Professional Profile

Resume

Feel free to download my general resume here. Otherwise, continue below for a more detailed description of specific skills and work history that interests you.

Expanded Skills

Process Engineering

My strongest skill today is easily process management and troubleshooting. Having spent the many years in a fast paced, maximum uptime environment, I've gotten used to making hard calls while remaining flexible as information is being gathered. Navigating the paths to success in this environment can be an artform. I've learned to balance risk tradeoffs and maintain communications with staff during high profile events as well as juggle the multitude of minor day to day items.

• • Process control requires me to work with nearly every department on site and manage typical process documents such as the FMEA, standard work, training, technical documents, and working in a team to achieve certifications (such as ISO or BIQ IV). Developing a robust and flexible process from the beginning is paramount to success but upgrading an existing processes with today's technology is a fun challenge. Profitability and cost reduction is also a major consideration and by using lean manufacturing techniques and process control I can ensure a product remains successful from launch to obsolescence.

  • Quality analysis and tracking are an important part of the process and often a process engineer has to wear the quality engineer hat. At the very least I've been closely involved with formal root cause analysis methods (Red-X, Shainin, 6 Sigma, 5-why, 7 waste identify/reduction) on a small team. However, I am used to problem solving and containment strategies as a 'first responder' to an issue using the same analysis methods, but on the fly. Although the importance of typical forms of quality control cannot be understated, it is also important to back them up with other forms of process control to keep quality in check. Communication and openness is key so I try automate custom reports highlighting crucial issues with the ability to drill down to more details so that word of mouth and silos do not come to dominate the process or workplace. Similarly, OEE data and quality metrics should be accessible to all levels at a glance. I have programmed rudimentary display and record systems for smaller jobs on a budget as well as worked extensively with cloud based data tracking suppliers using Tableau/Power BI to retain every motion and detail. Finally, tracking training and preventative maintenance follow up as a large contributor to solid quality. It is important to ensure untrained individuals are not left alone with a job they cannot handle and that equipment is being properly maintained. I have also spent plenty of time tracking training and writing maintenance instructions.

  • Communication daily was typical between me and nearly every group including manufacturing, maintenance, quality, upper management, and engineering sub-groups. I organized and automated shift reporting in my areas and consolidated daily event knowledge of various groups to reduce miscommunication across shifts. I strived to become a subject matter expert or at least understand topics so I could speak to them accurately and plan accordingly even if I was not directly involved.

  • Maintenance consumed the majority of my time due to the complicated nature of the equipment and process. Equipment break downs and worn tooling required frequent attention due to the numerous individuals across multiple shifts performing the work. Machines ranged in age from as early as the 1970's so sourcing obsolete components and retrofitting processes were frequent tasks.

  • Safety is an overriding priority. Safety audits, documentation of safe practices, enforcement of PPE usage, and re-validating previous process for safety is a necessary part of the job and I take this part seriously. Ergonomics also play a role in safety so these considerations are also taken into account in the design phase and as the process changes.

  • High speed and high accuracy manufacturing considerations is easily my favorite part of the discipline. Working with sub micron level tolerances (0.0002mm) and sub second cycle time forces us to consider all aspects of the process environment. I have access to a process 'toolbox' that includes an assortment of gaging techniques (such as non-contact 1D/2D/3D lasers, air gaging, vision, pressure decay/flow testing), part handling (feeders, robots, actuators, grippers, rotators, nests/pallets), tracking (laser / printer / dot marking, RFID, barcode), and analysis (distribution trends, test targeting, audit frequencies).

