Eric Wilkinson, M.S., Research Staff

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Research Interest

Eric’s research focuses primarily on the characterization of cigarette filters using novel methods, identifying the physicochemical, thermomechanical, mechanical, and time-dependent properties of the filter microfibers. These properties are examined as a function of cigarette condition, identifying the impacts of characteristics such as smoking condition and leaching condition, establishing the primary components defining the filter-environment interrelationships and behavior. Eric is currently using this research as a basis for the development of new filter upcycling methods.

Education

  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder – Boulder, CO – May 2021.
  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University – San Diego, CA – May 2025.

Experience

  • Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, University of Colorado Boulder – Department of Mechanical Engineering, January 2021 – May 2021.
  • Graduate Student Researcher, SDSU Research Foundation, August 2023 – Present.

Publications

  • George Youssef, Eric Wilkinson, Wilson Rativa-Parada, Anushka Sarode, Sung-Yong Park, and Eunha Hoh. “Spectro-microscopic Investigations of Cellulose Acetate.” Under Review.
  • Eric Wilkinson, Eunha Hoh, and George Youssef. “Creep and Recovery of Cellulose Acetate Microfiber Bundles.” Mechanics of Time-Dependent Materials 29(3):64 (2025).
  • Wilkinson, Eric D. “Exploration of Physical, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Acetate Fibers.” M.S.M.E., San Diego State University. ProQuest. San Diego, CA (2025).
  • Eric Wilkinson, Eunha Hoh, Margaret Stack, Natalie Mladenov, and George Youssef. “Thermal, Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties of Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Filters.” Journal of Applied Polymer Science 142(22):e56946 (2025).
  • Eric Wilkinson, Margaret Stack, Eunha Hoh, Sarah Poletti, Natalie Mladenov, and George Youssef. “Cigarette Filters: A Benchmarking Investigation of Thermal and Chemical Attributes.” Cellulose 31(17):10359-10373 (2024).

Conference Presentations

  • “Multiscale Characterization of Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Filters.” Eric Wilkinson and George Youssef. 2025 TRDRP Trainee Symposium.
  • “Chemo-Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Cellulose Acetate Microfibers.” Eric Wilkinson and George Youssef. 2025 MRS Spring Meeting & Exhibit (2025).
  • “Multiphysics Characterization of Cellulose Acetate from Cigarette Litter.” Eric Wilkinson, Margaret Stack, Eunha Hoh, Sarah Poletti, Natalie Mladenov, and George Youssef. ACS Spring 2025 Meeting & Expo (2025).
  • “Properties of Cellulose Acetate Extracted from Littered Cigarette Filters.” Eric Wilkinson and George Youssef. 39th Annual CSU Student Research Competition (2025).
  • “Investigation of Cellulose Acetate Microfiber Properties from Cigarette Filters.” Eric Wilkinson, Eunha Hoh, Margaret Stack, Natalie Mladenov, and George Youssef. 2nd Annual Symposium on Tobacco and the Environment (2025).
  • “Properties of Cellulose Acetate Extracted from Littered Cigarette Filters.” Eric Wilkinson and George Youssef. 18th Annual SDSU Student Symposium (2025).
  • “Preliminary Assessments of Cigarette Filter Properties.” Eric Wilkinson and George Youssef. 17th Annual SDSU Student Symposium (2024).

Awards

  • President’s Award – SDSU Student Symposium 2025.
  • 2025 Graduate Student Travel Fund Award – San Diego State University.