About
I am a passionate and driven engineer specializing in optical and mechanical systems, with a strong background in research, design, and innovation. In October of 2024 I founded Apereon Imaging, a startup dedicated to advancing photography using innovative optical design. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and Astronomy from the University of Maryland and recently completed my Master's degree in Design Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de València.
Professional Experience:
From May 2020 to May 2021, I contributed to groundbreaking work at the MIT Haystack Observatory for the Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE), a payload on NASA's 2020 Mars Rover Perseverance. My focus was on developing fluid dynamic models of the MOXIE filter, culminating in a first-author presentation at the International Conference on Environmental Systems in 2021.
In the summer of 2021, I interned remotely with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where I developed a thermal model of the MOXIE inlet tube using Thermal Desktop integrated with AutoCAD. These roles honed my ability to collaborate across global teams, as well as to work independently and effectively in remote environments.
In summer 2023, I worked as an Optomechanical Design Engineer at Mettler Toledo Autochem in Columbia, Maryland, where I further expanded my expertise in optomechanical design and engineering.
Experience
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Inventor
Apereon Imaging LLC · Self-employed
Oct 2024 –
Present
3 mos
Sheridan, WY, United States
Founder and inventor of Apereon Imaging LLC, an optical products company. Product list of 5 potential products, with 3 patent-pending devices. Business management, IP, and design work completed in Autodesk Fusion.
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Optomechanical Design
Mettler-Toledo Autochem · Internship
Jun 2022 –
Aug 2022
2 mos
Columbia, MD, United States
Designed, prototyped, and tested a calibration device for an interferometer. Additionally completed engineering drawings using Creo for pharmaceutical tanks and other products.
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Thermal Engineer
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory · Internship
May 2021 –
Aug 2021
3 mos
Pasadena, CA, United States
Thermal modeling and analysis of the intake tube on the Mars Oxygen ISRU Experiment (MOXIE). Utilized AutoCAD with Thermal Desktop.
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CFD Researcher
MIT-Haystack Observatories · Internship
May 2020 –
May 2021
1 yrs
Westford, MA, United States
Computational Fluid Dynamic models and research using MATLAB and COMSOL to predict the rate of dust accumulation on the MOXIE filter, a payload on the Mars Perseverance rover. First author and presenter at the 2021 International Conference on Environmental Systems to present my findings.
Education
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Universitat Politecnica de Valencia
Master, Engineering Design
2023 – 2024
Activities and Societies:
Red Bull - Dia de las Alas
Thesis focused on creating an optical product that passively augments light collection by a camera or eye. Technology patent-pending.
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University of Maryland College Park
BS, Astronomy, 3.6
2018 – 2022
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University of Maryland College Park
BS, Mechanical Engineering, 3.6
2017 – 2022
Activities and Societies:
Engineers Without Borders
Licenses & Certifications
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AutoCAD Certified User
Certiport
Jan 2023 –
Present
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FE Mechanical
NCEES - National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying
Sep 2022 –
Present