Working on the Reactor Safety Analysis team at Naval Nuclear Laboratories (NNL), I have had the opportunity to expand on the core technical skills I obtained at Rensselaer while learning about unfamiliar nuclear technologies and phenomena. Due to the classified nature of my work, I cannot go into the specific details of my projects however I can speak to the general knowledge and skills that I utilize almost daily. At NNL, I am primarily responsible for researching internal documentation to develop a numerical model which is used for safety analysis in MELCOR – a lumped parameter code that models the progression of nuclear accidents. Much of my work includes sifting through legacy documents and extracting information that is critical to build an accurate and comprehensive model. After developing each piece of the model, I vigorously analyze the results to determine if the model is performing reasonably. With little experimental data to go off of, this can be quite a challenging process. Additionally, I have taken on a project analyst role in which I comprehensively look at the project and its near term milestones and deliverables to determine its health. I work to identify risks, opportunities, ongoing issues, and mitigating actions to ensure we are meeting our commitments on time, in scope, and in budget. In parallel with performing this role for my team, I have also been taking project management classes in order to be more effective in this role and future project management roles.I have substantial experience with various software programs including Hyperworks CFD, Siemens NX, Solidworks, Nastran, OpenVSP, MATLAB, MELCOR, and to a limited degree Python. I have thoroughly enjoyed opportunities to hone my skills as a designer when it comes to utilizing the principles of finite element analysis and CFD to make models, interpret their results, and then validate and improve the model. During my time at Rensselaer, I spent a great deal of my time working with programming languages to solve complex aerospace problems. My senior year at RPI, I worked with a team of seven to redesign an electric trainer aircraft. For this project I utilized NASA’s OpenVSP software to analyze and improve the stability and control of our aircraft. With a B.S. and a M. Eng. in Aeronautical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), I am passionate about aerodynamic flow control, fluid mechanics, and flight mechanics. I am looking for an opportunity to apply my skills and abilities to a challenging, growth-oriented position.