  • Technical Writing and Documentation is another one of my favorite parts of this role. Documenting processes in a way anyone can understand as well as adding enough information so that advanced users can become experts is an underrated part of many processes. It empowers operators and technicians to understand and provide valuable input into a process they use on a daily basis (and the ownership goes a long way). Additionally, information retention during staffing losses and retirements can make or break a process, potentially dooming it to a slow bleed caused by inefficiencies and quality issues. It may not be good enough to just document a process sequence, it is also important to document intent, strategy, and troubleshooting techniques. As a process develops and grows, with a full set of documentation future engineers may make educated decisions and stagnant processes won't slip in quality as talent comes and goes. Though there are many ways to achieve this level, I've specialized in consolidating the knowledges of a varying array of disciplines into a few types of accessible and organized documents.

Controls Programming and Electrical

Breathing life into a machine has been one of my favorite disciplines. It has been so satisfying to take an empty husk of metal and plastic and apply purpose. I enjoyed making them efficient and intuitive. Though not my strongest trade by default, I can effectively communicate and provide reasonable tasks and timing to electricians and electrical / controls engineers.

• • Integration of new controls systems was a significant part of my job for many years. As there were often a lack of controls engineers, planning and executing controls upgrades was a fairly common task. I've spent a lot of time working with electricians to swap and upgrade systems while doing the programming myself if need be. I often needed to plan a safe transition to ensure the least amount of downtime and leave room to easily revert to the old system if things did not work out.

  • Vision and Laser Systems have become a special focus of my recent career. I've worked extensively with Keyence as well as IFM Effector and Cognex on the leading edge of current technology and at one point being one of less than a handful of SMEs of laser profilometers in North America. The setup of these systems is easily an artform. I not only factor in the basics of proper lens configuration for the distance and lighting requirements for the material but also strive to give the most bang for the pixel by ensuring interferences from environmental lighting/reflections and part to part variation/cleanliness do not interfere with a proper test. Since I've had to deal with high speed, high tolerance applications I've seen a lot of "I've never seen that before" moments when it comes to inspection systems.

  • Machine Logic Programming has been a frequent part of my day to day workload. Though my primary role for over a year, more recently I typically enter a program for verifying testing data or some out of norm event. I try not to change logic without immediate necessity. I am strongest in Allen Bradley systems over Siemens (RSLogix500/5000, RSLinx, FactoryTalk). I can make and edit my own programs and am often hyper aware of quality based loopholes that can cause issues in a process. I have programming experience with small bench setups up to large million dollar assembly equipment. Sometimes the best knowledge is knowing what you shouldn't touch and when you shouldn't touch it. Programming can not only quickly cause a line to shut down, but it can also leave time bombs in the process that may not be found until 2am.

  • Robotics have been one of my weaker points. That said, I can make my way around basic troubleshooting and reteaching tasks given enough time. I've programmed Fanuc and Scara robots, however, I haven't used this skill in such a long time that I would surely need a refresher if it were anything more than directing others to program them.

  • Panel Building skills have come in handy from time to time to source and wire basic components (power supplies, din rails, terminals, breakers, etc). I've spent some time in small panels on experimental setups as well as been around larger panels for troubleshooting existing systems.

  • Print Reading is a valuable skill. Again, not my trade by default but I am comfortable reading electrical prints and directing electricians to integrate typical sensors and controllers.

  • Circuits have been more of a hobby throughout my life so I've spent many hours doing soldering and basic board repair on DC circuits. I have successfully troubleshot grounding issues, analog signal interference problems, and finding/sourcing individual board components. It does come up at work infrequently. Due to the chip shortage I was forced to find and understand a broken component on the board and replace it while understanding what would and wouldn't safely effect our process.

Management

Oftentimes my larger and more complicated projects required the collaboration of multiple distinct groups and enforced timelines. Though I tend to avoid direct management of employees and their timesheets/discipline/raises, it is often necessary for many to work with me in a 'dotted line' scenario as a lead project manager or subject matter expert. That said, I prefer to manage goals, not individuals but am open to management as a natural next step in my career. With my varied background, I can apply all of my individual skills to maintain a consistent department in a multitude of areas.

