Professional Experience

Plasma Chemistry Research Supervisor

Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL | October 2025 – Present
  • Functioned as lead engineer on plasma reactor projects: conceptualized reactor geometries, selected and integrated catalysts, interpreted technical specifications, collected physical data on components, and iteratively optimized designs for yield, energy efficiency, and scalability, building and modifying experimental apparatuses using hand and power tools.
  • Developed Python-based plasma simulation tools modeling fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and electromagnetic behavior, incorporating data analysis for parameter optimization and improving efficiency through data-driven approaches.
  • Engineered custom fixtures and measurement systems for high-energy plasma data collection, addressing unique design challenges in extreme operating conditions.
  • Managed project timelines, collaborated with cross-functional teams of chemists and engineers, ensured safety and compliance protocols, and documented engineering processes for scalable synthesis routes.

Consulting Specialist, Analytical Chemistry & Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Springfield, IL | February 2025 – Present
  • Optimized DOE-funded pilot lab for Linde-BASF CO₂ capture technology: resolved equipment issues through hands-on troubleshooting, validated methods, and implemented engineering modifications to systems processing industrial-scale gas streams, ensuring data accuracy and operational efficiency.
  • Led team to streamline workflows, achieving efficient operations via custom software tools for data analysis, reporting, and real-time alignment with plant conditions, directly applying mechanical engineering principles to enhance system performance and reduce downtime.
  • Conducted field testing at industrial facilities, analyzed results, and generated engineering reports, incorporating vendor coordination for component sourcing and substitutions to maintain operational continuity.

Scientific Specialist

Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Prairie Research Institute
Urbana-Champaign, IL | August 2022 – Present
  • Worked daily alongside mechanical and industrial engineers on industrial-scale water treatment systems: devised and implemented engineering solutions including custom sampling gadgets, sensor mounts, flow-control fixtures, automated data-logging rigs, and process modifications under high-pressure/high-flow conditions.
  • Led project management for operational overhauls, developing a comprehensive multi-platform software suite for statewide water treatment program, reduced reporting time by 50% for six users through dynamic solutions and automated workflows.
  • Applied engineering principles to troubleshoot persistent field and shop problems, prototype custom fixtures, fabricate and modify parts using precision measuring and hand tools, and document designs, solving operational issues that improved system reliability and efficiency.
  • Initiated and led development team for internal R&D projects involving software integration, data analytics, and hardware modifications to legacy systems.
  • Digitized historical engineering data (1970s–present) into research database, extracting technical specifications and performance metrics for process optimization analysis.

Research Specialist

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Urbana-Champaign, IL | October 2019 – August 2022
  • Applied engineering principles to design and optimize experimental setups, troubleshoot analytical instruments, and manage complex lab relocations involving delicate equipment and infrastructure planning.
  • Conducted data analysis on biochemical systems using Python and analytical software; developed automated workflows for synthesis characterization, reducing manual processing time and improving data quality.
  • Managed lab operations including equipment repair and modification, student training on technical procedures, and reporting for peer-reviewed publications.
  • Engineered reliable processes for data collection and system validation, ensuring reproducibility and accuracy across multiple experimental platforms.

Chemistry Technician

Aardsma Research & Publishing
Loda, IL | March 2017 – September 2019
  • Conducted chemical synthesis and HPLC/MS analysis, managing inventory and applying engineering troubleshooting techniques to maintain equipment and optimize analytical workflows.
  • Analyzed and reported data for research outcomes, incorporating component substitutions and modifications to experimental apparatus based on availability and performance requirements.

Analytical Chemist

Isotech Laboratories, Inc.
Urbana-Champaign, IL | June 2016 – March 2017
  • Performed isotopic analysis via mass spectrometry; developed GC methods through systematic optimization of temperature profiles, flow rates, and column selection.
  • Tracked samples through analytical workflow, ensured measurement accuracy through system calibration, and applied troubleshooting techniques to resolve instrument performance issues.