Research Engineer

March 2024 - Present | Extreme Ultra-Violet - Engineering Research Center - Colorado State University

• Designed a novel system for the SPECTOR vacuum chamber to assist in the depositon of quadnary thin films on optics.
• Programmed numerous motor systems using both Arduinos and Raspberry Pi Systems.
• Assisted interns in their designs and promoted correct application of problem solving skills.
• Performed demanding maintenance of numerous systems within the lab. Including —though not limited to— the SPECTOR and LANS vacuum systems. Newly designed chambers with no prior documentation. Sandblasting cabinets, air compressors, Potassium Hydroxide baths —while ensuring adequate ratios—, and enforced safety procedures for all of these systems.

Technical Drawing and GD&T Experience

Due to our unique requirements for Vacuum Contact Conductance in some of our experiments I was able to learn the basics of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance whilst also gaining experience in the process of getting quotes for uniquely complex parts. After a couple rounds of work with my PI and experienced peers I eventually submitteed the above images to a metal 3D printing company known as Norck.

As part of the submission we also began discussing the necessary costs of certain requirements we had for the system. Principly due to the fact that vacuum conductance fails with extremely small gaps between pieces we needed extraordinarily flat parts. The above drawings are calling for a flatness of less than 10 microns. At this point each copper plate would cost ~$600 to manufacture. Additionally due to the required surface flatness requiring post processing and polishing the added cost would approach ~$1,500 per plate. At four plates per system it would arrive to a total cost of just one full set of over $6,000. Including the steel behind them, standard materials for the actual carriage, which as of writing I'm unable to show, would approach a total per unit cost of nearly $45,000. After we included the cost of the target materials and a new chamber the total project cost approaches over $250,000.

This cost, while acceptable for the purposes of research, definitely put into perspective the true cost of precision elements like these. While they formed a relatively small part of the system it would be nearly a quarter of the cost excluding the chamber and targets. So whilst we still plan on using similar systems for vacuum conductance I have learned a lot from this experience and has been a big part of pushing me towards accepting a certain roughness if its feasible. As the cost of these parts is just unfeasible for prototyping or industrial systems.

CBRN Sergeant

May 2023 - September 2025

• Restored and maintained nearly 125 Geiger-Muller counters
• Ensured 100% compliance with federal CBRN regulations.
• Introduced additional training in CBRN protection and fighting.
• Heavily enforced safety within the unit. In doing so I prevented an incident that would have caused several injuries and potential fatalities.
• Created a system of training for CBRN that would allow future junior soldiers and lower Non-Commissioned Officers to train and learn CBRN warfare.
• Ensured that all soldiers had adequate CBRN protective equipment. Including demanding the presence of certain PPE prior to training to prevent potential injuries.
• My continual presence in training and advising led to my second Army Commendation Medal.
• Medically retired from the Army on 23rd September 2025. Finishing nearly 6 years of service.

United States Army Infantry

November 2019 - May 2023

• Initial enlistment on 11th November 2019 at 19 years old.
• Stationed at Joint-Base Lewis-McChord, Fort Lewis. Assigned to 5th Battalion 20th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team
• First billeted as a rifleman in July 2020. Then designated a Stryker crewman where I would spend the majority of my career in active military. Achieved Army Achievement Medal due to attention to detail and quality of my work.
• Following promotion to Specialist I was assigned as a Stryker commander. Achieved recognition as the brigade's best crewmember.
• Deployed to Thailand for Cobra Gold and spent approximately 2 months training the Thai Royal Army in Counter Insurgency Warfare whilst recieving training in jungle warfare.
• Upon return took part in Operation Allies Refuge to provide aid to incoming Afghan refugees.
• Transitioned to legal NCO due to an injury. During this time I became heavily involved in drone operation and training, foreign area advising, foreign language training, and acted as advisor and trainer for new Stryker crewmembers.
• Recived promotion to Sergeant due in part to the quality of my work and work ethic. Finished my active duty service acting as a trainer for new soldiers and advisor to my command team.
• Recieved my first Army Commendation Medal towards the end of my active duty career for creating a sytem of training and maintaining that gave my unit a renewed generation of successful crewmembers and reinvigorated our culture and heritage of Stryker operations.