Sam Barak, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Arlington, Va, Us

• Led Development of Liquid Cooling System: Spearheaded a cross-functional team to design and implement a new Liquid Cooling System for the E-7 AEW&C Wedgetail, optimizing the Antenna Array. Utilized Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT for comprehensive modeling, achieving validated steady-state and transient conditions that improved thermal performance and met customer requirements for aerodynamics, power, and heat loads.• Ensured Compliance for Helium Ground Cooling on SLS EUS: Conducted in-depth heat transfer and fluid dynamics analysis, confirming adherence to helium ground chill specifications for the RL-10 engine. Successfully coordinated modifications to ground and engine systems, ensuring readiness for launch day compliance.• Directed Cryogenic Valve Project: Managed the design, manufacturing, and assembly processes for a cryogenic hydrogen and helium-actuated valve, achieving complete vertical integration within an internally funded initiative. Delivered project milestones on time and within budget.• Executed Testing and Qualification for KC-46A: Led FAA-required testing and qualification efforts for the KC-46A Aerial Refueler receptacle redesign. Authored the Qualified Test Report, facilitating hardware acceptance and installation.• Innovated Propellant Utilization Strategies: Orchestrated a high-impact Tiger Team initiative that developed innovative solutions for propellant utilization on the Exploration Upper Stage rocket, garnering recognition from both NASA and Boeing Executive Leadership.• Streamlined Interface Control Document Integration and Enhanced Propulsion CONOPs: Updated and improved the Propulsion Concept of Operations (CONOPs) for the SLS Core Stage and Exploration Upper Stage, enhancing operational efficiency through effective coordination with key analysts.

Columbia, Maryland, Us

• Enhanced Protocol Review and Compliance: Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to rigorously evaluate biosafety protocols, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices, which resulted in improved safety measures across research and healthcare settings.• Implemented Expert Recommendations: Delivered actionable insights and strategic recommendations that strengthened community biosafety measures, significantly enhancing research and healthcare safety standards.• Facilitated Ongoing Training and Knowledge Sharing: Actively engaged in regular training sessions and meetings to remain informed on the latest biosafety developments, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and expertise within the field

Munich, De

• Advanced Combustor Design with Star-CCM+ CFD: Applied Star-CCM+ Computational Fluid Dynamics to innovate an advanced combustor design, enhancing combustion efficiency, emission control, and performance.• Optimized Gas Turbine Efficiency: Developed and executed a targeted optimization strategy that increased gas turbine efficiency while strictly adhering to emission standards, achieving notable performance enhancements.• Improved Combustion Code Integration: Enhanced combustion code performance by integrating Cantera and MATLAB, facilitating effective pairing with reactive flow models for more accurate and reliable simulations.

Orlando, Fl, Us

• Led Strategic Project Management: Successfully directed the design and development of a $1 million shock tube facility, ensuring long-term functionality and operational excellence over a 20+ year lifecycle, while demonstrating effective leadership and financial oversight.• Pioneered Innovative Shock Tube and Facility Design: Exceeded ASME and NFPA codes and standards for building safety in the design of an advanced ultra-high vacuum (UHV) shock tube system and facility capable of generating pressures up to 1000 bar, significantly advancing high-pressure combustion research capabilities. • Conducted Advanced Spectroscopy Research: Utilized sensitive optics to perform laser absorption spectroscopy in extreme combustion environments, including rotating detonation engines, yielding critical data that enhanced understanding of combustion processes.• Published Department of Energy Biofuels Research: Published comprehensive research on biofuels, focusing on sooting behavior and chemical kinetics, directly contributing to the Department of Energy's sustainability initiatives.• Developed Chemical Kinetic Mechanisms: Created detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms derived from experimental data, playing a crucial role in published kinetic models used in advanced combustors.

Gainesville, Florida, Us

Mechanical and Aerospace Combustion Research Group:1. Validated facility telemetry for testing of scramjet operations.2. Assisted in scramjet air breathing combustion analysis.3. Developed a combustor that produces an efficient burn to reduce emissions.

Los Angeles , California, Us

1. Analytical Methods Development for Thermal Management: Spearheaded the development of an innovative analytical tool for thermal management of additive manufacturing techniques on the RL-10 rocket engine, optimizing efficiency and performance while saving costs.2. Hypersonic Vehicle Performance Analysis Support: Provided critical support in post-processing analysis for hypersonic vehicle performance models, contributing to the advancement of hydrogen-powered propulsion technologies.3. Cost Savings Achievement for Helium Delivery System: Delivered exceptional results by achieving a 50% cost savings in a ground test support study related to a helium delivery system, demonstrating strong financial acumen and resource optimization skills.4. Innovative Parts Tracking Methodology: Pioneered a novel approach for tracking delayed parts during production and assembly processes, streamlining operations and ensuring timely project completion

Centennial, Co, Us

1. Assisted the Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-68 SMT as an engineer in the Engines and Motors PDT.2. Interacted with engineering, quality, and contracts, gaining exposure to realistic engineering operations. 3. Overviewed acceptance testing procedures at Stennis Space Center and Rocketdyne EAF.4. Supported the RS-68 and the RL-10A teams in separate Delta and Atlas launch operations. 5. Controlled the parachute packing and pyrotechnics procedures of the Intern Rocket Program twice a week, ensuring proper execution and safe return of all components on four rockets.

Reston, Virginia, Us

1. Represented University of Florida in Washington, D.C., lobbying members of Congress in support of Aerospace.2. Served as the liaison, connecting AIAA with umbrella organization.3. Recruited underclassmen and associated them with the organization through networking events

Centennial, Co, Us

1. Observed the Quality, Safety, and Mission Success department, supporting the Propulsion Systems PDT.2. Mastered company policy on: nonconformance control, quality audits, and pre-emptive action.3. Managed the pyrotechnics of the Intern Rocket Program by safely handling and installing all combustion charges on four rockets.

1. Developed a rocket for NASA’s Undergraduate Student Launch Initiative (USLI) competition. 2. Engineered, optimized, and ultimately won a competition for a hybrid rocket for max altitude. 3. Engaged with High Schools through education to stress the importance of STEM.

1. Provided superior customer service to students and parents entering.2. Managed paperwork students coming for SAT and ACT preparation needed.3. Maintained computer network functionality.

Davie, Florida, Us

1. Leader of a group of students that managed and supported entire computer network of school with each student required to have a laptop. 2. Support included on demand software and hardware remedies for over 500 computers.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Mechanical Engineering

Master Of Science - Ms, Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor'S Degree, Mechanical Engineering