Professional Experience
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Bioengineering
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA
Graduated: Dec 2020
GPA: 3.90/4.00
President's Fellowship Award
Dissertation link (hosted on SMARTech):
http://hdl.handle.net/1853/64159Defense link (hosted on YouTube):
https://youtu.be/NaCUo8JyPrc
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta GA
Graduated: Dec 2020
Focus in Mechatronics
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Clarkson University, Potsdam NY
Graduated: May 2016
GPA: 3.96/4.00
Minor in Mathematics
Overlooking the GT campus.
Research & Employment Experience
UNC Asheville - STEAM Studio & Belk Theatre
I was hired at UNC Asheville in November 2023 to fill a unique dual-role, splitting my time between the STEAM Studio (campus makerspace and fully-equipped wood/metals/machining shop) and the Carol Belk Theatre.
STEAM Studio & Performing Arts Technician
STEAM Studio / Carol Belk Theatre
University of North Carolina at Asheville
11/2023 – Present
Developed curricula for wood/metals shop safety training and basic tool usage, which involved creating open-ended projects to encourage artistic designs from the students
Served as Technical Director for the theatre during:
"No Exit", Spring 2024
"The Egg", Spring 2024
"Sincerely,", Spring 2024
"Alice's Smile", Fall 2024
Completed trainings on CNC machines including OMAX waterjet, ULS laser engraver, ShopBot CNC router, StoneFlower ceramic printer, and 3D printers
Facilitated "Fab Nights" for students, staff, and faculty to make cutting boards, light boxes, and metal lamps (skills covered: laser-cutting, circuitry, graphic design, dimensioning lumber, MIG welding, design software)
Instructor of Record for DRAM 105 - Theatre Practicum (Fall 2024)
Instructor of Record for DRAM 202.002 - Production Lab, Set/Props Construction (Fall 2024)
Instructor for LA 478 - Intro to STEAM Studio (Fall 2024)
REAR Lab
I started at Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research (REAR) Laboratory in January 2017 for research during my doctoral studies at Georgia Institute of Technology. I received my MS and PhD in December 2020 and continued my research as a post-doctoral research fellow starting January 2021.
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research (REAR) Lab
Georgia Institute of Technology
01/2021 – 10/2023
Used robotic Anatomical Model Propulsion System (AMPS) to measure energetic costs of propelling manual wheelchairs (MWCs) in realistic over-ground environments
Developed ‘intermittent velocity’ control for the wheelchair tester
Conducted several studies to measure the tradeoffs arising from:
Energy-dissipating components [J1]
Frame type (folding and rigid) before and after simulated-use testing
Wheelchair frame mass [J2, C3, C4]
Wheelchair component (wheel and tire) selection for a lightweight wheelchair frame [J3, C1]
Supported by Field-Initiated Projects grant through NIDILRR and the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.
REAR Lab members and collaborators at an event.
Graduate Research Assistant
Rehabilitation Engineering and Applied Research (REAR) Lab
Georgia Institute of Technology
01/2017 – 12/2020
Developed novel hardware-software integration to generate 'intermittent torque’ propulsion
Findings serve to inform MWC users, clinicians, and manufacturers about design decisions that directly impact energy loss of the system [J4]
Generated mathematical models for energetic costs of propulsion in MWC motion [J5, C2]
Collected data of adipose tissue compliance from human subjects to validate hand-held tissue tester, presented work at RESNA 2018 conference in Washington, D.C. [C5]
Segmented MRI scans of MWC user buttock tissue to investigate tissue deformation
Clarkson University
My undergraduate education was at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY where I was part of the mechanical engineering department and the Honors Program. During my 4 years here, I held several desk jobs, one undergraduate research position, and an international research experience.
Undergraduate Researcher
Biomechanics Laboratory
Clarkson University
08/2014 – 05/2016
Studied under Dr. Kuxhaus and Dr. Yuya in the inter-disciplinary Biomechanics Lab
Investigated nanoscale spatial variations in material properties of trabecular bone
Trained to use wet lab facilities and procedures to handle and prepare cervine femur samples
Cervine femur sample encased in epoxy resin.
