University of British Columbia | Doctor of Philosophy | Jan. 2004 – to date
▪ Test Rig Design ▪ Clean Energy Research ▪
My doctoral studies have centred on an optically accessible, engine simulator. I have worked on the design and implementation of a single cylinder rapid compression machine, which simulates any two consecutive strokes of an internal combustion engine, less the complexities of the intake and exhaust systems. By designing the rig with a quartz cylinder and cylinder head I am able to use UV laser diagnostics to investigate and elucidate the mixture formation and combustion process taking place within the quartz cylinder. In doing so, my findings are helping to improve the design of lean-burning, partially stratified, natural gas fuelled medium-duty engines.
BAe Systems | Carbon Fibre Composites | Jun.-Aug. 2002
▪ Composite lay-up ▪ Production Logistics ▪
I worked with the manual lay-up jigs for several composite components of the Airbus A320, and the new 36-axis CNC composite lay-up machine, which was being commissioned to manufacture wing skins for the UK/US Joint Strike Fighter (F35 Lightning) program. My experience at BAe also allowed me to co-manage the return, back to BAe, of a contract for wing-box construction which had previously been sub-contracted. I also played a significant part in a statistical QA analysis for the wing-boxes which were currently being assembled on site.
UK Ministry of Defense | Nuclear Propulsion Systems | Jun.-Aug. 2001
▪ Nuclear Risk Assessment ▪ Emergency Business Planning ▪
Sitting as part of the Hull Impact and Seismic Working Group and Decay Heat Working Group I was exposed first hand to the process of assessing nuclear risk. These groups were tasked to look at the risk to the nuclear reactor aboard the UK’s Trident Class nuclear submarines when undergoing dry-dock refit. I was also in sole charge of forming the Business Continuity Plan for the Nuclear Propulsion Integrated Project Team (NP IPT), whereby I was accountable directly to the UK Royal Navy’s Head (Commodore) of Nuclear Propulsion. The plan outlined what assets and resources were required to continue operation of the IPT should its permanent office be rendered non-serviceable through a catastrophic emergency.
QinetiQ | Strategic Business Development | Jun. -Aug. 2000
▪ Equipment Commissioning ▪ Business Opportunity Assessment ▪
The latest technology in fibre composites at the time was to use silicon carbide (SiC) fibres instead of carbon fibres to provide an unparalleled strength to weight ratio for aerospace applications. I was part of a team commissioning a £2m demonstrator plant for SiC fibre production. I worked on the design of thin-walled pressure vessels and the installation of gas and fibre handling systems.
In my time at QinetiQ I also work for its Technology & Business Strategy Consultancy arm. The Consultancy provides both internal and external business advice for technical industry. I was responsible for completing an analysis of the commuter rail market so that TBSC Board could make a decision on providing technical consulting services to the rail industry.
UK Ministry of Defense | Warship Support | Jul.-Aug. 1999
▪ Structural Risk Assessment ▪ Workload Assessment ▪ System Integration ▪
I completed three major pieces of work for the Warships 1 Integrated Project Team. The IPT acts in support of the UK Royal Navy’s Type 42 Class Destroyers. I conducted a series of structural surveys across the entire fleet of Type 42 vessels, documenting the nature and location of failures in the ship’s structure. Those that were common across the Class were complied into a ‘go-to reference’ which was disseminated to the Fleet and Admiralty. In my ‘paint condition survey’ I studied the historical surveys of ship paint condition, and based upon the findings advised as to which ship spaces could be re-painted less often than the exiting protocol of ’all spaces annually’. My final report detailed the required re-classifications required to bring the Type 42 munitions identifications in-line with world standards.
UK Ministry of Defense| Defense Engineering & Science Group | Sept.1998 – Jul. 1999
▪ Workshop Skills ▪ Mechanical & Electrical Design ▪ Engineering Team Integration ▪
I undertook basic engineering training as a student engineer at the Student Engineer Training Centre. As part of a team which produced a CNC PCB drill I learnt basic design and workshop skills, while various other projects taught me team-working, presentation, reporting and research skills. I also underwent induction to the workings of the UK Civil Service and in particular the role of the Ministry of Defense through site visits and short spells with service personnel in the RN, RAF and Army.
Miscellaneous
I also have 1 month’s sea-time on a refined product tanker in the South China Sea, and some basic exposure to floating oil production and control system design