Simon Christopher Dowd Email & Phone Number

Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Working broadly across the onshore/offshore domains, my work involves developing technology and platforms for environmental monitoring. This includes air sampling infrastructure for climate science data involving the Australian Antarctic Division, implantable fish heart rate monitors, deep sea (6km) imaging platforms, moorings and development of autonomous ocean column profilers. Design harsh environments, development of robust scientific equipment, material selection, thermal performance, data analysis and simulation through coding (python) or software packages are some of the technical capabilities practiced. Projects are often complex and require setting clear system specifications. Working collaboratively and extensively with Data61, Environment and the Marine National Facility, specifically with microbiologists, physicists, roboticists, climate scientists, marine scientists, ecologists, carbon specialists and engineers.

From concept to final product I developed an NDA restricted device for mass mosquito rearing. The project involves product development, mechatronic engineering and working with a team of entomology experts.Specific work needed thermal analysis, rapid fabrication of prototypes, PCB design and fabrication.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

At UQ's fabrication workshop. I assisted academics and students with their projects, either through training them on equipment or with fabrication. This was a fun role, that was very communication heavy with the bonus of working around heavy machinery. I develop a lot of experience with the machines quickly, it enabled me to become fast and fluent with them as well as understanding the limitations, quirks and best design practices (particularly for sheet metal).Techjet-X2 Abrasive Waterjet Cutter (aluminium, steel, composites)Metal Master PB40-A Hydraulic NC Press BrakeHydraulic Sheet Metal Guillotine Formech Vacuum FormingTrotec Laser Cutter Speedy 500 & 400

Remote

The World Mosquito Program is developing a method to stop fatal mosquito borne virus (dengue, zika, ect.). Simply put, the method involves spreading a naturally occurring bacterium called Wolbachia through mosquito colonies. They contracted, WeRobotics, a non-profit humanitarian robotics and technology organisation which specialises in drones.My undergraduate thesis is the Mechanical Design of Mosquito Release Mechanism with Thermal Optimisation Considerations. I explored what at the time was a radically different method for dosing mosquitoes. End results were a functional prototype, full scale CAD model along with a thesis document. It was well received by WeRobotics and the World Mosquito Program and it now having further development. Everything was done remotely.

After reverting to a single major degree in Mechanical Engineering, I’ve seamlessly become a member of UQR. With solid grounding in vehicle dynamics and was engaged in many projects the biggest of which was redesigning the electric vehicles front suspension system. Working with the team was curricular, involved a lot of late nights (or early mornings?) and made a lot of friendships. The team culture was one that fostered innovation from some incredible minds and also a supportive net for students.

Brisbane, Australia

Projects were to complete vehicle lighting drawings for Mack trucks to demonstrate compliance with Australian Design Rules 13, design of a testing rig to measure chassis oscillations. Requiring data processing for damping ratio and natural frequency; parameters necessary for Road Friendly Suspension Certification.

Melbourne, Australia

University project as part of a small team that designed radical tapered face hubs with an integrated tripod for the electric formula style race car. After semester the design was pursued, testing jigs were manufactured on a lathe to test the taper's torque capacity - its expected that the hubs will be manufactured for the 2018 car.After a lot of late nights and time spent around the car, I got to work on the powertrain setup, as well as learning about the power & electronics system. My other major project included evaluating the current ARB system and proposing a cheaper, easier to manufacture and more robust design that allows better fine tuning of the wheel rate.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

While in the United Arabic Emirates, I worked as part of the assembly team constructing Mataf Ceiling panels for the Mecca. My role was engaged in every part of the construction, from raw composite materials to the finished product for transport. For every part, tolerances had to be maintained to 1.5mm. Communication was integral to working professionally and efficiently as workers came from diverse backgrounds (Africa & Asia) and spoke little English. Safely using: drop saws, circular saws, power drills and angle grinders in a professional manner.

Bachelor Of Engineering - Be, Mechanical Engineering

Engaged in two group projects included the research and production of an autonomous vessel that uses search patterns to find and retrieve.

Bachelor Of Product Design Engineering