Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, May 2012
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, December 2008
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with High Distinction, May 2006
Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH
TEACHING
Teaching Assistant
- Energetics: Introduced the governing physics and motivation behind labs covering experimental methods in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. Responsible for lab procedures and grading.
- Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design: Helped cover the study of the design process including computer-aided modeling as lead TA.
- Modern Manufacturing Processes: Responsible for instructing students on the safety of lasers and how to operate a laser cutting system.
- Intelligent Systems: Studied genetic/evolutionary algorithms for a new course titled “Intelligent Systems.” Constructed equipment that will be used to perform laboratory experiments.
- Senior Design: Helped keep students plan and maintain a schedule during their senior capstone project. Served as a judge during the final presentations.
Teaching Affiliate
- Developed and presented material as part of the Teaching Assistant Orientation (TAO). This two day workshop is designed to introduce incoming teaching assistants to effective teaching strategies for the varied teaching duties assumed by TAs.
- Assisted in the design of a workshop for TAs to improve student learning in laboratory classes.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Vanderbilt University (December 2008 – January 2012)
Advised by Dr. Haoxiang Luo
Dissertation title: Applications of the boundary-element method for electrokinetics in microfluidics. Collaborated to develop and apply a computational model for electrokinetic transport of fluids and particles suspended within microchannels.
Advised by Dr. Haoxiang Luo
Dissertation title: Applications of the boundary-element method for electrokinetics in microfluidics. Collaborated to develop and apply a computational model for electrokinetic transport of fluids and particles suspended within microchannels.
- Utilized a highly efficient and accurate boundary-element method to investigate particle dynamics (electrophoresis, dielectrophoresis and electro-orientation).
- Identified the effects of microchannel geometries on particle mobilities and resulting trajectories to help improve the accuracy of particle manipulation.
- Clarified the limitations of commonly used approximations for particle motion.
- Characterized electric field-induced assembly of ellipsoidal particles for applications in microfabrication of 2D and 3D structures such as synthetic tissues and biocomposites.
Advised by Dr. Dongqing Li
Thesis title: Design and experimental validation of a miniature real-time polymerase chain reaction device using disposable microfluidic chips. Worked in a group to design and operate a miniature real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system for use as a fully integrated portable device for point-of-care diagnostics.
- Responsible for the design and fabrication of a more reliable microfluidic chip.
- Completed redesign of the thermal cycler to reduce size and improve efficiency.
- Reformulated assay parameters including reagent concentrations and relative ratios to optimize results.
- Collaborated with medical researchers to conduct tests verifying the system’s effectiveness for detecting avian influenza and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Case Western Reserve University (Summer 2004)
Advised by Dr. David Schiraldi
NSF funded undergraduate research. Studied the effect of a nano-filler, Polyhedral Oligomeric Sisesquioxane (POSS), on the abrasion resistance of common polymers.
Advised by Dr. David Schiraldi
NSF funded undergraduate research. Studied the effect of a nano-filler, Polyhedral Oligomeric Sisesquioxane (POSS), on the abrasion resistance of common polymers.
- Created fabrication process to form polymer molds necessary for ASTM testing.
- Investigated the abrasion resistance for atactic and syndiotactic polystyrene and cellulose propionate with varying concentrations of POSS.
TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
Instruments: Familiar with photolithography and soft-lithography processes and equipment. Experience using fluorescence microscope and imaging analysis software.
Computational tools: Comfortable with computer modeling software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, Fluent, Gambit, SolidWorks, AutoCAD and LabView. Well-versed in MatLAB, FORTRAN, C and linux.
ORGANIZATIONS
Computational tools: Comfortable with computer modeling software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, Fluent, Gambit, SolidWorks, AutoCAD and LabView. Well-versed in MatLAB, FORTRAN, C and linux.
ORGANIZATIONS
Vanderbilt University
Helped form the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Association (MEGA) and served as President for initial two years and Treasurer for one year. Also served as the departmental representative for the Vanderbilt University Graduate Student Council.
Ohio Northern University
President of Order of Omega (Greek Honorary), Brother of Sigma Pi Fraternity, Elected two years on Interfraternity Council (Scholarship and Risk Management), Secretary of ASME chapter.
Academic Honor Scholarship
Joseph Turney Scholarship
Ivor and Ethel Campbell Merit Scholarship
Mortar Board (seniors honorary)
Tau Beta Pi (engineering honorary)
Kappa Mu Epsilon (math honorary)
Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honorary)
Deans List (12/12 quarters).
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Academic Honor Scholarship
Joseph Turney Scholarship
Ivor and Ethel Campbell Merit Scholarship
Mortar Board (seniors honorary)
Tau Beta Pi (engineering honorary)
Kappa Mu Epsilon (math honorary)
Phi Eta Sigma (freshman honorary)
Deans List (12/12 quarters).
