I’m focused on the product development and manufacturability of our commercial electrochemical module, which is the heart of the Utility Global's decarbonization systems. We convert waste streams and off-gas from industrial processes (such as steelmaking) into hydrogen, syngas, and concentrated CO2 streams that can be sequestered at reduced cost.

Responsibilities:•Manage technical due diligence, contribute significantly to other due diligence, and present to investors and executives at large companies•Create an intellectual property strategy, build processes for identifying/protecting IP, and manage patent filing/prosecution and licensing•Innovate in all aspects of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) power systems, including technology integration for new markets•Lead technology and product development, grow technical team, and determine resource needs•Manage supply chain, expand vendor alternatives, and improve quality control•Lead team to create KPIs/dashboards, SOPs, and engineering design/document control for development/manufacturing•Find, buildout, and manage operations for development/manufacturing facilitiesAchievements:•I worked with the CEO to build 5-year pro-forma financials, manufacturing plans, and technology roadmap•I grew the technical team to ~25 engineers/staff•I led my team to demo a 0.8kW (standalone) portable SOFC system using propane in a rapid 4-month design, build, test program with Microsoft•I led my team to design/build/test 2.5kW SOFC stacks and 5kW system using natural gas or H2•I worked with my team and partners to increase production to 1000s of cells/year and brought key manufacturing steps in-house to reduce costs by >97%•I led my team in QC development for cell/stack manufacturing (SPC for >99% yield) using automation, machine vision, metrology, and machine learning•My team and I optimized the anode for 2x higher power density (>5x more than competition) and >50% lower cost•I led Redox, AVL, and PNNL to complete designs (system/subsystems/controls) for a low-cost 7kW SOFC system•I used Design for Manufacturing and Assembly modeling to show how design improvements yield a 25kW-system cost 40% below the targeted $1000/kW•I led my team to complete a roll-to-roll manufacturing development project with ORNL, and with a >12x faster process won 5x more follow-on funding

•Set the Company goals and timelines•Establish compensation/stock packages•As needed, work with professionals to assess company valuation•Periodically review and adjust as necessary the corporate governance and board composition

Responsibilities:•Create an investor package consisting of business plan, pitch deck, and initial due diligence materials•Drive business development, explore new markets, expand opportunities, and manage relationships•Manage all company business affairs, operations, property, legal matters, contracts, and business agreements•Ensure the creation of operational processes (e.g., hiring, invoicing, payroll & benefits, purchasing, timecards, travel, etc.) and that such processes are properly managed•Ensure proper funding, prepare budget forecast, and manage cash flow•Set business strategies and lead Company growth•Arrange for access to development facilitiesAchievements:•My team and I were named 2015 Maryland Best Green Company of the Year•I grew the company from 2 to ~20 employees•I managed company inquiries and developed/managed numerous relationships with commercialization partners/customers (e.g., Microsoft, NRG Energy, Kroger, Stanley Black & Decker, Raytheon, Trane, E.On, VA National Guard, etc.) •Through my efforts, the Company was chosen to enter a selective technology advancement program and acquired space for development and light manufacturing•I recruited and brought on new CEO to further grow the Company

Responsibilities:•Create initial strategy for and manage development of power systems using solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)•Negotiate and manage IP licenses needed to commercialize advanced SOFC technology•Define initial manufacturing requirements for SOFC (materials, geometry, quality control)•Identify critical manufacturing partners/consultants, negotiate agreements, and manage manufacturing scale-up and technology/product development•Develop testing infrastructure and standard operating procedures•Grow technical team and capabilitiesAchievements:•I completed a market research analysis and shifted the development focus to 25kW natural gas SOFC power systems for high-efficiency distributed generation•I managed the efforts of ~40 engineers/developers at >5 organizations•My team and I completed a proof-of-concept with Kodak for high-volume production of SOFCs using roll-to-roll manufacturing techniques•I led my team to demonstrate identical results for in-house stack tests and 3rd party independent stack tests for Microsoft•I worked with an industrial design/engineering firm to complete product requirements, ideation, conceptual designs, and detailed designs for a 25kW power system•I worked with Ballard Power Systems and other organizations to design/test a fuel processor (natural gas and diesel) to feed a 1kW SOFC, followed by scaled versions for 6 kW and subsequently 15kW SOFCs•I worked with my team to create a heat balance model of a 25kW SOFC power system with >55% efficiency•I completed the initial SOFC stack design (mechanical design, materials, coatings, manufacturing, testing)•I led my team to improve seal and assembly designs/methods for stacks >24 cells and seals that are stable over 1000s of hours•I led teams that won, negotiated, and managed competitive awards for 4 large DOE projects for materials, cells, and SOFC stacks•I demonstrated a commercial size SOFC with >1W/cm2 for a DOD project to develop ultra-high-power density fuel cells

