EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
2011-Present
Planetary Protection Engineer
JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
Pasadena, California
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Involved in several missions, to include Mars 2020, InSight and Mars Science Laboratory Mission
2010-2011
Caltech Postdoctoral Scholar
California Institute of Technology, JET PROPULSION LABORATORY
Pasadena, California
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Studied Cleanroom microbial populations and sample collection techniques
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Design and development of instruments germane to planetary protection
2006-2009
Graduate Student Research Scientist
DREXEL PLASMA INSTITUTE
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Develop an understanding of the sterilization efficacy of plasma on varying spacecraft materials through methods to include standard plate count, PCR, and fluorescent techniques.
EDUCATION
2008 - 2010
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
Dissertation: Surface Disinfection of Spacecraft Materials from Extremophile Microorganisms by Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasmas
2006 - 2008
Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
DREXEL UNIVERSITY
2002 - 2006
Bachelors of Science, Physics
Minor in Space, Earth, and Atmospheric Sci.
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University Honors College, Summa Cum Laude
HOBBIES
TRIATHLONS
I train with GIVE-STRENGTH to keep me energized physically.
I was able to complete my first ever triathlon with the support from Cal-Tri, an excellent organization for anyone interested in Triathlons (beginner to seasoned triathletes!)
PUBLIC SPEAKING
I love sharing my experiences with the world!
Public Speaking reminds me to keep the spark of STTEAM alive.
JEWELRY MAKING
I love finding unique and beautiful stones.
Sometimes, I make jewelry from these stones.
Once in a while, I give them as gifts.