Explore my professional journey, skills, and experience through this interactive format.
I graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Microelectronics-Photonics program from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, in the spring of 2016. My thesis was titled "Investigation of optical properties of zinc oxide photodetector" and my advisor was Prof. Ryan Tian. My final GPA was a 3.8.
This interdisciplinary engineering program draws students from electrical engineering, physics, and materials science/chemistry backgrounds. The curriculum focuses on semiconductor device physics & manufacturing, electrical engineering, business administration and management - preparing students for leadership positions and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Key coursework areas:
I obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in spring 2014. This degree provided me with strong foundations in materials science and biology, positioning me well for biotechnology and bioinformatics work. Due to extensive mathematics coursework, I qualified for a math minor.
Key coursework areas:
On the job training:
Continually researching on my own:
Experienced with: Python, Docker, Linux, iOS, C++, SQL, Kivy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Numpy, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, data structures, data analysis, Git, machine learning, etc.
I work extensiviley on sofware tools within my role at Magic Leap. I help design and develop tools that are used to collect and process data. Take a look at my Current projects section to see the latest projects I have been working on within Magic Leap. Also visit my GitHub to see all of my repos, although I mostly work within GitHub Enterprise now so this will not be updated very much.
Proficient with: Autocad drafting, Solidworks, Rapid Prototyping, 3D Printing, civil engineering, surveying, total station, digital and analog design, IC fab simulation, data management, technical writing and presentations, Microsoft Office, power tools, hand tools, survey equipment, transit, voltmeter, heavy machinery, soldering iron, gas cylinders, as well as equipment repair.
Engineering is applied science, but great engineering is rooted in understanding the underlying principles of physics, creativity, and hard work. Most of the competence with engineering comes from the experience of creating and interacting with the real world to see how objects respond to forces acted upon them. This real world experience of building things, fixing things, and working with your hands is what allows for a better understanding of the theory when taking engineering courses.
Hands on Characterization: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Liquid & Gas Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Powder X-ray Diffraction Microscopy, & Infrared Spectroscopy
Hands on experience in quality control following SOP’s, JIB’s, standard work, corrective & preventative action (CAPA), and 6S practices. Proficient with Chemistry lab work in the medical industry following FDA guidelines and regulations. Proficiency operating and maintaining Gas Chromatograph and related software for ethylene oxide residuals testing for quality control of manufactured lots adhering to strict FDA regulations.
Hands on Microfabrication: Photolithography, Physical Vapor Deposition, Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition, Liquid & plasma etching, Acid Cleaning, & Wire Bonding. Also familiar with VLSI, digital design, analog design, photonics, and IC fab simulation using Silvaco.
Extensive study of semiconductor device physics, microelectronic circuit fabrication techniques, transistors and logic gates, as well as general computer science theory. The Microelectronics-Photonics (MicroEP) program did a great job of covering all of the underlying principles as well as practical hands on knowledge of semiconductors and IC fabrication.
Magic Leap is a startup company with an augmented reality wearable headset that is geared
towards enterprise productivity. My role is a Software Engineer within the Data Operations team in the computer vision department. My
duties within this role include:
- Make software tools for camera calibration for AR device to assist computer vision team.
- Use microcontrollers, motion capture systems, and AR device along with python and C to create embedded software and post processing pipelines for syncing time between devices.
- Use computer vision concepts and debugging skills to troubleshoot hardware and software camera calibration and time synchronization issues.
As a Data Collection Engineer within the Data Operations team in the computer vision department
my tasks included:
- Use Python, Object Oriented Programming, Docker, Google Cloud, command line, shell scripts, linux etc. to record, process, manage, and post process data including GIS point cloud integration.
- Use Arduino hardware and software to create data collection devices and to assist robotics team.
- Use motion capture, LiDAR, survey equipment, AR devices, and various robotics to collect data under a multitude of conditions.
- Assist computer vision team by collecting ground truth data for algorithm development and testing.
- Use CAD design software with 3D printers, Laser Cutters, power tools and hand tools to create tools for data collection as well as assist mechanical engineering team.
Inrock is a horizontal directional drilling systems company
that specializes in the manufacturing of bits, reamers, and other drilling tools, as well as providing
guidance engineering services . the Guidance team at Inrock is the best in the industry and they are very stringent in
their hiring process requiring not only the completion of their qualification exam with a high enough score
in the math portion, but also requiring the prospective employee to be an ambassador for the company out in the field
with excellent communication skills and the ability to work on complex tasks, solving problems under pressure so as to
provide the client with excellent service. As a guidance engineer, my roles were as follows:
- Design bore profiles for HDD bores providing guidelines and recommendations to ensure the project is feasible and optimal for the product pipe ensuring success for both the client and general contractor.
