I am responsible for performing mechanical engineering activities in a materials research lab (specific areas of research include additively-manufactured metal characteristics, process-structure-property relationships in aluminum, and sustainable polymer development). Such engineering activities are diverse, but usually involve the design or modification of scientific equipment to be used in material tests and sample preparation. My work has enhanced the scope of lab capabilities—for example… Show more I am responsible for performing mechanical engineering activities in a materials research lab (specific areas of research include additively-manufactured metal characteristics, process-structure-property relationships in aluminum, and sustainable polymer development). Such engineering activities are diverse, but usually involve the design or modification of scientific equipment to be used in material tests and sample preparation. My work has enhanced the scope of lab capabilities—for example, an air-tight magnetic stirring device I developed facilitated stirring of chemical reactions under vacuum, and a microslice machine I refurbished increases the number of samples that can be cut at one time, speeding up the process of sample preparation. Other examples include an ongoing project automating a desktop injection molding machine and designing various grips, positioning devices, etc. for samples during mechanical testing. The work also includes a supervisory role, as the lab accommodates a few undergraduate interns for each summer and winter vacation. I am put in charge of designing their projects and supervising them during the process. Through this work I have also gained knowledge about materials science theory, especially concepts around metallurgy and the behavior of materials. Show less

Studying BSc Mechanical Engineering at the University of Cape Town.

Sold kitchen and laundry appliances at Lowe's Home Improvement. Involved extensive work with customers and managing orders and deliveries.

Responsible for organizing the kitchen, getting food orders ready and out on time, and bussing tables. Had to frequently take charge of kitchen and communicate with different members of the team including cooks and servers. Also had to deal with customers and serve them.