I have always been a storyteller of sorts, whether I am onstage performing, backstage creating the dazzling effects that bring productions to life, presenting a design concept that is compelling enough to win over everyone, or working with my fellow graduate students to improve the products people use every day. The technical expertise from my mechanical engineering background, the incorporation of human factors from my professional experiences, and the empathy and enthusiasm that theatre has instilled in me all help me to be a better designer. With this in mind, my ultimate goal is to merge my two passions of engineering and entertainment to tell great stories and create incredible experiences that can be enjoyed by all.
PROCTER & GAMBLE
Graduate Design Researcher
September 2016 - December 2016
Evanston, Illinois
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Utilized consumer feedback to prototype an improvement upon a current P&G product
GRAYHILL, INC.
Sales Engineer
December 2013 - June 2015
LaGrange, Illinois
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Designed human interfaces used in hospitals, vehicles, and the U.S. military
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Gained business expertise as liaison between sales and engineering teams
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Worked closely with clients such as GE, CAT, CNH, Audi, LifeFitness, and Phillips
JOHN DEERE
Senior Design Project: Team Leader
August 2013 - December 2013
Urbana, Illinois
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Worked with farmers to improve process of changing filters in harvesting machines
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Initiated and led team through replacement of bolts with latches
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Procedure time reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes, now one-man job
CATERPILLAR, INC.
Product Support Intern
August 2012 - December 2012
Aurora, Illinois
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Resolved shaft failures in off-highway trucks due to resonation issues, redesign entered mass production, company has saved $10 million/year since execution
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Conducted microstructure analysis on fractured parts within mining vehicles
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Located and corrected critical glitch in global tractor data extraction software
EDGE OF THE WOOD THEATRE
Prop Designer/Constructor, Theatre Mentor
September 2008 - Present
Chicago, Illinois
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Use knowledge of engineering to manufacture props for school’s productions
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Engage 70+ city high school students in immersive musical theatre program
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Master of Science, Engineering Design Innovation
September 2016 - Present
Evanston, Illinois
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Executive Board, Industry Relations Coordinator: Segal Professional Bridge
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Teacher’s Assistant: Leadership Through Design Innovation Course
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA CHAMPAIGN
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
August 2009 - December 2013
Urbana, Illinois
UNIVERSITÀ DI PISA
International Programs in Engineering, Study Abroad
May 2012
Pisa, Italy
RESUME
Education
Skills
Mechatronics (Arduino, Processing)
Programming
SolidWorks
Pro/Engineer (Wildfire, Creo)
AutoCAD
Animation
3D Printing
Prototyping
Laser Cutting
Milling
Control Systems
Vibration Analysis
Failure Analysis (FEA)
Visual Storytelling
Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Powerpoint
Languages
C, C++
MATLAB
Java
HTML5
Italian
Summary
Experience
From performer, to engineer, to product designer...
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Caterpillar Excellence in Engineering Award
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Includes tour of Peoria facilities, meetings with Vice Presidents, and $5000 scholarship
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Green Belt Six Sigma
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First Caterpillar intern to receive this honor, awarded after resonation project
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Caterpillar Brand Advocate
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Certified Engineer in Training (E.I.T.)
Awards
Hobbies
Singing
Acting
Dancing
Cooking
Traveling
Reading
Piano
Guitar
Ukulele