- Use Vector Magnetics software to analyze large amounts of data from tracking the probe underground and calculate optimal steer pattern for HDD bores to come out at the clients specified location within tolerances.
- Create novel algorithms and formulas to analyze data from Rivcross software and use the data to create optimal bore plan and steer pattern for the client.
- Work as sole Inrock representative on site with clients from start of project until punch out for the pilot hole on wire-line bores. perform tasks including design and re-design of bore profiles, bit tracking, radius & projected bore path calculations, tooling and hardware recommendations, as well as troubleshooting.
- Serve as sales representative for Inrock merchandise, answering client questions regarding products offered by Inrock and making sales recommendations.
- Travel to job sites of clientele across the US and internationally, staying on site with the client until project completion.
Baxter Healthcare is a corporation that specializes in making renal devices
for patients with kidney issues. I worked with a great team in the chemistry lab in the quality department. My roles
included:
- Quality Lab Associate I, worked as a chemist in the chem lab in the quality department
- Assumed role as SME for the implementation of new Lab Information Management System (LIMS) software that is replacing current processes with an integrated global system
- Solely responsible for the development of plant process conversion templates for the LIMS system, taking responsibility for the creation, approval, and troubleshooting of RM and ML LIMS materials templates
- Took over role of lab analyst for analyzing plant water monthly per standard operating procedure
- Fast-tracked lab training for ethylene oxide residuals testing as well as other standard work for the use of GC and other lab instruments so as to immediately take up lab roles as secondary analyst
- Encompassed a multidisciplinary training approach for standard work enabling me to become an analyst of raw materials, EO residuals testing for manufactured lots, as well as analyst for chemical testing of plant water
- Hands on experience in quality control following SOP’s, JIB’s, standard work, corrective & preventative action (CAPA), and 6S practices. Proficient with Chemistry lab work in the medical industry following FDA guidelines and regulations.
- Extensive hands on training in wet and dry chemistry for quality control testing of polymers, dyes, oils, and other raw materials
- Proficiency operating and maintaining Gas Chromatograph and related software for ethylene oxide residuals testing for quality control of manufactured lots adhering to strict FDA regulations
In Dr. Tian's Research Lab I worked on the following:
Nano-synthesis:
- Hydrothermal growth of both simple- and complex-structured ZnO nanomaterials
- Solution synthesis of titanate nanofibers
- Hydrothermal synthesis, purification, and deposition of carbon coated Na3V2(PO4)3 nano-particles
- Solution synthesis and purification of graphene oxide
Solar Energy Conversion:
- Design and creation of electrical devices and Optimization of ZnO nanostructures for photo-detection
- 3D design and setup of experimental testing equipment including creation of novel sample holder for use with photodetection experiments
- Complete fabrication of experimental devices and setup, design of parameter adjustments, and analysis of data for solar energy conversion and photodetection experiments
Batteries:
- Synthesis, assembly, and testing of experimental sodium sulfur batteries, and sodium ion battery electrodes
- Helping optimize the reaction conditions to prepare high-quality carbon-coated Na3V2(PO4)3 nano-particles so as to optimize their performances as cathode materials for sodium ion batteries
- Synthesis and preparation of nanocomposite membranes made of titanate nanofibers and graphene oxide for low-temperature sodium-sulfur rechargeable batteries
- Design and experimental Set up of Cyclic Voltammetry testing apparatus, and setup of Solartron SI 1287 Electrochemical Interface for battery electrode testing
During my graduate school work in the MicroEP program I was able to
work as a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the U of A.
My work included:
- taught labs for Chemistry I, II, Chemistry II for engineers, Honors Chemistry II, and Fundamentals of Chemistry.
When not pursuing an education or a career in STEM I have had no problem getting labor
intensive jobs such as at Marion County Paving where my roles included:
- Placed in charge of GPS survey equipment and helped improve construction site surveying and planning.
- Assisted paving and concrete crew with all forms of labor. Operate heavy machinery and work with hand tools and power tools.
I have also used the skills I gained from my biomechanics certifications to do personal training on the side in the form of physical therapy. This along with contracting myself out to do various farm work such as building fences and tree work has taught me that work ethic is a major component for success and even being creative.
Every job that I have had I have proved myself to be an integral part of the team where I have been strongly encouraged to return anytime. While working very hard to develop my emotional intellegince and communication skills with each team I was able to make valuable long lasting connections. Please contact me by phone or email to get a full list of references.