Colchester, Connecticut, United States
As a distinguished alumnus of the University of Connecticut (Bachelor of Science, 2014; Doctor of Philosophy, 2021), I bring nine years of industry-funded research experience in chemical and systems engineering to Collins Aerospace. In this role, I have effectively utilized my expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), while prioritizing team and project success over individual recognition, to drive innovation and successfully transition valuable technologies across the organization. This has earned me recognition from peers and leadership through several team awards. As I embark on new challenges in my career, I remain dedicated to a brighter future through kindness, positivity, resilience, and integrity.
PhD Candidate and graduate fellow of the United Technologies Corporation - Institute for Advanced Systems Engineering under the guidance of Dr. George Bollas. Research Interests/Areas: Thermal fluid systems modeling, simulation, and optimization for fault detection and isolation, process design, and uncertainty analysis, with background in optimal experimental design theory Thesis: Methods of Robust Active Fault Detection and Isolation in Thermal Fluid Systems (http://hdl.handle.net/11134/20002:860660032)
Electric, Environmental and Engine Systems Project included (i) the analysis of system uncertainty through Latin Hypercube and Monte Carlo Simulations and its effect on the development of an accurate and reliable detection algorithm for an aircraft fault, (ii) the review of flight test data to determine the feasibility of creating a detection and prevention algorithm for a different aircraft fault, (iii) the development of a modular control library for an aircraft environmental control system to improve the speed of control model creation by simplifying verification processes and allowing reuse of controls, (iv) the translation of experience over to EEES team. Presentation of results were given at the conclusion of the internship to leadership.
Engine and Control Systems - Dynamic Systems group Project included (i) the development of Modelica/Dymola thermal fluid system modeling libraries, (ii) the verification of component models to their Matlab/Simulink counterparts, (iii) the development of a system model for a next generation fuel system and (iv) the translation of experience over to E&CS team. Presentation of results were given at the conclusion of the internship
Sustainability has become a very popular topic in the energy field. Dr. Richard Parnas' research group focuses on the production of sustainable fuels and chemicals. My research focused on the production of biorenewable fuels and chemicals from renewable and waste resources. Products of value in today's society such as biodiesel, biobutanol, and 1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) were derived from less valuable substances such as waste cooking oil (yellow grease), brown grease, and plant/biomass materials. My main work involved the anaerobic fermentation of 1,3-PD from a byproduct of our yellow/brown grease biodiesel production called waste glycerol. The fermentation process was done in a batch reactor, using a local soil based bacteria and a Reinforced Clostridial Medium (RCM) based media. Using a design of experiments, an optimal fermentation feed was found by observing the feed component concentrations and pH and comparing their 1,3-PD yield. This required analysis of the fermentation feed products via high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC). Further experimentation was done to develop the fermentation process as a completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR). I also aided in the analysis and characterization of polymeric type membranes to be used for the separation of the 1,3-PD product from the remaining feed of the batch and continuous fermentation process. Characterization was done using the following laboratory techniques: thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The extraction of sugars and lipids from algae, jatropha, cellular waste, seaweed, and various other plants substances was also studied and utilized in biobutanol fermentation and biodiesel production. Results from this research were presented at the 2013 AIChE National Student Conference Poster Session in San Francisco.
Funded by the National Science Foundation. Researched generative growth of bacteria for the fermentation of 1,3 - Propanediol in hopes of increase yield, production, and decreased lag time. Underwent a series of entrepreneurial seminars that focused on commercializing research projects. Presented research at the end of the summer at a local innovation connection in front of a large crowd of over 100 individuals.