I primarily carry out R&D work focused on the development of nuclear-grade ceramics. I work on both fabrication and characterization. Key accomplishments thus far:• Developed a trade secret preforming technique that enables support-free densification of ceramic matrix composites with chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). This technique facilitates the fabrication of composites with highly variable shapes and sizes, improved geometrical deviations, decreased processing time and is used in the production of all General Atomics SiGA™ composites.• Designed a custom furnace and method for the localized joining and sealing of fueled silicon carbide composite tubes. The nuclear-grade joint can seal with a positive-pressure helium backfill. This advancement has been critical to the success of the ongoing DOE funded Accident Tolerant Fuel program.• Managed internally funded projects with aim of expanding fabrication or characterization capabilities. Defined scope of work, success criteria, managed/tracked project budget, coordinated the work of scientists, engineers and technicians and regularly reported progress to management. Projects produced a trade-secret process, foundation for a proposal and a standard characterization method adopted for future deliverables.• Trained technicians and junior engineers in the operation of various CVI systems and materials characterization equipment including: Universal Testing Machines, Acoustic Emissions Equipment, X-Ray CT, SEM and Optical/Digital Microscopes.• Coordinated modeling and characterization work performed by external companies to expedite the advancement of GA’s composite manufacturing capabilities.• Wrote test procedures for various pieces of equipment, hazardous work authorizations, contributed to several proposals and co-wrote a proposal.• Proficient in the use of X-Ray Computed Tomography for non-destructive evaluation of composite materials (Nikon acquisition software, Volume Graphics analysis software).

The majority of my work with this group was to support algae culturing while working on a DARPA contract to develop a cost model for large-scale production of algae biofuels. Key contributions:• Designed, built, operated and maintained supercritical fluid reactors used to demonstrate economical production of algae feedstock material. This testing expanded the pool of potential algae species during a DARPA biofuels project.• Evaluated biomass harvesting and drying technologies for economic feasibility and scalability.• Selected to relocate to Hawaii for several months to expedite construction and commissioning of a 10-acre biomass production facility. Managed algae production, monitoring and biomass post-processing for the DARPA biofuels deliverable (3rd shift).• Traveled to subcontractor sites in Brawley, CA and Pecos, TX to oversee day-to-day operations, recommend equipment upgrades and manage deliverable production.• Performed assays to monitor and track algae health including: ICP, GC-MS, TOC-TN, Spectrophotometry and Microscopy.• Trained interns to perform various assays, monitor algae cultures and observe general lab safety guidelines.

All the dirty work involved in an algae biofuels project.