• • Project Planning - Acted as lead on a range of projects, seeing them from conception to completion. Sometimes I've been required to lead from the design side, assembly side, controls side, or process side but no matter what I can work with others to get the job done. I can be left alone with a project and a budget/due date or work in a large group. I often lead daily team meetings, prioritize individual tasks, accommodate off shift requirements, adapt to changing project goals, and manage the timeline. Typically I would need to create my own Gantt chart in Microsoft Excel to manage a project but I have used Microsoft Project in the past. Additionally, there have been a few sudo Gantt charts in use at GM to track project status.

  • UAW - Trades, operator, and representative experience. I've worked with them as a salaried engineer to solve common problems and break down barriers to our processes. From operators to the local president, I was fortunate enough to work with a flexible and understanding union even during an active strike but I am also able to work through misunderstandings and de-escalate tense scenarios without issue.

  • Training - Specifically for Engineering and IT, I have often trained team members and fellow engineers on processes and standards. I have also trained customers to use provided equipment and navigate software. Notably I organized and recorded an outside vendor equipment training session and edited the video to include example pop ups and cut dead space to greatly reduce time.

  • Mentoring - Co-op student and intern rotation management. I worked with students to provide the company value added work while giving the students objectives that aligned with their skillsets, strengths, and preferences. Oftentimes, assistance would be needed with a keystone project to be presented to upper management and the university. Finally, interfacing with the university to ensure their milestones were met and any performance feedback required would be provided.

  • Recruitment - Always keeping an eye out for good talent. I am also known for developing talent and then recruiting them such as with students and motivated team members. I have conducted multiple interviews and interviewee tours which requires not just a set of questions but also digging into the candidate's online presence, interests, and background to ensure the interview feels relaxed yet pointed.

  • VIP Hospitality- Acted as liaison to the University of Wisconsin for the Development of a 200 MHz Superconducting RF Electron Gun. They sent a student to work with us on the project and I was responsible for their care during their 2 month stay. I provided assistance, training, and even entertainment on the weekends. In addition to students I've enjoyed numerous events where my assistance or speaking points were needed on a VIP tour. I can organize discussion topics, tour points, and entertainment for the VIP and remain calm and flexible to changes.

Mechanical Design

My design focus is always to work smarter not harder. I appreciate designs that are easy to manufacture and cost effective. I've learned that the most amazing designs are the ones that are simple and clever. The tool I use most effectively is Solidworks, but below are all of my design tools.

• • Solidworks - I am most skilled with Solidworks over other CAD systems. Since I acted as CAD Administrator in a Solidworks environment for three years I have learned to troubleshoot many common problems and some not so common. I am very familiar with the reseller "Fisher-Unitech" as I have purchased software and attended seminars. One of my notable modeling achievements include developing a constraint driven 3D assembly that automatically sized nested pressure vessels (purchased flanges, bulkheads, weld joints, etc.) with integrated cooling lines to house concept particle accelerator cavities. It was crucial to have this flexibility and fast turn around time due to the design changing frequently and funding being time sensitive. A publicly available example of this type of assembly can be seen in this research paper that I worked with Brookhaven National Labs on: https://accelconf.web.cern.ch/PAC2011/papers/tup051.pdf

  • Unigraphics - This is the program I learned over two years at Lansing Community College before learning Solidworks. I have not used it since but was ahead of my class, often given extra and advanced projects to keep me occupied in NX3. No doubt, a lot has changed since then but the training documentation for UG is more widely available.

  • AutoCAD - My native CAD program. As a kid I would use it to make fractal designs and (boxy) smiley faces. As I grew up and into middle school, my grandfather taught me how to use it properly and apply it to engineering. As a freshman in high school I (with guidance) detailed and designed forming dies, checking/nesting fixtures and reverse engineering. I went on to win the MITES competition in the Mid-Michigan region and move on to win 2nd in the state competition using AutoCAD 2000.

  • Other CAD Systems - I have been exposed briefly to Inventor, Solid Edge, Pro-Engineer, and Google Sketch.

