My coursework is in acoustics and materials. My research project is in psychoacoustics, specifically the sound quality of laminate flooring. I always enjoy project work that is interdisciplinary. I approached my adviser about projects that would meet my desired criteria before I entered Tech. The project incorporates acoustic measurements, signal processing, psychoacoustics, sound quality, and statistics - all in an industry development atmosphere. Perfect for me.

I worked in a research and development capacity, where I designed and built machinery for materials research purposes, as well as conducted product development activities with several business units. While in research, I learned that it didn't matter what I was working on as long, as I got to see a tangible benefit from my work. •Designed and constructed custom, automated machines and equipment for various research projects•Conducted research and developed materials for the acoustics market•Collaborated with business units in technology transfer to develop research projects into commercial products•Carried out technology foresight assessments and market analysis of technology areas to guide research group activities•Relevant technologies: extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming, fiber spinning, drawing, various nonwovens and foam technologies, fiber reinforced composites, layered damping systems, medical textiles

Prior to moving to research and development, I worked in one of Milliken's manufacturing facilities. Within that time frame, I worked on nearly every technology in the plant. I enjoyed constantly navigating the steep part of the learning curve for each process. I owe my success in doing this to being able to work with and learn from the more experienced individuals in each area effectively. The facility applied a TPM approach to its operations, and I greatly enjoyed augmenting my project approach by incorporation the TPM structure.•Modified production equipment to improve operation and reduce complexity for maintenance•Performed process and product defect analysis to reduce off-quality•Developed statistical measures to objectively measure process performance•Relevant technologies: textile fiber science, all spun yarn manufacturing processes, fabric weaving, fabric knitting, dyeing and finishing

My first white collar job was at Bosch, in Charleston, SC. I got my first taste of engineering. While there, I worked in the manufacturing engineering group, and I focused on CNC programming and tool design. I enjoyed process optimization and troubleshooting. I even got to be involved in developing a model to determine manufacturing capacity needs for projected product lines. Working in automotive anti lock brakes was a good introduction into the responsibility needed from an engineer, as the byproduct of substandard or sloppy work was obvious.•Implemented cycle-time reduction projects to improve machine output•Developed tooling for multiple machining processes•Programmed CNC equipment for new products•Relevant technologies: 5-axis CNC machining and deburring equipment, machine tooling