•I worked with the Company’s lawyer and accounting firm to wind down Company as part of the sale to Redox Power Systems•I ensured that investors in the Company were made whole as part of the sale to Redox Power Systems•I worked with the Company’s lawyer on the initial founding documents and incorporation

•I negotiated the sale of the Company and re-founding as Redox Power Systems•I refined the Company’s business plan, related documents/plans, and pitch for investors•I secured entry into a selective VentureAccelerator program at an incubator in Maryland•I prepared materials for and won the 2011 SAIC-VentureAccelerator business plan competition•I pitched the Company to the general public and an esteemed panel of judges at the 2012 University of Maryland Business Plan Competition, winning 2nd Place overall and the Social Impact Award{Redox Power Systems acquired Redox Fuel Cells in April 2012}

•I developed plans for technology and product development focused on a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system using on solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology•I developed a relationship with Robur USA and Robur Spa to explore the integration of their natural gas fueled heating and cooling products with SOFCs to create a CCHP system•I prepared and submitted a number of technology development proposals to the DOD and DOE•I worked with advisors to optimize business plan/pitch materials and related details during the selective DOE MegaWatt Ventures program{Redox Power Systems acquired Redox Fuel Cells in April 2012}

I served as a DARPA fellow with 6 military officers (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines) and 3 other PhDs during an intense and immersive program. Reporting to the Director, we developed and pitched a project to senior leadership to examine the use of electricity disaggregation to, for example, improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption in a military barracks. With the team and individually, I had the following responsibilities and achieved the following accomplishments:•Working with contractors at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), my team and I determined the best methods for acquiring data, applying signal processing, and disaggregating electricity.•My team and I met with the base Commander to get project buy-in and discuss logistics for acquiring data•My team and I created lists of project goals, metrics for success, and required hardware/software specifications, acquired necessary equipment, and developed plans for collecting necessary electrical data and analyzing the results•My team and I travelled to various military defense contractors and other organizations across the U.S. to discuss aspects of their projects•My Team and I oversaw the progress of offsite engineers and organized equipment installation/testing at military barracks•My team and I provided weekly updates to the Director of DARPA and senior leadership and adjusted the project as necessary to reach the project goals•I assisted my program manager “mentor” with successful kickoff off of the Low Cost Thermal Imager – Manufacturing (LCTI-M) program•My team and I presented final project results to DARPA Director and senior leadership•I presented an overview of the project to (then newly formed) ARPA-E and discussed similarities/differences between their organization and DARPA

I added value on a number of projects related to gas sensors as part of a consulting organization I started. While most of the work was on solid-state gas sensors, additional work involved fuel cells, catalysis, and other electrochemical devices. The following list provides examples of work completed in this role.•I provided expertise and insight on various topics related to solid-state gas sensors, including technology assessments, market analyses, and business and manufacturing plans•I conducted market research and prepared marketing documentation that highlighted gas sensor technology advantages and product features•I met with business/product development managers and executives at various companies (such as Siemens, Vulcan Materials, Cleaver-Brooks, and more) to discuss their specific applications and how gas sensors can improve efficiency and cut emissions in their processes or products•I helped secure project development funding from Siemens Energy Inc. for application of gas monitoring to conventional and hydrogen fueled gas turbines for improved operational efficiency and reduced emissions•I successfully completed a project with the Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program that focused on the creation of a 3-D fluid flow and thermal model for an engineering analysis of an in-situ emissions sensor probe for gas turbine and related combustion applications•I worked with other engineers to design a high-temperature housing and construct a prototype gas sensor system•I wrote several proposals for integration of solid-state gas sensors with other technologies for use in medicine (e.g., detection of cancer from breath), military applications (e.g., integration with drones), environmental systems, and energy systems

In this role, I oversaw the development, scale-up, batch-production and testing of gas sensor and solid oxide fuel cell prototypes. I designed experiments for investigating the adsorptive and reactive behavior of metals and metal oxides as sensing electrodes for gas sensors capable of detecting gases such as NO2, O2, CO, and NH3 in complex gas mixtures. This included experimental design using mass spectrometry techniques such as temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and temperature programmed reaction (TPR). I set up an industrial (inline) mass spectrometer and analyzed necessary matrices for automatic gas analysis during calibration of gas sensors. I helped procure and set up a variety of equipment for manufacturing and testing different energy related devices (e.g., fuel cells).

