Nationwide Environmental & Agricultural Sensor Calibration Network
Field metrology and calibration coordination across federal lands, agricultural research networks, and industrial perimeters throughout the Lower 48 and Alaska.
Project Overview
As Field Calibration Coordinator with API Metrology (contracted to SIMCO), managed and executed multi-state NIST-traceable sensor calibrations across national parks (Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Sequoia, Shenandoah), BLM lands, agricultural test stations, and industrial facilities.
Key Technical Contributions
- Multi-Sensor Calibration: Performed field baseline calibrations and verification on dielectric probes, electromagnetic ground meters (Geonics EM31/EM34), cosmic-ray neutron sensors, and ambient gas monitors ($O_3$, $SO_2$, $NO_2$).
- SOP Standardization: Authored standardized operating procedures and training runbooks for field technicians operating in remote environments.
- Logistics & QA/QC: Managed mobile instrumentation inventories, spare sensor stocks, reference standards, and 30-day post-visit technical reporting.
Precision Vacuum Deposition & Device Fabrication Facility
High-vacuum thin-film processing, e-beam evaporation, PECVD, and helium leak testing for optical and semiconductor sensor devices in ISO Class 6 cleanrooms.
Project Overview
At Nanohmics VAC Lab, supported scientists and engineers with thin-film deposition, prototype fixture assembly, and cleanroom vacuum technology.
Key Technical Contributions
- High-Vacuum Operations: Operated and maintained turbomolecular and closed-loop cryopump systems achieving base pressures $< 1.0 \times 10^{-7}\text{ mbar}$.
- Deposition Monitoring: Monitored real-time deposition rates and total film thickness using Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) controllers.
- Vacuum Integrity: Conducted fine helium mass spectrometer leak detection (DIN EN 1779 / ISO 20485) and plasma cleaning of silicon/glass substrates.
Industrial SCADA & Instrumentation Automation Loops
Implementation of industrial sensor loops, PLC ladder logic, and SCADA monitoring systems for community gray-water and infrastructure development.
Project Overview
With the Peace Corps in Gaborone, Botswana, performed instrumentation, controls, and automation loop implementation for gray-water facilities and community infrastructure.
Key Technical Contributions
- PLC Programming & Commissioning: Configured and programmed Siemens S7-1200/S7-1500 (TIA Portal) and AutomationDirect Productivity Series controllers.
- Advanced Sensing Loops: Integrated inline oil-condition sensors, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and ultrasonic flow meters into central SCADA monitoring systems.