About

My journey into mechanical engineering began in the skies. As a Flight Engineer aboard EP-3 aircraft in the U.S. Navy, I was responsible for operating and troubleshooting complex mechanical systems—including electrical, hydraulic, and powerplant subsystems—during flight. Managing critical in-air operations and resolving high-stakes technical challenges gave me a deep appreciation for precision, reliability, and the mechanics behind advanced machinery.

After completing my military service, I set my sights on engineering, eager to shift from operating machines to designing and building them. While earning my mechanical engineering degree, I discovered a passion for machining during a course on contemporary manufacturing processes. That first encounter with a manual mill sparked a curiosity that quickly became a driving force in my career. I began setting up a small bench-top mill at home to deepen my skills, and later pursued a CNC Specialist Certificate to gain formal training in programming and operating CNC machines.

Today, I serve as a Research Engineer at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where I’ve spent over six years designing and fabricating wind tunnel prototypes for aerospace research. I create CAD and CAM files using SolidWorks and SolidCAM, and fabricate models using a wide range of tools—including CNC and manual mills/lathes, CO₂ laser cutters, and FDM/SLA 3D printers. My role combines hands-on manufacturing with close collaboration across research teams, helping turn concepts into functional test-ready assemblies.

Outside of work, I continue exploring the intersection of engineering and creativity through fused glass lighting design. I prototype and build custom wall sconces that blend kiln-formed glass with machined mounts, experimenting with both form and fabrication techniques. This hobby allows me to bring together artistic design, electrical wiring, and small-scale manufacturing in a way that keeps me constantly learning and making.

Whether in the lab or the workshop, I’m driven by the same core interest: building well-crafted, functional systems—and continually refining the skills it takes to make them.