Work Experience
Presenting my work experience is imperative for providing a holistic view of my professional journey. It chronicles the roles I've undertaken, the challenges I've navigated, and the milestones I've achieved. Showcasing my work experience allows others to understand the breadth and depth of my expertise, my adaptability in diverse environments, and my commitment to continuous growth. It serves as a tangible reflection of my skills, values, and dedication, offering potential collaborators or employers a clear insight into what I bring to the table.
Beck Fellowship and Emerson Automation Solutions: FPGA Design Contractor - Summer 2023
FPGA Design Contractor
During my internship at Emerson as an FPGA Design Engineer, I focused on replicating the microprocessor functionality within the CHARM system and integrating it into an FPGA for their next-generation APL CHARM. This challenging proof-of-concept project aimed to enable the hardware team to eliminate the existing microprocessor by embedding its functionality directly into the FPGA. Successfully completing this initiative would result in annual savings of $100,000 and allow the team to adopt a more advanced, capable FPGA for future-proofing purposes. I developed the project from the ground up, thoroughly understanding the fundamental operations of the CIOC-CHARM system to ensure its successful implementation.
Emerson Automation Solutions: Hardware Design Intern - Summer 2023
Designing Adapters for Legacy Compatibility
During my internship, I focused extensively on bridging the gap between legacy and current technologies. The cornerstone of this endeavor was my comprehensive analysis of S-series and M-series card schematics. The objective was clear: to design an adapter that would allow S-series terminal blocks to interface with M-series cards seamlessly. This initiative was not only about preserving functionality but also about offering a cost-effective solution that precluded the need for clients to invest in new terminal blocks.
The development of a universal adapter schematic was an exercise in precision and foresight. By synthesizing information from both M-series and S-series datasheets, I engineered a schematic that maximized compatibility across multiple card types. This approach was instrumental in reducing inventory and manufacturing costs, showcasing my ability to deliver economically viable solutions without compromising on technical requirements.
The design phase transitioned into the complex task of PCB layout creation. This phase came with its unique set of challenges: spatial constraints for trace placements, stringent high-voltage integration requirements, and the need to adjust trace widths to handle increased current without overheating, taking into account the nuances of the manufacturing process. Through a collaborative effort involving mechanical engineers and regulation specialists, I managed to devise a single-board layout that complied with safety standards for a 230VAC operation, effectively balancing cost considerations with stringent technical constraints.
Demo Board Development from Concept to Production
My project trajectory took an innovative turn with the development of a demo board for Emerson Exchange. This task demanded creativity within strict size limitations and necessitated the board's functionality without an active power source when disconnected. The heart of the demo board was an NE555 timer IC, which formed the basis of an astable circuit designed to signal the board's operational status through a visual indicator.
The development process spanned several stages, starting with circuit simulation in LTSpice to verify the feasibility of the design. Following a successful simulation, I built and tested the circuit on a breadboard, ensuring its functionality matched our expectations. From there, I progressed to drafting a detailed schematic and, after careful component selection, moved on to designing the PCB layout. This stage involved meticulous attention to the mechanical reference points and the integration of surface block components to meet the project's physical constraints.
Collaboration was key as I coordinated with PCB manufacturers, translating the design into a tangible product within our timeline. This project not only highlighted my technical expertise but also my project management capabilities, as I navigated the complete cycle from concept to production, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, interactive demo board.
Project Engineer Coordinator - Summer 2020, 2021, and 2022
Summer 2020
This opportunity was introduced to me by the current College of Engineering, Director for Student Outreach and Engagement, Haley Strahan. After identifying my dedication and initiative for robotics, I was given the opportunity to lead Lamar Universities Project Engineer. This first year we sent robots to the highschool students and taught them virtually.
Summer 2021
After the success of summer 2020, I was reoffered the position to coordinate Project Engineer the following year. This was a much bigger task than the year prior as it included double the amount of students, purchase order planning with the sponsored funds, robotics education planning, and managing a team on top of it all. This taught me valuable planning and execution, along with leadership and delegating skills.
Summer 2022
Since the previous two years were such a success, my team and I were asked to lead another year, again doubling the size of the camp from around 25 students, to just over 50. The same skills of delegation, planning, and problem solving, but each camp quite literally doubled the challenges each year. I am proud to say with the amazing people below me this camp will live on for years to come.