  • Home Architect - I have dabbled in home architecture software with the dream of one day building my own home. I do not intend to design the whole thing from scratch, rather I have plans to be used as a launching point for a more professional grade of designer.

Computers and Networking

Though a recurring theme throughout my career I decided against pursuing computer science and networking. I was concerned with the difficulty for many seeking work in this field as they get older. Maintaining a relevant skill set in this field can be frustrating when kids coming out of college already have an advantage by knowing the newest software and trends. That said, I will continue to sharpen those skills as they are necessary for nearly any other line of work.

• • Computer Building - My first computer build was a Pentium 3 and I've been building them ever since. I do it on the side for friends, family, and sometimes businesses. I have purchased or built at least 100 computers. I can build budget computers, gaming computers, business computers, and even specialized computers (graphic design, surveillance, simulation, and so on). I have been working more and more with Linux over the last 2 years.

  • Computer Repair - Historically I have often had to troubleshoot virus infected computers and was able to recover lost data with ease. Sometimes, hardware would fail (bad memory, failed hard drive, etc). More recently, issues have been on the networking side, specifically crowded wifi channels.

  • Networking and Infrastructure - I was tasked to build a computer network for a startup company from the beginning. I had to run/terminate/tone cables, set up wireless networks, set up phone systems, and T1 / cable / fiber internet. I have also installed a wired/wireless network infrastructure in multiple homes.

  • Server Support - I built my first server in 2008 and troubleshot it. I had no prior experience with servers and learned on the fly how to managing users, shared folders, security, group policy, licensing, firewall, intranet, and even internet restriction. I used Windows Small Business Server and Windows Server 2008. More recently I have built a home server using Windows Server 2019 running virtually in esxi to separate my gaming servers, media servers, and file storage for security and backup purposes.

Computer Programming

Aside from machine language I have dabbled in some basic coding. Enough to understand basic concepts, troubleshoot, and grow on if needed.

• • html - In college I made a website and applied those skills to a few professional sites. Though I haven't professionally used these skills in a long time, I do run into use cases from time to time. I am not above using them to, for example, block YouTube from showing popups in front of my active video or manipulate the structure of a web address to get where I suspect I need to be without a link.

  • python - I've spent some time troubleshooting existing software when working on the Raspberry Pi. Notably, some ongoing projects include Pi Hole and Retro Pi. Though my knowledge is not currently extensive, I'm sure I could pick it up quickly as I did with machine ladder logic.

  • Tableau / Power BI - Though I have never done my own work within these softwares, I've watched and directed what I needed done within Tableau and have followed tutorials on both softwares to become more familiar to communicate better when directing development within them.

  • Java / C++ - Due to hosting a modded Minecraft server for many years, troubleshooting and modifying code comes up now and then. I would follow tutorials and improvise crash recovery techniques.

  • Microsoft Quick BASIC - Don't look up how old this is. Suffice to say this language is dead, however the concepts of programming statements and syntax as a language which has been the backbone of my understanding to follow more advanced languages as shown above.

  • G-Code - CNC machines use G-Code and I have been surprised to come across similar syntax as often as I have outside of a machining cell. Notably 3d printers and spring coilers.

Media Editing

Long time hobby which I've frequently used at work.

• • Graphic Design - I have designed logos taking into account web/printer safe colors and capability to have high resolutions. I also designed many handouts, posters, and advertisements using Adobe Illustrator 10. For fun, I would use Adobe Photoshop to create funny pictures for the office holiday party. I am familiar with GIMP as well.

  • Web Design - I built my first website using Yahoo Site Builder. Since then I have learned how to use more professional website building tools using Adobe Dreamweaver CS5 and Fireworks (and currently Google Sites). I had to overcome

  • Audio Editing - I used audacity to snip sound clips and manipulate audio to fit special requirements. Though I am no audio engineer, some of the concepts won't be completely lost on me within Audacity and Adobe Premiere.