I co-led two grant-sponsored techno-economic studies for new energy technologies, including fuel cells and hydrogen production membranes. The following list provides examples of work completed in this role.•I performed a market analysis along 5 dimensions: 1) market size/performance, 2) level of competition, 3) barriers to entry, 4) R&D/technology change, and 5) strategies for success•I conducted an extended literature review, analyzed/extrapolated/validated data, and prepared industrial surveys for energy product markets review•I helped build techno-economic models for assessing manufacturing costs, maintenance and operation costs, and levelized cost of electricity (or hydrogen) production•I assessed the levelized cost of electricity (or hydrogen) using a program written in visual basic to assess revenues, expenses, cash flows, payback, etc. under different scenarios that varied such parameters as fuel type/cost, tax credits, and capacity factor•I compared the levelized cost and performance of the technologies being investigated with traditional renewables such solar and wind•I helped write several final reports that summarized the findings of the market studies for the different technologies

In this role, I was responsible for a number of activities, including the selection/procurement/installation of manufacturing and test equipment, giving tours of the facility, and conducting R&D for various energy technologies. The following list summarizes my activities while working at FISE.•I reviewed different technologies and brokered deals/collaborations for expensive fabrication and testing equipment used in the multimillion-dollar FISE Energy Technology Incubator, which was focused on bringing energy-related technology to the marketplace•I performed materials research on advanced multifunctional solid-state gas sensors for detecting such species as NOx and CO in combustion exhausts to reduce emissions and increase efficiency•I innovated the use of actively controlled temperature gradients and localized electric fields to boost sensitivity and selectivity in solid-state gas sensors•I used finite element analysis and numerical modeling techniques to model thermal profiles and localized electric fields for actively enhanced solid-state gas sensors•I synthesized materials, constructed automated test rigs, and fabricated prototype sensors•I fabricated prototype micro solid oxide fuel cells using pulsed laser deposition of dense ceria electrolytes on silicon wafers, which were then patterned in a cleanroom, etched, and sputtered with cathode and anode materials•I developed materials for use with a 3-D direct-write (additive manufacturing) system to perform design optimization of solid oxide fuel cells, gas sensors, and other electrical devices•I designed/modeled high-temperature reactors for batch testing 100+ gas sensors to evaluate reliability, repeatability, and durability•I trained new users how to use equipment and gave facility tours to incubator visitorsAdditional details about my graduate work and PhD dissertation can be found under my Education section.(During this time, I was also part of the High Temperature Electrochemistry Center)

I designed an automated system to acquire the voltage-angle characteristics of 2-D MEMS micromirror technology that was being developed by the lab for in-vivo cancer detection. MEMS stands for micro-electromechanical systems, which are miniature devices made using microfabrication techniques. I determined the necessary optics and setup the circuitry for the CMOS-image sensor. I also worked on a LabView program to manage the system. During my time with the lab, I also attended group meetings and modeled MEMS devices (e.g., a surgical scissor with haptic feedback) as part of two graduate courses I took as an undergraduate.

I was chosen multiple times for a selective award/scholarship to conduct research at this large (NSF graduated) research center. In this role, I developed nanoparticulate systems for drug detoxification and chemical mechanical polishing applications. I fabricated prototype templates for depositing patterned nanoparticles using microfabrication techniques in a cleanroom environment, which included the use of standard, e-beam, and soft lithography techniques. In addition to conducting research, I wrote technical papers on my research each semester. The following lists provide a summary of the work completed and accomplishments achieved while working at PERC.Nanoparticulates for Drug Detoxification:•I used electron-beam lithography, photolithography, sputtering, and other microfabrication techniques to make master and μContact stamps using soft-lithography techniques•Using a batch reactor, I scaled-up and optimized the synthesis for 100 nm and 200 nm monodisperse silica nanoparticles•I characterized particles using AFM, SEM, and optical techniques•I designed CAD test structures and investigated the use of an inkjet printer to create simple/low-cost polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stamp templates for the study of nanoparticle interactions with human cellsEngineered Particulate Systems for Chemical Mechanical Polishing:•I synthesized microporous silica spheres using a modified Stöber synthesis method (a sol-gel process) with the introduction of a microemulsion system to control particle porosity and surface shape and roughness•I created ternary phase diagrams to find where microemulsions were stable•I found the optimal compositions for synthesis of 100 nm and 200 nm monodisperse silica nanoparticles •I learned how to use a variety of characterization techniques (e.g., SEM, AFM, BET, and various particle size analyzers) along with the theories behind the methods

{Work conducted through the Integrated Products, Process, and Design program at UF}I led an interdisciplinary team of engineers in the development of a miniature electronic badge to increase the safety of MRI facilities. I worked with several other electrical engineers and performed a technology comparison and design of a multi-axis sensitive magnetic field sensors, associated circuitry, and power electronics for the safety badge and associated battery charging station. I also worked with a mechanical engineer on device packaging and assisted an industrial engineer with a manufacturing plan. My team and I successfully built and validated the performance of the prototype electronic badge in the lab and at an operating MRI facility. The final results were then presented to Invivo management.