Wilson TS. 3D printed silicones with shape memory. Scientific Reports 2017; 7:4664.

Maiti A, Small W, Lewicki J, Weisgraber TH, Duoss EB, Chinn SC, Pearson MA, Spadaccini CM, Maxwell RS, Wilson TS. 3D printed cellular solid outperforms traditional stochastic foam in long-term mechanical response. Scientific Reports 2016; 6:24871.

Small W, IV, Glascoe EA, Overturf GE. Measurement of moisture outgassing of the plastic-bonded TATB explosive LX-17. Thermochim. Acta 2012; 545:90-95.

Small W, IV, Maitland DJ, Wilson TS, Bearinger JP, Letts SA, and Trebes JE. Development of a prototype optical hydrogen gas sensor using a getter-doped polymer transducer for monitoring cumulative exposure: preliminary results. Sens. Actuators B, Chem. 2009; 139(2):375-379.

Small W, IV, Buckley PR, Wilson TS, Loge JM, Maitland KD, and Maitland DJ. Fabrication and characterization of cylindrical light diffusers comprised of shape memory polymer. J. Biomed. Opt. 2008; 13(2):024018.

Small W, IV, Wilson TS, Benett WJ, Loge JM, and Maitland DJ. Laser-activated shape memory polymer intravascular thrombectomy device. Optics Express 2005; 13(20): 8204-8213.

Small W, IV, Celliers PM, Da Silva LB, Matthews DL, and Soltz BA. Two-color mid-infrared thermometer with a hollow glass optical fiber. Applied Optics 1998; 37:6677-83.

For a full list, see: ORCID

Patents

Nash LD, Maitland DJ, Docherty N, Wilson TS, Small W, IV, Ortega J, Singhal P. Surface modification of polymer foams using plasma. U.S. Patent Nos. 10,781,294 B2 (2020) and 11,459,439 B2 (2022).

Ortega JM, Benett WJ, Small W, Wilson TS, Maitland DJ, Hartman J. Shape-memory polymer foam device for treating aneurysms. U.S. Patent Nos. 9,662,119 B2 (2017) and 11,141,164 B2 (2021).

Wilson TS, Small W, IV, Benett WJ, Ortega JM, Maitland DJ, Hartman J. Expandable implant and implant system. U.S. Patent Nos. 10,010,327 B2 (2018) and 10,898,199 B2 (2021).

Wilson TS, Maitland DJ, Small W, IV, Buckley PR, Benett WJ, Hartman J, Saloner DA. Stent with expandable foam. U.S. Patent Nos. 8,449,592 (2013), 9,078,738 B2 (2014), 10,080,642 B2 (2018), and 10,806,561 B2 (2020).

Szafron J, Maitland DJ, Small W, IV, Buckley P, Muschenborn AD. Shape memory embolectomy devices and systems. U.S. Patent No. 10,499,935 (2019).

Marion JE, III, Bearinger JP, Wilson TS, Small W, IV, Maitland DJ. Bidirectional shape memory device. U.S. Patent Nos. 10,107,270 B2 (2018) and 10,161,390 B2 (2018).

Maitland DJ, Benett WJ, Bearinger JP, Wilson TS, Small W, IV, Schumann DL, Jensen WA, Ortega JM, Marion JE, III, and Loge JM. Shape memory polymer medical device. U.S. Patent No. 7,744,604 B2 (2010).

Maitland DJ, Small W, IV, and Hartman J. Guide wire extension for shape memory polymer occlusion removal devices. U.S. Patent No. 7,611,524 B1 (2009).

Maitland DJ, Small W, IV, Wilson TS, and Benett WJ. System for diffusing light from an optical fiber or light guide. U.S. Patent No. 7,386,203 B2 (2008).

Small W, IV, and Celliers PM. Single-fiber multi-color pyrometry. U.S. Patent Nos. 6,012,840 (2000) and 6,682,216 B1 (2004).

• LLNL Weapon Technologies & Engineering (WTE) Program Silver Award for contributing to significant producibility success, 2023
• LLNL Weapon Physics & Design (WPD) Program Silver Award for developing structure design of a polymer component, 2020
• Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) Excellence in Technology Transfer Award for development of a shape memory polymer foam for endovascular applications, 2020
• DOE Secretary’s Achievement Award for development of a high-value component, 2019
• LLNL Director’s Science & Technology Award for additive manufacturing technology innovations, 2019
• R&D 100 Award for IMPEDE® vascular occlusion device, 2019
• LLNL Director’s Science & Technology Award for design and manufacturing of unique materials, 2016
• LLNL Defense Technologies Engineering Division (DTED) Recognition Award for enabling investigation of a new component design, 2015
• NNSA Defense Programs Award of Excellence for exceptional creativity developing an additive manufacturing process, 2015
• Honorable Mention Poster Award, UC System-Wide Bioengineering Symposium, 2005
• R&D 100 Award for an optical temperature sensor, 1998