Emily Long Email and Phone Number

I am currently assisting with design of horticultural grow lights for vertical farming. This research is allowing me to improve my programming skills, requiring Python, MATLAB and Arduino daily to design test setups to characterise LEDs and photodetectors, and build databases to speed up the design process in future. The nature of research and development makes for an interesting job as I am constantly innovating, looking for new and better ways to improve designs and to streamline testing. My time working in Firecomms has proved invaluable as it provided me with an in depth knowledge of optics and photonics which I use every day, as well as teaching me the importance of documenting research during project development.

I worked as a Student Engineer for three summers during college, working in the R&D department of Firecomms as a member of the IC design team. The work experience, totaling more than 12 months, was invaluable to my development as an electronic engineer, providing me with a well rounded skill set. The projects I completed are varied and display the numerous skills I learned during my time with the company. I developed a Python program for wafer fabrication process monitoring data files, using Excel to analyse where data sits within specs. Another Python program I wrote was used to convert wafer data files to s3 files to allow them to be input to the wafer probe. This program involved specific die counts and wafer rotations, for several different wafer types. I also characterised RCLEDs, writing a Python program to automate the test setup and measuring rise time, peaking and drive current over a range of temperatures. This data was analysed using Python and Excel, and I presented it to the rest of the IC design team to guide the design of a new IC. A project involving the characterization of an optical receiver IC included measuring the prop delay, rise and fall times, optical power over range of temperatures, voltages, and speeds, and analysing the data and presenting my findings. I looked at the Power-Up sequencing of receivers, measuring the output for slow and fast power supply ramp inputs. A project testing the suitability of an op-amp for use of a 20V test board required me to design and layout a PCB to measure the rise and fall time and 20V operation of the op amp with a high speed input/output. I manufactured the PCB in the lab and had the opportunity to improve my practical skills, including soldering. I also designed a breakout board for a laser driver module, and investigated its performance and suitability for use as a source in testing.