About
Research assistant studying boiling and condensation phenomena in the Active Materials and Smart Living laboratory at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Interests
- Heat Transfer
- Boiling
- Condensation
- Image Processing
Education
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PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Exp. Dec 2023
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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MS in Mechanical Engineering, 2017
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Publications
Master’s Thesis: Visualization of dropwise condensation on vertical plate and horizontal tube geometry
An automated droplet detection method in order to measure the droplet size distribution of dropwise condensation on a flat plate and a horizontal tube.
Experience
Intern at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Thermal Fluid Systems and Mission Operations Group (353K)
- Designed and built a 1.6 kW boiler to evaluate porous evaporator heat flux and dryout.
- Designed a helical coil condenser by matching the chiller pump curve to empirical correlations.
- Configured an ammonia sensor for a two-phase testbed. Worked with colleagues to charge it with ammonia.
- After training on Thermal Desktop, wrote code for a thermal network solver in post-internship collaboration.
Research Assistant at the Active Materials and Smart Living Lab
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Designed and built both a pool boiling and a condensation apparatus. Performed experimental design, requirements and thermal analysis, solid modeling, and GD&T of machined parts and sealing surfaces.
- Outfitted a boiling apparatus with over a dozen sensors and two independent heater circuits. Wrote Python code for data acquisition and temperature control of a copper block capable of reaching 600°C.
- Wrote Matlab code for automated droplet distribution detection from high-speed video of condensation.
- Currently working on bubble detection by image processing in OpenCV, as well as CFD in OpenFOAM.
- Wrote grant proposals resulting in three wins and over $50k from Nevada NASA Space Grant Consortium.
Instructor for Introduction to Heat Transfer
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Recorded, edited, and produced 74 digital whiteboard video lectures, averaging 18 minutes long each.
- Hosted weekly live reviews, answering questions and reviewing six self-authored quizzes and exams.
Lab Instructor for Measurements, Controls, and Fluids Labs
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
- Hosted sections of 20 students, with a focus on data literacy and effective communication through lab reports.
- Taught over 200 students in 15 sections over five years. Competency exceeding 4.5/5.0 in course evaluations.