7+ years of progressive research, engineering, and academic leadership
Sept 2024 — Present
Research Scientist III — AI & Acoustic Engineering
University of Arizona · NewFoS Science & Technology Center
AI-Driven Innovation: Lead design optimization of 2D topological phononic crystals using phase-change materials (PCM), achieving ~200 MHz operational frequency through machine learning algorithms.
Deep Learning Systems: Develop automated parameter prediction models for Borofloat-based metamaterials using TensorFlow and PyTorch, reducing design iteration time by 75% and enabling real-time optimization.
Neural Network Frameworks: Implement waveguide geometry prediction and edge-state validation, integrating physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) with COMSOL simulations.
Cross-Institutional Leadership: Collaborate with CUNY, Wayne State, Caltech, UCLA, Spelman College, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and UC Boulder on breakthrough acoustic innovations.
Advanced Applications: Investigate acoustic levitation and manipulation techniques for contactless material processing in semiconductor and electronics industries.
Aug 2019 — Aug 2024
Graduate Research Associate — Thermoacoustic Systems
Oklahoma State University · Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
TAMS Innovation: Pioneered development of Thermoacoustic Metastructures (TAMS) for simultaneous energy harvesting and noise mitigation achieving 15–25 dB reduction across 100–2000 Hz.
Energy Transduction: Engineered acoustic-thermoelectric transduction schemes producing millivolt-level voltage outputs with microwatt-scale power generation for IoT applications.
Multiphysics Simulation: Led comprehensive studies using COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS Fluent, and DeltaEC to predict and optimize TAMS performance.
NASA Collaboration: Collaborated directly with NASA Langley Research Center on thermoacoustic liner optimization for next-generation aircraft propulsion systems.
Facility Management: Managed state-of-the-art acoustic testing facilities including anechoic chambers and NI-DAQ instrumentation systems.
Manufacturing Innovation: Identified cost-effective additive manufacturing strategies reducing production costs by 40%.
Mentorship: Mentored 5+ undergraduate and 2 graduate students in thermoacoustic research methodologies.
Oklahoma State University · Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Operations Leadership: Oversaw daily operations of the acoustics and dynamics research lab, maintaining safety protocols, equipment calibration, and database management.
Industry Liaison: Facilitated visits and collaborative engagements with industry partners including NASA Langley, NASA Glenn, and 3M.
Partnership Development: Fostered inter-institutional research partnerships contributing to multi-university grant proposals and joint publications.
Mentorship: Onboarded and mentored new lab members in experimental procedures, equipment operation, and research methodologies.
Jan 2023 — Aug 2023
Instructor of Record — Mechanical Engineering Technology
Oklahoma State University · MET Department
Primary instructor for advanced 4000-level Machine Elements course (gear design, bearing analysis, shaft design) for 60–80 students across multiple sections.
Developed comprehensive curriculum with MATLAB simulations and SolidWorks exercises, achieving 30% improvement in student comprehension.
Led Summer Bridge Program instruction for 30–40 incoming students, improving first-year retention by 20%.
Oklahoma State University · Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Taught Elementary Dynamics in two discussion sections (25–30 students each) using interactive problem-solving methodologies.
Led Honors program discussions focused on advanced dynamics, critical thinking, and mathematical modeling.
Developed supplementary materials including solved examples, practice exams, and tutorial videos.
Aug 2017 — Jul 2019
Graduate Research Assistant — Energy Storage Systems
Northern Arizona University · Mechanical Engineering Department
Structural Supercapacitors: Led development of SSCs for electric vehicles integrating electrical energy storage with load-bearing structural capabilities.
Achieved power density of 32.06 W/kg and energy density of 53.58 mWh/kg through advanced electrode functionalization and nanomaterial integration.
Developed carbon fiber electrode functionalization processes using CVD and plasma treatment techniques.
Conducted comprehensive electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry, EIS, and galvanostatic charge-discharge testing.
Aug 2017 — Jul 2019
Graduate Teaching Assistant — Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
Northern Arizona University · Mechanical Engineering Department
Assisted in design and implementation of advanced laboratory experiments bridging thermodynamics theory with practical applications.
Collaborated with faculty on comprehensive curriculum updates ensuring ABET accreditation alignment.