Underfloor accelerometer-based sensing systems have recently been shown to have the ability to improve upon health and safety of building occupants by detecting, classifying, and localizing force inputs to the upper surface of the floor, such as footsteps, falls, gunshots, etc. There is, however, a limitation in the depth of published works regarding underfloor accelerometer-based sensing systems, particularly regarding their design. This work explores and reports upon the design of an underfloor accelerometer-based local structural dynamics monitoring (L-SDM) system installed in a classroom and a section of hallway in the new Ashraf Islam Engineering Building (AIEB), which is currently under construction at Tennessee Tech University (TTU). Focus is placed on the selection of appropriate accelerometers, their specific placement, and installation under a composite concrete floor structure, with the investigation of several industrial accelerometers and several mounting locations on both the structural support beams and the profiled steel deck. The design process begins with an in situ experimental vibration characterization of a surrogate composite concrete floor structure in an existing building. Results of the in situ characterization are used to select sensors and determine mounting locations under the composite floor. Afterward, the computational design and dynamic analysis of accelerometer mounts are performed to facilitate sensor attachment to the floor structure and establish the limits of its developed model, respectively. Lastly, an overview of the layout and implementation of the L-SDM system in the new AIEB is provided to help document and establish methodologies that can be used for the installation of similar systems.Thesis available at following link (media link is currently invalid): https://www.proquest.com/openview/1673b359fe820e243ff1270d8156a98e/

This work consisted of developing and dynamically characterizing a capacitive pressure sensor under the advisement of Dr. Steven Anton. This project aimed to create a low-cost, fully and continuously 3D-printed pressure sensing system for accurately and dynamically measuring plantar pressure fields. Please feel welcome to read the resulting article (open access) at the provided media link!

While acquiring my undergraduate degree, I assisted in research comprising the cryogenic characterization stress-strain properties of lead solder alternatives for aerospace applications under the supervision of Dr. Chris Wilson. While assisting in research I acquired skills in test specimen creation (casting of dogbone specimens conforming to associated ASTM standards), tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy work, and data and image processing via MATLAB.

During my time as a Steel Fabricator at Neely Engineering & Contracting, LLC in Clarksville, Tennessee, I gained valuable experience in fabricating and assembling buildings. I honed my practical fabrication skills and enhanced my communication abilities by working closely with team members to ensure project success.

During this research, I developed an automated system for capturing charged particles from a particle beam at various positions on an aluminum target. During my time spent in this role, I obtained a fundamental understanding of control systems and radioactive decay.