My educational background is in physics and music with a minor in mathematics. I spent some time in graduate school studying towards a doctorate in physics where I obtained hands-on experience in teaching, plus spent a summer testing and debugging board-level circuitry at Fermilab. I have more than 12 years of experience as an engineer/scientist in an industrial R&D setting. In that time I have developed significant expertise in several areas:• Vacuum Science, Photolithography, and Thin-Film Deposition• Electron Microscopy and Surface Science• Catalyst Design, Synthesis, and Characterization• Experimental Reactor Design/Engineering• 3D Design/Modeling and Computer Simulation• Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation Design and Maintenance• Reactor Instrumentation and Controls Systems Integration• Data Analysis, Report Generation, and Grant Writing• Program Management, Mentoring, and LeadershipSignificant Achievements• Awarded NASA SBIR Phase I grant• Collaborated on several successful grant applications to NASA, EPA, DOD, and DOE• Managed NASA-funded R&D program as Principal Investigator• Led characterization team for $10MM catalysis program• Acquired and commissioned >$750k in vacuum and analytical instrumentation• Designed, constructed, and commissioned several experimental reactor systems• Managed several contract R&D projects for confidential clients• Developed a custom MySQL database for large dataset storage/manipulation• Developed and optimized PVD coatings for proprietary catalytic membranes• Designed a custom UHV system for low-Earth orbit simulation and testing • Designed a custom UHV chamber for high-voltage breakdown investigations• Designed multiple mass spectrometry-based gas analyzers• Developed a GC method for reduced sulfur quantification to 50 PPB• Used 3D modeling and CFD to design a prototype nanoparticle synthesis reactor• Modified an industrial spray dryer for explosive/flammable service with inert gas