Internships
During my undergraduate education, I spent my summers conducting research and interning at companies around New York State.
International Researcher
Chang-An Wang Research Lab
Tsinghua University, Beijing
05/2015 – 08/2015
Trained and certified to use on-site facilities including calcination furnace, SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry
Tested electrochemical behaviors of various composite nanoscale materials and geometries
Published in Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics [J5]
Mechanical Engineering Intern
Sensor Research and Development Lab
Esterline Tech. Corp.
05/2014 – 08/2014
Utilized CAD to design speed and temperature sensors for industrial engines
Tested products in wind tunnel, water bath, and speed rig to meet customer specifications
Process Engineering Intern
Plant Engineering Laboratory
Norwich Pharmaceuticals
05/2013 – 08/2013
Utilized Autodesk AutoCAD to design layouts of proposed production lines in building
Studied ladder logic to troubleshoot the plant industrial controller and add new equipment
Created and executed validation protocols on controlled substance handlers and specialized pharmaceutical tools
Teaching Experience
Instructor of Record
DRAM 105 - Theatre Practicum
UNC Asheville
08/2024 – 12/2024
Supervised 20 students through a series of trainings and exercises catered to their roles as cast or crew of theatrical productions, in various shops or postions including:
Scene Shop for Props construction
Scene Shop for Set construction
Costume Shop for costume design and makeup
Front-of-house positions
Light and Sound Board Operators
Created training materials for shop safety for the Scene Shop (wood/metals shop) and the Costume Shop (sewing and patterning)
Ensured that student-led designs were completed and assembled before the show
Instructor of Record
DRAM 202.002 - Production Lab, Set/Props Construction
UNC Asheville
08/2024 – 12/2024
Catered specifically to those students that were interested in Set/Props Construction within the Scene Shop to get in-depth, hands-on tool training and design experience
Developed semester-long projects for students to train their skills and use their handmade designs in a show, including Hollywood- and Broadway-style flats
Introduced 3D modeling (Autodesk Fusion) into the curriculum and department
Instructor
LA 478 - Intro to STEAM Studio
UNC Asheville
08/2024 – 12/2024
Facilitated safety trainings for 15 students in the wood shop (jointer, planer, CNC router, table saw, miter saw) and metals shop (bandsaw, cold saw, MIG welding, waterjet, manual lathe, manual mill, drill press, die grinder, angle grinder) for 15 students
Designed cutting boards and metal "shadow boxes" in Autodesk Fusion (CAD) using Inkscape, OMAX Layout/Make, and ShopBot software
Adapted to virtual and hybrid teaching styles during Hurricane Helene (Sept/Oct 2024)
Graduate Teaching Assistant
ME 3057 - Experimental Methods Laboratory
Georgia Institute of Technology
08/2020 – 12/2020
Recitation and lab instructor under Dr. Jeff Donnell and course instructor Peter Griffiths
Supervised two lab sections (16-20 students each) through series of experiments,
covering a broad range of engineering concepts and fundamental mechanical design
decisions including sensor uncertainty, acoustics, strengths of materials, and vibrationsFacilitated student-led, group-based experimental design processes in acoustics and
materials testingProvided feedback and weekly evaluations of student performance in the course
Graduate Teaching Assistant
ME 4182 / ID 4081 - Capstone Design
Georgia Institute of Technology
08/2019 – 12/2019
Lab instructor and multi-group mentor under Dr. Stephen Sprigle and Dr. Wayne Li
Mentored two interdisciplinary groups of mechanical engineering and industrial design students
Fabricated roller-crusher to process Vernonia amygdalina, a nutritious bitter leaf from West Africa
Taught SolidWorks modeling and simulation (thermal, static, dynamic)
Honors and Achievements
(2023) Research consultant, Wheelchair Materials versus Performance and Durability, Ki Mobility LLC
(2023) Invited speaker and panelist, Emerging National Researchers 2023 Conference in Washington, DC
(2022) 3rd Place Poster Presentation, RehabWeek 2022 Conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands
(2021) idea 2 IMPACT BootCamp Participant, IMPACT Center at University of Pittsburgh
(2021) Georgia Clinical & Translational Science Alliance (CTSA) Translational Education and Mentoring in Science (TEAMS) Fellow
