Experience

Maintenance and Process Engineer | Kalera Inc. | September 2021- February 2023

Since September 2021, I have held the position of Maintenance and Process Engineer at Kalera, a hydroponic indoor farming company. Initially working as an individual contractor, I have now transitioned into a permanent role within the company.

My primary responsibility at Kalera has been to design irrigation systems for their farms. I played a key role in designing a section of the irrigation system for the Houston farm, and later took on the task of designing the entire irrigation system for the St. Paul farm which is capable of growing over a million crops at a time. This involved carefully selecting and sizing various components, such as Reverse Osmosis Systems and Water Purification Systems, to meet the specific needs of each farm. I also utilized 3D modeling software to create and adjust in-house skids, including those for zone distribution, ozone management, and zone return.

To enhance efficiency in harvesting and reduce labor costs, I planned and designed innovative harvesting equipment. I worked on the optimization of the equipment selection and maintained vendor relations. In addition, I developed a system for optimizing airflow in vertical farms, resulting in improved plant growth and yield.

As a member of a cross-functional team of horticulturists, plant scientists, and engineers, I have helped address ongoing challenges and identify new opportunities for Kalera as it expands. While I am not a direct supervisor, I work closely with maintenance technicians on the farm, providing guidance on engineering issues.

Graduate Research Assistant | Mechanogenomics Lab, MEEP, SIUC | August 2020- January 2021

• Material characterization of polymers and topology optimization of 3D printed sandwich panels

• Development of UV curable for soft lithography. Additive manufacturing of high precision and micron-level dimensions for cell culture

• Stereolithography printing of patterned hydrogel with gradient stiffness. Explore the composition of photocurable hydrogel solution for stiffness modulation 

Graduate Teaching Assistant | Department of Mechanical Engineering, SIUC | August 2019 - April 2021

• ENGR 350 Mechanics of Materials: Assisted course instructor and successfully completed two semesters of teaching and grading

• ENGR 350 Mechanics of Materials Lab: Instructed the Mechanics Lab, demonstrate material properties testing experiments, and grading