  • Video Editing - As a side hobby I delved into basic video editing which includes turning a set of an event's pictures and videos into a "slideshow" with effects that go with music. I've done many videos such as a wedding's pictures and video to the beat of their special song, the memories of an infancy for a toddlers birthday party, and combined media of a group's vacation into an epic collage. Most importantly, I've used video editing to create training videos and retain potentially lost employee knowledge in an interview format. Making a clear and concise instructional media ties in with what I believe to be the future of technical writing.

Fabrication and Machining

I grew up in a small prototype and die design machine shop. To make some money at a young age I would stay after hours and sweep up or clean machines. Surprisingly enough I loved it and moved up to more advanced tasks by using the tools of the trade and machines as listed below.

• • Tool and Gage - Part preparation, setup, and measurement techniques are critical to validating quality parts. I was trained on how to follow a datum, properly use micrometers, clean parts, take into account temperature and GD&T concepts, height gages, and more. My attention to detail lends well to these skills.

  • 3D printers - I have limited experience with both home and industrial grade 3D printers.

  • Manual Mill - I began as an apprentice machinist in early high school starting with making fixture plates square to machining on compound angles. The Bridgeport was my friend for over 3 years. Sadly I can't say that I had broken a tap in those years, my co-workers said that you were not a real machinist until you broke a tap and retrieved it.

  • Precision Manual Surface Grinder - One of my favorite jobs was surface grinding. Creating sparks, hypnotizing movement, and perfect accuracy. I was in complete control of the part and its finish. It felt like more of an art-form than any other job. I worked as a surface grinder in-between working on the manual mill for nearly 2 years.

  • CNC Mill - I shadowed a CNC machinist for my last year at Prototype Tool and Engineering. He started me with assembly-line type work and then eventually allowed me to troubleshoot G code. Back then, code was much simpler being a 3 axis mill and it was easy to troubleshoot. My first CAM system was BobCAD-CAM, though I have taken a MasterCAM course since then.

  • Press - I was an assistant to those who ran the presses (100T/500T/1000T). I prepared parts and removed them from the dies. Often we had to troubleshoot issued with the die and/or press. This experience gave me a respect for sheet metal forming and how intricate the details can be.

  • Misc. - I have experience with black oxide processes, aluminum slotted strut assemblies, production polishing, and basic woodworking.

Office Proficiencies

Though not as highly accented as most disciplines, some should be highlighted anyway.

• • Typing Speed: 58 words per minute with 100% accuracy (non adjusted). Top 12% according to typing test dot com.

  • Google - Yes, searching is a skill. When I was in college I proudly exclaimed to my boss, a physicist, that I could Google anything. He then sketched on a paper a circle with 4 lines in a set, with 4 sets each radiating out to the North, South, East and West of the circle (16 lines total). He asks me to tell him what it was. I knew I was in some trouble but accepted the challenge anyway. I spent months searching and learned some skills in the process but admittedly never found it on my own. Since then, I've had an appreciation for the skill of finding things, not just in Google but from a multitude of sources as well as knowing the tools at your disposal. I didn't know Google image search existed back then and I didn't think to search how to search an image. If you'd like to know the answer, ask me. I was beside myself when I found out it was easier than I thought, and I had seen it before.

  • Microsoft Office - Proficient in Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook. Acquainted with Project, Access, One Note, and Publisher.

  • Printers and Laminators - I can make placards, signage, and troubleshoot/fix/upkeep business grade plotters, laminators, label makers, and printers.

  • General office supply management - Budgeting basic supplies and community items such as soap and trash bags.

Full Work Experience

Process Engineer (High Speed Assembly and Test)

General Motors Component Holdings (July 2013-July 2021)

• Maintain automated assembly equipment and processes. During downtime events I would provide insight and bring required resources whether it be spare parts, drawings and people. This may include doing to work myself while working with the UAW or planning the maintenance event like a project, purchasing replacement components, and reporting status.