(2020) Highest-Rated Review, NIDILRR FIP Grant Submission
(2020) Student Scientific Paper Competition Runner-Up, RESNA 2020
(2020– 2021) Georgia Institute of Technology President’s Undergraduate Research Award Reviewer
(2020) Journal Manuscript Reviewer, Assistive Technology
(2020) Journal Manuscript Reviewer, Critical Reviews in Biomedical Engineering
(2019) Journal Manuscript Reviewer, Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology
(2016 – 2019) Georgia Institute of Technology President's (Graduate) Fellowship
(2017 – 2021) National Instruments Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD)
(2016) National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship (Hon. Mention)
(2012 – 2016) Clarkson University Honors Program and Presidential Scholar
Mentorship Experience
Alicia Suarez, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2022 - 05/2023
Inherited hair management project for individuals with quadriplegia
Developed multi-part casting process to coat 'slap bracelet' products in silicone rubber with textured grips
Prototyped several spring-hinged clasps for one-handed operation
Joined the wheelchair-propelling robot project for the wheelchair frame material assessment study
Instrumented and tested 5 wheelchairs (3 aluminum, 1 carbon fiber, 1 titanium) for propulsion cost and vibration attenuation
Junzhe Yan, Industrial Design
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
08/2022 - 12/2022
Worked with Lekotek of Georgia's projects
Adapted several refurbished, repaired, or repurposed toys to better accommodate children with disabilities
Designed the enclosure and decorations for an LED pinwheel toy
Iain Mackeith, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
08/2022 - 11/2022
Designed and prototyped a 3-part support system to improve stability of persons with disabilities in airline seats
Modeled and fabricated multiple seat cushions to replace existing airline seat cushions, with a pelvic recession
Created a mechanism to deploy and retract an adjustable-height footrest support
Developed a multi-point body harness supporting the user's trunk stability with straps connecting to the arm rests
Tuelo Rapotsanyane, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2022 – 08/2022
Inherited interdisciplinary capstone design team project for "Independent In-Bed Mobility" bed frame
Improved reliability of system by reducing number of moving parts and articulated joints
Quickened time-to-turn by increasing roller radii and designing a pressure-controlled longitudinally-split mattress topper
Developed two separate mechanism to grip and turn user (body harness and 'swaddling sheet' approaches)
Luke Towery, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2022 – 08/2022
Developed wheelchair tire scrubber based on stakeholder meetings and prior work from interdisciplinary capstone design team
Repurposed rotary drill system and handheld vacuum cleaner to scrub the tire tread and collect debris
Designed and fabricated enclosures to minimize the spread of dust and debris during use
Wrote and published the "Do-It-Yourself" guide to make the tire scrubber on Instructables (link)
Maria Paulina Morales Gonzales, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2022 – 08/2022
Augmented the vibration measurement capabilities of the AMPS
Instrumented the rigid aluminum 'Ethos' wheelchair frame from Ki Mobility with built-in elastomeric suspension towers
Collected data from multiple surfaces, speeds and occupant masses for 5 unique Ethos elastomer configurations
Tara Fahy, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2022 – 05/2022
Designed hair management solutions for persons with quadriplegia and other upper extremity impairments
Worked closely with clinicians, therapists, and clients of the Seating and Mobility Clinic at the Shepherd Center
Prototyped 'slap bracelet' and 'banana clip' approaches to gather and secure long hair with limited arm and hand strength
Iain Mackeith, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2022 – 05/2022
Designed medication dispenser for individuals with low strength, dexterity, and tremors in their upper extremities
Rapidly iterated through mechanisms and structures to accommodate various pill and tablet sizes and shapes
Generated a "Do-It-Yourself" version of the device and published a guide on Instructables (link)
Also generated a mass-producible version using injection molded parts and off-the-shelf stock material
