Transforming Motion into Emotion

09/06/06

 Accomplishments:

Solenoidal Detector Collaboration - Superconducting Super-Collider Lab - Waxahatchie, TX

I performed mechanical testing on various lead alloys to determine their suitability for use in Electromagnetic Calorimeter (EMC) modules.  I also participated in the casting of prototype EMC modules and subsequently performed mechanical testing on them using strain gauges and fixtures that I designed.  I performed finite element analysis on Barrel and Endcap calorimeters to examine the stability of different designs.  Other duties included creating conceptual designs for Cosmic Ray test stands and module storage frames that were cost effective and interchangeable.  Additionally I was placed in charge of overseeing the transport of Endcap calorimeter modules from Argonne to the Superconducting Super-Collider Lab and their subsequent installation there.  This involved specifying the necessary facilities and approving building blueprints.

Insulin Process Development - Nektar Therapeutic Systems - San Carlos, CA:

I was a principal in troubleshooting the scale-up of Insulin production from pilot to production scale.  During this process I developed several diagnostic instruments to analyze the production process and ran multiple experiments during production runs in cGMP facilities.

 ALEX Liquid Metals Loop - Argonne National Laboratory - Argonne, IL:

I was responsible for the day to day operation and maintenance of the loop, including the supervision of students and technicians. This included writing and implementing operating and maintenance procedures including getting appropriate ES&H approval.  I was also in charge of the facility upgrade from NaK to Li.  This involved the design and installation of heating, cover gas maintenance, safety systems, and related instrumentation.  I performed finite element analysis on the loop to examine the thermal stress introduced by raising the operating temperature from ambient to 300 ^oC, and was responsible for the safe handling and storage of the NaK and Li during the upgrade.

 Atomization Test Facility - Inhale Therapeutic Systems - San Carlos, CA:

I was responsible for the design and implementation of the primary laboratory for research into process for spray drying and powder generation.  This involved specifying and installing instrumentation, developing HMI and control systems using LabView, and creating data processing and analysis software using Perl.  This facility is used for thermal analysis and profiling of lab-scale spray dryers, atomization design and testing spray dryer control and measurement systems, and research into new atomization techniques.

Process Prototype Facility - Inhale Therapeutic Systems - San Carlos, CA:

I was a primary team member in the design and construction of this laboratory facility for the development of alternate powder production and collection apparatus.  This included working with outside contractors during remodeling of the laboratory, generating piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's) for experiments, specifying and installing intrinsically safe equipment and instrumentation, and developing computer control and data acquisition systems using LabView.

Zeus Particle Detector - DESY Laboratory - Hamburg, Germany:

As a principal engineer for the Barrel Calorimeter group, I designed shipping and handling fixtures that would provide shock and vibration isolation for the 12-Ton Depleted Uranium calorimeter modules.  These were used for transporting the modules from Argonne to Fermi National Accelerator Lab for testing, and to the DESY Laboratory in Hamburg for installation in the HERA accelerator ring.  This involved structural analysis, finite element analysis, and ensuring that the final design met all national and international shipping standards.  I was also responsible for the development of an inexpensive, efficient measuring fixture to ensure that each module fell within specific dimensional tolerances, allowing for ease of assembly.

FCC Nozzle Testing Facility - Argonne National Laboratory - Argonne, IL:

I was project manager for the construction and operation of the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Nozzle Testing Facility.  This involved oversight of facility remodeling and construction, as well as the design, assembly, and installation of equipment.  I was responsible for designing, implementing, and gaining ES&H approval of laser safety and access control systems.  I wrote the documentation for laser safety and system operations, and performed the initial system shakedown including spray sizing and velocity measurements with a 5W Ar-Ion laser.

Decommissioning and Decontamination Cutting Technologies Program - Argonne National Laboratory - Argonne, IL:

I was responsible for the re-design of fixtures used in experiments designed to develop predictive models for filter loading during cutting operations.  This data is used filter maintenance schedules during the decommissioning and decontamination of nuclear power plants and other contaminated environments.  This work resulted in generating more accurate laboratory data.  I was also responsible for taking field data during decontamination operations at the Experimental Boiling Water Reactor.