• Frequently made improvements to equipment by tracking trends and juggling available resources. Projects would need to be coordinated with skilled trades, manufacturing, and quality to ensure a balance between equipment uptime and process improvement.

• At GM safety was an overriding priority. Operator accessible shear points, preventative maintenance misses, and improper PPE were typical to watch out for but less obvious safety concerns included exploitable programming glitches, repetitive motion strain injuries, and chemical exposures.

• Just under safety, customer protection and quality was our priority. I was frequently engaged in warranty return and reject part analysis. Once completed, we would agree on a risk mitigation plan, often requiring me to implement new forms of detection or testing such as cameras, lasers, hard gages, and much more.

• Waste reductions initiatives were self guided and generally included pneumatic / fluid losses, wasted motions (people or machine), and wear reduction so that replacement components were cheaper or easier to install.

• Created and managed process documentation such as FMEA, standard work tasks, audit, gage R&R’s, training docs/videos, troubleshooting matrices, etc.

• Trained and lead engineers across all disciplines, group leaders, and operators across all shifts.

• Manage co-op student rotations and attempt to retain the best ones.

• Exposure to many manufacturing production processes outside of my typical area of high speed assembly including cold form, machining, grinding and heat treat.

Mechanical Designer & Controls Programmer

Dane Systems now known as JR Automation (Nov 2011- May 2013)

• Design/detail of automated assembly cells including robots, pneumatic/electrical actuators, safety systems, optical, capacitive and other sensors.

• Design and fabrication drawings for large welded assemblies.

• Assisted assembly of cells by machining, grinding, building guarding, and wiring.

• Trained on the fly to program automated assembly equipment, robots, and integrated sensors.

• Solo on-site installation of customer equipment from re-assembly and debug to end user training.

Designer, Network Administrator, & Test Tech

Niowave, Inc. (Mar 2007-Aug 2010)

• Design and detail projects from their concepts through fabrication and assembly providing novel economical solutions to unique problems. I was tasked to lead the design of projects from their concepts through fabrication and assembly while delegating detailing workload.

• Management of CAD systems, their purchasing and troubleshooting. I also standardized and documented design and manufacturing processes. At times, I would train designers and engineers to use these processes.

• Oversaw the network, its infrastructure, and the company website to ensure maximum up time and efficiency. I would also manage a server and coordinate upgrades with attention to security and flexibility. I managed backups, PC builds, and website design.

• Class 100 cleanroom processing which included ultrasonic cleaning, inert gas packaging, particulate detection, and ‘clean atmosphere’ practices.

• Assembly of ultra high vacuum, cryogenic systems, and electron beam weldments. Selection of MDC flanges, seals, vessels and bulkheads.

• Quality inspection setup and testing of particle accelerator components. Including measurement of Niobium RRR values.

• Experience with the chemical etching of Niobium and acid handling safety procedures (nitric, phosphoric, hydrochloric).

• Project management of small projects that included tracking components and assemblies from concept to final testing. Keeping projects on track during critical employee transition periods.

• Cataloged important events by either taking my own photos and videos or retrieving them from the original news outlet that took them. Events ranged from VIP visits, to construction projects, to large project tracking.

Receiving and Lumberyard

Menards Inc. (Jan 2007 – Feb 2007)

• Forklift training and receiving dock unloader.

• Lumber yard and fill in department stocker.

• Customer assistance.

• Ask me about how I got hired.

Apprentice Machinist & Designer

Prototype Tool & Engineering Inc. (Aug 2002-Jan 2007)

• Basic manual machining operations, including milling and precision surface grinding.

• Cycled finish parts from a CNC as well as created and troubleshot simple NC programs.

• Inspection of parts to verify that proper tolerances held using calipers, micrometers, depth mics, height gages, gage blocks, etc.

• Designed setup fixtures for sheet metal forming and assembly lines using Autocad 2000 and BobCAD-CAM.

