Last Energy
May 2024 - Present
As the R&D Program Manager at a micro-modular nuclear startup, I wear many hats. I spend the majority of my time managing and developing Last Energy's research and development portfolio - whether that means leveraging my experience finding relevant research papers, preparing test plans and building test rigs, developing strategic research partners, or planning and reviewing our patent portfolio. Throughout my tenure at Last Energy, I also helped develop our internal Policies and Procedures to include updated safety guidance.
I enjoy being in the midst of things, being in close communication with a cross-functional team and being able to present the results of my team's work to senior leadership, potential investors, and external partners.
ST Engineering Middle River Aerostructure Systems
April 2022 - May 2024
Project Engineer in Program Management Office: April 2022 - January 2023
Working in the Program Management Office at MRAS, I spent my time planning, executing, monitoring, and reporting on complex interdepartmental projects, both within the company and with external stakeholders. I also supported and participated in the daily operations at MRAS, ensuring the A320neo team had what they needed to succeed and was able to overcome any issues as they emerged.
This often involved managing detailed schedules, navigating changing project scope, recognizing and abating risks, and communicating the status of projects to a variety of stakeholders. The work was certainly daunting at times, but I'll be the first to admit that I love a challenge.
My time at Middle River has allowed me continue to grow and learn, and through that, has given me the opportunity to earn my Project Management Professional certification. I look forward to further improving my experience and understanding of both project and program management through my continuing education efforts both inside the office and elsewhere.
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
November 2016 - April 2023
If you're like everyone else I've spoken to about working at the Patent Office, I'm sure you're thinking something along the lines of but how is that engineering? Don't worry- it's one that I've answered often.
The really cool thing about being a patent examiner is that you get look at new inventions when they're completed. Conversely, one of the biggest challenges in examining patents is looking at a drawing and determining how and why something works- and whether or not those reasons distinguish the invention over what already exists. Which means that being a patent examiner gives any engineer some pretty unique skills.
The first skill that Patent Examiners have to learn: how to search for information. There is so much data on the internet, but even with the best search engine in the world, it can still take some skill and effort to find what you need.
But that's certainly not the only thing I've learned at the Patent Office. For me, I would say my work in patents has enhanced my ability to think outside the box when looking for a solution to a problem. I've seen so many creative solutions through my tenure as a Patent Examiner that I have plenty of inspiration to draw from. It's also helped me learn more about which elements of an invention can be the hallmarks of a good design, and which elements are necessary for engineering utility.
April 2014 - August 2014
As the only mechanical engineering intern at RedViking's Raleigh location, I was able to be involved in several engineering projects in all stages of the design and manufacturing process. I worked on the design of one high-speed gearbox and testing of another; the construction, testing, and modification of a precision drilling machine; and assisted in the design of a sensor testing system and its use protocol.
May 2013 - August 2013
In my second internship at Boeing, I worked as a Design Intern for the Space Lauch System (SLS) Core Stage. I used Creo Pro/E to make and change drawings from parts for the SLS and worked with a team to ensure that all of the drawings met Quality Assurance standards. Our team further collaborated to ensure that all drawings showed the Geometric Deminsioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) necessary for manufacturing.
May 2012 - August 2012
During my first internship at Boeing, I worked as a Stress Analyst for the International Docking Adapter (IDA) for the International Space Station. I learned to use MSC Patran and Nastran, the software preferred by NASA at that time, and worked with other engineers to produce reports on the structural integrity of designed parts for the IDA.
North Carolina State University
As a graduate researcher, I investigated the possible usefulness of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) in the municipal power industry. This required me to meet with several municipal power companies of different sizes, so that I could determine the potential uses for UAVs. I also researched the legal and business requirements for operating a UAV. Finally, I incorporated my findings into an optimization algorithm to determine when and how a UAV could be used to support municipal power systems.
North Carolina State University
In my undergraduate research, I created an improved design for a fluid transfer spike to stop a known problem with the fluid flow. As would be expected, I applied the principles of Design Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (DFMEA) to evaluate the use of the transfer spike; isolate the reoccuring failure mode; identify what was successful and unsuccessful in the original design; considered and tested alternatives; and then created a prototype. In the end, the customer's problem was solved, and the new design was accepted.