Ekidna Sensing is a young startup developing rapid on-site cannabinoid quantification testing devices. The test system consists of a PC for UI/data processing, a reusable phone-sized device, and a consumable test kit. The resulting system was successful in a pilot trial with Canopy Growth Corp, producing accurate THC quantification results and under 10-minute run times at their research facility. I was responsible for building the engineering team and bringing the concept to a viable product, via:• Translating business needs into engineering tasks, and managed the teams to complete them• Overseeing windows app development and release testing• Leading the design team and assisting in debugging for the python data analysis script that generated the THC quantification results, using GitHub for version control and releases• Developing department goals and strategies to hit them, and tracked KPIs to measure success• Collecting, prioritizing and communicating product features using six-sigma• Managing team tasks using Gantt charts and Asana, with scrum for mechanical and electrical, and agile for software• Creating extensive documentation (SOPs, assembly procedures, manufacturing methods, specifications, requirements) for all aspects of the product, which were integral in transfer to manufacturing• Implementing manufacturing processes to produce first 1000’s of units. Solving multiple mfg issues, monitoring defects, using statistical process control to monitor production• Designing and executing product demos/pilots at customer sites

I worked on the concentration system for our Legionella product, which would take in a water sample, concentrate the bacteria in it, and output a test cartridge. I started in the middle of the development of version 2 of the product, which is fully manual. As that was nearing completion, I transitioned to version 3, which automates the whole testing process. • Built and implemented performance tracking database and front end, using SQL• Built a Python based processor/extractor and parser to pull data from device logs• Facilitated cross functional team discussions on key product requirements definitions• Manufacturing data analysis using histograms, control charts and upper and lower spec limits • Functioned as lead engineer on product changes, including verifications of requirements and inter-dept. coordination, sourcing and transfer to manufacturing• Product design control life cycle: from concept to manufacturing transfer• Experimental data analysis and statistical summary. Use of equivalency testing, p-values, CI• Root cause analysis, monitoring and trending of product and process failure modes

My entry to the mechanical R&D team. • Perform QC Analyses, record failure modes and analyze trends• Research and Development of product prototypes• Assist in manufacturing of prototypes and jigs• Design and conduct experiments, analyze experimental data and provide recommendations• Source and order parts• Assist in the development of a product quality assurance plan

Working in the Toronto region mostly, I installed and maintained multiple testing sites for a pilot project of our legionella product.

Validate viability of glycerol as feedstock by detection of exoelectronic activity in novel bacteria for MFC biocatalystDesign and run experiments on the metabolic changes in bacteria under MFC environment

Design and test experimental methods on HPLC and UPLC systems (Agilent)Reduce analysis time by 21% and improve resolution for impurity profiles on novel columns, for separation of oligonucleotides and their synthesis impuritiesMethod transfer design and experimentation, effectively reducing equipment costs ($100k+)

Create accelerator environment and help startups such as Spivo, intelliMed Solutions and Dextra grow through interactions and serviceOversee maintenance operations of 25+ units of advanced equipment, decide on new acquisitions and train staffReduce maintenance expenses by 50%, perform maintenance, manage inventory and process orders, thus improving user experience and machine up-time (to 98% up)Create & implement the staff manual for standard operation of the makerspace

Successful expansion of the makerspace in 3 month timeframe including: creating the budget ($100,000), selection of new equipment, POs, equipment installation, creation of floor planLead team of 5 coworkers developing projects that were implemented in the new makerspace once complete: VR, 3D scanning, medical applications, IoT

Administration work for the Faculty of Engineering Summer Camps: Adventures inEngineering and Science

Team leader: responsibility for the entire event and for the safety of theoccupants and operators. Management of personnel and delegation of tasksManager of the warehouse: maintenance of order and efficiency of thewarehouse, as well as maintenance of various equipment.