Alistair Newcombe Email & Phone Number

Auckland, Nz

Auckland, New Zealand

• Participated in the design of consumable products for the FPH 950 platform, used in intensive care units around the globe to improve the patient care and outcome. • Engaged in Verification and Validation (V&V) activities, including modifying test protocols and writing concise test reports.• Carried out supplier part approval processes, which involved constant communication with the supplier and ensuring the suppliers adhered to our quality management systems.• Championed continuous improvement and innovation projects. Including the feasibility analysis of new product features and the evaluation of a new consumable line for FPH (feasibility, strategic case, solutions, etc)

• Development of a clinically suitable, low-cost pelvic floor pressure sensor using a novel optical pressure sensing technology. This device was designed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.• Analysed the clinical need of a pelvic floor pressure sensor through the use of literature review and discussions with pelvic floor physiotherapists.• Analysed possible solutions to the optical pressure sensing technology using finite element modelling techniques (Abaqus controlled using python macros), optical Monte Carlo models (TracePro), and physical prototypes silicone moulding techniques, 3D printing, and a range of machining techniques (milling machine, lathe, water-jet cutter, laser cutter).• Acquired silicone elastomer material properties using a custom build linear-stage/load cell instrument controlled via custom Labview code. • Validated performance of prototypes using the above-mentioned linear-stage instrument with included optics (frequency-modulated LEDs and photodiodes) and pneumatic regulators.• Analysed temporal prototype data using Matlab code to evaluate the performance.• Communicated ideas during weekly supervisor meetings, biannually laboratory meetings, and annual ABI Research forums (poster + one three-minute-thesis presentation).

Auckland, New Zealand

• Invigilating and marking first engineering mathematics courses (ENGSCI 111)• Aiding in the running and design of third year Biomedical Engineering Instrumentation and Design Labatories. (BIOMENG 341)

Auckland, New Zealand

• Developed test protocols to verify the function of early prototype designs• Designed and modelled prototype devices to explore the usability of different designs.

Auckland, New Zealand

• Conducted market research to determine the most suitable compensation IC for a prototype circuit under development• Worked on the design and development of a new calibration method for MEM pressure sensors. Included was the design of an electrical circuit and associated PCB to interface with the pressure sensor and a computer, allowing calibration of the sensor via the manufacturers software.• Undertook the testing of Millar pressure sensors to understand the important characteristics for the calibration process.

Birkenhead, New Zealand

Assisting with customer queries and requests, managing incoming and internal stock, and ensuring store front remained organized.

Auckland, New Zealand

Awarded a Summer research scholarship with the Bioinstrumentation lab working with the Needle Free Injection group. I modified the casing for a needle free injector to increase its usability using SOLIDWORKs. To allow this needle free injector to work autonomously, the ARM micro-controller code was modified to allow changing of operational states with a rotary potentiometer. Finally the voltage amplifier components were transferred into a new clinically appropriate case, including the custom design of mounts for the high voltage capacitors.

Auckland, New Zealand

Worked with System Biomedicine group on their Genetic Algorithm used for calculating variables in under-determined equations explained cellular processed. I helped to remove several bugs from the Genetic Algorithm in an attempt to improve its performance and then preformed a literature review into advancements in genetic algorithms.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering

Bachelor Of Engineering (B.E.) (Hons), Bioengineering And Biomedical Engineering, First Class Honours

Activities and Societies: Auckland University Tramping Club

Year 9 To Year 13