* Graduated in 2005 from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in Physics-Engineering and research experience characterizing phase formations of co-continuous polymer blends under [retired] Prof. Kenneth Van Ness. Inspired by the 'big picture' of the research - advances in orthopaedic protheses - my interests gravitated toward the mechanics side of 'biomechanics' during my graduate studies under Franco Capaldi. * At Drexel University, my dissertation topic focused on mechanical testing and modeling of cardiovascular tissue. The methods to characterize or predict the stress state in nonlinear materials (such as arterial tissue) under loading use a continuum framework, which I further learned and applied during my term as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Army Research Laboratory (Soldier Protection Sciences Branch). * Determining the mechanical properties of soft tissue is complicated, even more so at high rates of deformation. Bridging a knowledge gap between experimental and computational domains, Dr. Michael Scheidler and I verified analytical methods to resolve the mechanics and bounds for testing soft materials at high rates.* I transitioned to the Blast Protection Branch, contracted to ARL through SURVICE Engineering, where I collaborated with Occupant Safety Engineers to analyze and develop solutions for lower leg injury mitigation.* Peripheral to graduate studies at Drexel University, I had the opportunity to participate as a Graduate K-12 Fellow under the guidance of Eli Fromm and Adam Fontecchio. Serving as classroom 'experts' in urban, 'under-served' schools, and I supported an area of Drexel's outreach that focused on integrating engineering lessons into the curricula of select Philadelphia School District schools. I had the pleasure of working with 7th grade Mathematics and 6th-8th grade Robotics students (at different schools) during my two years in the program.