Daniel Klinger Email & Phone Number

West Lafayette, In, Us

West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Working on improving capabilities of machine-learning models for enhancing solid rocket propellant performance and processing parameters. Creating GUI tools such that these models can do good in the hands of other researchers. Aiding other researchers create tools and use equipment to improve lab efficiency.• Created random-forest- and neural network-based models to predict propellant burning rate and mechanical properties• Developed semi-automatic energetics data extraction procedure using large language models (LLMs)• Architected energetics database to meet needs of customers at AFRL and collaborators at ARL• Mentored five students in the use of supercomputer resources, machine learning, and LLMs for propellant research• Used Qt6 to create a graphical user interface (GUI) for interacting with models, making this deliverable available on-schedule to sponsors and collaborators• Engaged in operations planning and programming design for three separate efforts; created statements of work and defended proposals to potential sponsors• Collaborated with professors on concept development of future of large-language model (LLM) assistants in energetic research and materials science; provided feasibility assessments of lofty goals• Presented research progress to sponsors at DARPA, at JANNAF December 2023 meeting, and at the Gordon Research Conference (Energetic Materials) 2024• Communicated research outcomes to potential customers such as Anduril, Autoliv, Northrop Grumman, ARL, and SWRI

West Lafayette, Indiana, United States

Worked on the DARPA RIDE Program as an experimental Microwave Interferometry (MI) Lead and Machine Learning Researcher. MI was used for non-intrusively measuring solid propellant regression rates in pressure vessels.• Performed evaluation and validation experiments on microwave interferometry system to determine burning rate measurement capability• Created thorough experimental procedures to meet both technical objectives and safety objectives while performing rocket motor testing• Utilized high-speed imaging systems for burn rate tracking and anomaly detection• Developed and implemented rapid-analysis graphical user interface tools to aid other researchers in burning rate analysis and• Performed integration planning and integration testing of microwave interferometer and experimental propellants with commercial pintle-motor system.• Fabricated hundreds of ammonium perchlorate composite propellant strands Resodyne acoustic mixers for use in combustion testing.• Assisted in the production of propellant strands and tensile testing samples ("dogbones" and "coupons") using 1 quart dual-planetary mixers and Flacktek asymmetric centrifugal mixers• Applied combustion theory and high-powered (100W) lasers to study radiation-driven oscillatory combustion in APCPs and low-vulnerability (LOVA) double-base propellants.• Designed MI closure hardware for MI-enhanced pressure vessel experiments up to 2500 psi• Published Python-based wrapper for the NASA CEA thermochemical code• Assisted in the creation of formal risk assessment tools to determine programmatic operational requirements for experiments

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States

• Created machine learning models in Chemprop for predicting importance of molecular reactions in a reduced chemical mechanism• Performed extensive hyperparameter optimization using Optuna and Ray Tune on Army and Navy supercomputing resources• Developed database schema for normalizing energetics data from disparate sources into a common framework• Produced technical report on collected data, methods, and outcomes for transition of efforts to ARL employees

Rolla, Mo

• Designed software PI motor controller for ground-stabilization payload on competition rocket• Assisted team members with learning electronic systems from years prior• Designed and built a high-gain helical antenna for long-range rocket telemetry• Wrote code for micro-controllers and motor-testing support equipment• Write code for various rocket systems.• Co-wrote a networking interface to consolidate wifi, serial, and radio telemetry data• Attended Spaceport America Cup 2017, 2018, 2019

Rolla, Mo

• Led a team of 30 to develop avionics and recovery systems for a student-built rocket• Led a team of 8 to develop a microcontroller-based rocket testing suite• Developed and taught a Python class for 20 students

Rolla, Mo

Research recovery systems and solid fuel manufacturing, write software to assist team members, and test parachute designs. Attended IREC 2016 Competition.

Greenville, Texas

• Performed ground testing of liquid cooling systems for military aircraft• Created and updated cooling system simulations with Macroflow flow modeling software• Collaborated with flightline maintenance crews to quickly resolve issues and maintain delivery schedules.• Analyzed flight and ground test data to validate test results and troubleshoot issues• Improved data reduction software to expedite workflow and enhance visualization options• Navigated MIL standards and original 1960s specification sheets to qualify designs

Rolla, Mo

Working with Dr. Tauritz as head Python grader/aide• Performed grading and code review for 13 students developing Chess and Maze Game AI• Aided students in the practice of Python with weekly lab hours• Collaborated with other TAs to generate uniform grading policies

Albuquerque, New Mexico Area

• Performed iterative design and testing for additive manufactured prototype sensor carrier• Designed and analyzed steel support structure for aligning a vibration isolation table• Toleranced engineering drawings for production use• Developed satellite commanding and telemetry GUI to drastically increase testing speed• Analyzed the effects of image compression on machine learning algorithms• Performed final satellite assembly for vibration testing

Rolla, Missouri

• Worked with a 4-axis CNC machine, a 125W CO2 laser, and a glass rod feeding system to print glass into various shapes. My main focus was printing bubble-free transparent cubes.• Utilized NX CAD software to produce a digital model of our complex laser setup• Wrote data analysis software in Python to allow us to visualize trends in test results• Engaged with customer to present weekly research results via conference call• Produced samples of laser-printed glass for delivery to corporate headquarters in Austria

Rolla, Mo

• Created a user-facing web application to improve students’ learning• Utilized JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL to create a course management application• Developed a common course system utilized by multiple S&T professors• Worked closely with supervisor to continuously improve the product

Master Of Science - Ms, Aerospace, Aeronautical And Astronautical Engineering

Bachelor’S Degree, Engineering, 4.0

Activities and Societies: Rocket Design Team - Electronics, Propulsion and Recovery, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society, Miner Village.

High School

Activities and Societies: Concert Band, National Honor Society, Attended Math Competitions, Varsity Tennis Team, JV Soccer Team