Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
August 2019 - Present
- Specialized in thermal and fluid simulations of complex mechanical systems, leading design and analysis efforts across large‐scale infrastructure projects valued at $15M+
- Managed cross‐functional teams of up to 6 engineers across mechanical, structural, and architectural disciplines, completing work ahead of schedule and under budget
- Authored 30+ technical proposals, incorporating detailed internal budgets, project phasing schedules, and comprehensive task plans for diverse engineering services and securing over $2M in awarded contracts annually
Notable Projects
- Fusion Reactor Cooling System Design and Assessment
- Conducted 3D STAR-CCM+ simulations of coolant channels under EM heating, identifying thermal hotspots and improving steady/transient performance
- Proposed flow re-routing strategy that improved heat transfer efficiency by 35%, enhancing thermal margin across the channel geometry
- Automated parametric simulations with Java-based scripting, improving analysis turnaround time by 200% and enabling rapid sensitivity studies
- Fission Reactor Seismic Loading Assessment
- Simulated two-phase flow behavior during seismic disturbances using STAR-CCM+ to validate compliance with ASME and NRC thermal safety criteria
- Achieved 15% flow rate gain by redesigning piping layout, improving cooling capacity during peak seismic loads
- Airport Parking Garage Natural Ventilation Design and Assessment
- Designed a natural ventilation system using STAR‐CCM+ simulations that eliminated the need for mechanical HVAC systems, saving $5M in project costs while maintaining air quality standards
- Executed transient 3D CFD simulations during peak traffic hours to size inlet openings, decreasing peak pollutant concentration by 40% over baseline design
- Large-Scale Museum Condensation Risk and Occupant Comfort Assessment
- Evaluated 18,000 sq. ft. internal environment for condensation and thermal comfort using detailed air movement and moisture load modeling
- Reduced glazing condensation risk by 68% through air supply optimization and stratification mitigation
- Residential Condensation Risk Assessment
- Conducted 3D steady-state thermal simulation using ANSYS for 96,000 sq. ft. residential structure to identify high-risk surfaces
- Reduced condensation exposure from baseline to 35 nonconsecutive hours/year through convection coefficient sensitivity analysis and roofing buildup redesign
CFD Undergraduate Researcher: University of Alabama
May 2018 - August 2018
- Developed and validated a transient CFD model of in‐cylinder tumble flow for a 2.4L Chrysler Cirrus engine using particle image velocimetry, achieving 80% agreement with measured flow fields and validating intake port design
- Presented research at the 71st APS Division of Fluid Dynamics conference, showcasing model accuracy in predicting tumble numbers and velocity vector fields within a 95% confidence interval
FEA Engineering Intern: Harris Corporation
May 2017 - August 2017
- Modeled and physically tested radar jammer components to meet structural, vibrational, and thermal criteria using ANSYS Mechanical APDL and CREO Parametric, integrating component design into the overall assembly