• Assisted with maintaining computers in a small network.

Your Friendly Local IT Guy / Video Editor

My IT Business / My Picture Movie - Myself (2000's – 2010's)

• Though not an official business, I spent my late high school and college years building computers, removing viruses, restoring data, and setting up networks for a little money on the side.

• I also took photo/video collections and turned them into a 'music video' using the customer's preferred song making the images tell a story and follow along with the beat. Often times these were wedding, birthday, and vacation events.

Stone Extraction Technician and Grass-Fed Golf Ball Curator

Fox Woods Golf Course (Spring/Summer 2002)

• I figure if you've made it this far, you could use a sensible chuckle.

• I picked stones out of a 9 hole golf course as a kid... I didn't finish getting them all but I gave it my best shot. Learned valuable skills such as where the best stones could be found.

• I found a lot of golf balls during this process. I returned them to the club house for re-certification.

• Stocked the vending machines.

Education

Lansing Community College 2004-2011

Associate in Manufacturing Engineering Cum Laude
Associate in Computer Aided Drafting and Design Magna Cum Laude
Fall 2011 cumulative GPA: 3.5

I spent many years at LCC juggling my career and my education and I am open to continuing that education if the conditions are right (either in Business or Mechatronics). I took classes that were interesting to me which included design, machining, electrical, and manufacturing and eventually had enough for two degrees. At the end of the day, two Associate degrees do not equal a Bachelor's degree. I will not pretend to be the expert when it comes to calculus based thermal dissipation needs on a rocket cone or pose as a structural engineer to confirm you can take out that I-beam without consequence but I do have the advantage of applying my education in a real world setting as I was learning it as well as growing up around engineering design from a young age.

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one."

Eaton Rapids High School Alumni 2005

Senior Year - EISD (electronics/pc repair) Training at Lansing Community College
Junior/Senior Year - Work Co-op with Prototype Tool and Engineering as CAD Designer/Machinist

Certifications and Publication

General Motors BIQS 2016 (Built in Quality Systems)
Spent many hours updating documentation to maintain BIQ III and achieve BIQ IV for my processes. Briefly I worked in a team to upgrade documents to achieve BIQS 10. A standard of quality indicating a number of milestones were achieved such as safety, auditing frequency, quality history, process design considerations, and the most rigorous standard of documentation requirements.

University of Wisconsin SRF Photoinjector R&D 2009
Worked with a student physicist for a few months on the 200MHz quarter wave electron beam gun. I did NOT develop the physics or interpret the results, just the modeling of the prototype and final design as well as assistance with manufacturing, assembly, and testing.
https://accelconf.web.cern.ch/ERL2009/papers/wg118.pdf

Though not nearly relevant anymore due to losing this knowledge or the certification becoming obsolete, I was obtained with the following:

• CompTIA A+: Certification exam passed (did not pay for certificate)

• Siemens: Training Completion Certificate

• BobCAD-CAM 2003: Software Operator Certificate

Community

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

I've spent 4 years as a volunteer mentor and longer as a patron of the FIRST Robotics Program. I found it a highly fulfilling way to pay it forward to the next generation. I enjoy seeing kids inspired to pursue STEM fields and, more importantly, find their passion. Not all of us were lucky enough to know what we wanted to do with our lives in high school. Thankfully I could give them some insights as to what careers in STEM would look like with my firsthand knowledge and their practical application of the skills used in STEM. Seeing the lightbulb happen and watching their careers develop after they've left the program has been wonderful for me.

MITES (Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society)

In 2004 I placed 1st in region and 2nd in state of Michigan in the mechanical design competition for my electric motor armature assembly layout. Afterwards I was invited for 3 years as a MITES Regional Judge. I would love to get back into judging and coaching as I believe it is an important part of STEM and an easy way to give back. I remember being inspired by this event as well as encouraged to compete and grow as a young designer.