Yuanning Liu, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2021 – 05/2022
Upgraded structural components to permit greater degrees of freedom with better ‘fit’ for various wheelchair configurations
Designed ‘Straight’ and ‘Slalom’ maneuvers with intermittent velocity control
Conducted experimental study with 7 wheels, 4 surfaces, and 2 maneuvers to assess vibration attenuation
Co-authored journal article on manual wheelchair vibration attenuation, published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering (link)
Tanner Hanes, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2019 – 05/2021
Updated CAD of tissue compliance tester to integrate physical push-button switches and quick-connect cables
Correlated data from materials-testing load frame and manual calibration apparatus
Validated repeatability of hand-held tester at multiple testing locations on phantom tissue and preliminary human trials
Hunter Kim, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2018 – 08/2020
Redesigned anthropometric layout of the AMPS to accommodate more realistic loading scenarios
Mapped the electronics of the AMPS and generated wiring diagrams
Characterized rolling resistances of casters and drive wheels using a coast-down protocol
Measured resistive scrub torque of casters and drive wheels with a modified materials-testing load frame
Produced literature review of SMARTWheel and other instrumented wheelchair push-rim torque data
Began research study investigating impact of mass and weight distribution on wheelchair propulsion cost [C4]
Christopher Murad, Aeronautical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
08/2019 – 12/2019
Utilized MATLAB and Simulink to model complex hybrid current- and velocity-feedback motor controller
Debugged custom script in Roboteq's proprietary MicroBasic language for use in the onboard AMPS controller
Chima Okechukwu, Computer Science
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2019 – 08/2019
Developed MATLAB scripts to identify accelerometer data peaks within target band for coast-down protocol
Installed mechanical clutch on the AMPS motors and measured rolling resistance improvements
Muhammad Anmbus Iqbal, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2019 – 05/2019
Investigated applications of capacitive touch sensors for the tissue compliance tester
Proposed protocols for hand-held operation and with materials-testing load frame
Optimized the size and shape of the CAD model body and probe for rapid fabrication techniques
Presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, Georgia Tech:
"Validation of Tissue Compliance Tester: Finding Mechanical Properties to Assess Tissue Health"
Salim Ben Ghorbel, Electrical and Computer Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
01/2019 – 05/2019
Motivated an extensive effort to develop a custom current-feedback motor controller using Roboteq hardware
Produced Simulink models to demonstrate feasibility of hybrid current- and velocity-feedback
Selected components and implemented hardware to filter out high-frequency noise on feedback channels
Learned Roboteq's proprietary MicroBasic scripting language and authored a closed-loop current controller
Designed benchtop test for DC motors under current-control to calibrate sensors and validate the device
Presented at the Undergraduate Research Symposium, Georgia Tech:
"Implementing Torque-Controlled Propulsion Mode for Robotic Wheelchair User to Automate Wheelchair Testing"
Lakshmi Lasya Sreeramagiri, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
08/2018 – 12/2018
Developed testing protocol for tissue compliance tester on a manual calibration apparatus
Finalized Arduino code to collect real-time force and indentation depth data, with maximal force application identification
Characterized the stress-strain curves for silicone "phantom tissue" samples
Lucas Portera, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2018 – 08/2018
Began tissue compliance tester device design with product search to identify key concepts and features
Fabricated multiple iterative prototypes with varying complexities to suit the needs of the research
Learned to program an Arduino and developed a rudimentary code to collect tissue compliance data
Fatima Jamil, Mechanical Engineering
REAR Lab Undergraduate Student, Georgia Tech
05/2018 – 08/2018
Collected rolling resistance data on an array of casters and drive wheels using coast-down protocol
Used materials-testing load frame to test resistive scrub torques of multiple drive wheels and casters