Doctor of Philosophy, Mechanical Engineering, Brigham Young University (Apr 2016)

Dissertation: “Maximizing Virtual MUCAx Engineering Design Team Performance” 

Adviser: Dr. Edward Red 

Abstract: Teams of design engineers are increasingly working as members of virtual teams, or teams whose members are distributed geographically and communicate mostly through electronic means. In addition, emerging multi-user (MU) applications engage complementary teams in synchronous design activities. These new MU tools are changing the way engineers work together. Together, these factors have created a  new and interesting environment in which engineering design teams must function.  

The work presented here lays out two major themes that teams and their managers can effectively apply to organizing and managing MU teams:
1) teams can maximize their potential productivity by determining the optimal number of teammates for a given modeling effort and by implementing a profile and team  formation system based on the principle of optimizing complementary team member characteristics; and
2) to minimize process losses, teams can implement effective strategies for working in a MU and/or virtual  setting and they can use novel new MU tools that address portions of the product development process that have previously not been addressed with such tools.

• Eagle Scout 
• Volunteer Missionary – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Trujillo, Peru (2006-2008).  Served in various leadership and training capacities.  
• Youth group leader / Sunday School teacher in local congregation (2013-2017, present)
• Adult Sunday School teacher in local congregation (2018-2019) 

• FE Certified (2012)
• UVU Online Teaching Academy Certified
• Siemens NX CAD certified 
• UVU Sculpt Mentoring Academy 
• SolidWorks CAD Certified (CSWA) 
• UVU OSP Research and Grant Writing Training course 
• Fluent Spanish

UVU ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT HUB FELLOW
(SPRING/SUMMER, 2022)

Applied for and was selected along with two other UVU faculty members to research and create content  for other UVU faculty and community members to present to students to increase environmental literacy  and awareness of issues related to sustainability. Researched and created two presentations and  accompanying learning activities and helped to review and refine content produced by other fellows (“Issues and Solutions Regarding Water Quality” and “Issues and Solutions Regarding Water Quantity”). 

FACULTY IN BUSINESS EXTERNSHIPS

– Trove Brands, Inc. (Summer 2022) 

Completed a two-week Faculty in Business (FIB) externship with Trove Brands, Inc., owner of Blender Bottle, AVANA, Owala, etc. Participated in brainstorming, design, fabrication, and testing of new products  and made final presentation to design staff and senior management (including CEO and founders). Sought  to establish connection with company and UVU to enhance internship and employment opportunities for  UVU students. Gained skills and insights to enhance course content during the semester.  

– U.S. Synthetic (Summer 2024 & 2025) 

Completed two one month FIB externships with U.S. Synthetic, working to analyze and develop mitigation  strategies for excessive noise on factory floor. Worked with full-time employees to research sources of  noise in facilities using multiple measurement techniques and then develop and validate methods to  mitigate unwanted noise. Included noise measurement with various tools, CAD, design for manufacturing  and assembly, coordinating with various engineers, managers, and line workers. Presented findings to  various groups of stakeholders from hourly employees to upper management. Gained experiences, skills, and insights to share with UVU students.

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
(WINTER SEMESTER 2016)

Substitute Instructor, Math 1050 Course

Engaged students in discussion of mathematical concepts. Elicited questions and provided explanations. Attempted to instill enthusiasm for material presented and  encourage students.

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY – IDAHO NEWSPAPER
(2009-2010)

Editor of Campus section

Trained and led staff of 10 students in weekly publication of largest section of  university newspaper. Never missed a deadline.

Statistician

Analyzed and interpreted data for four  sections of newspaper. Scholarship staff reporter.