Graduate Student Research Engineer

USC Center of Advanced Manufacturing, Dr. Yong Chen’s Lab (Polymer Additive Manufacturing)

Los Angeles, CA

August 2025 - Present​

​

- Engineer and manufacture hardware components for a novel hybrid AM system to improve print reliability and performance

- Run characterization testing on samples, directly translating data into actionable feedback to optimize future designs

- Program custom G-code to control and troubleshoot complex electromechanical systems to print unique structures

- Fabricate complex multi-material parts with locally tunable moduli and material gradients

- Co-author research findings for lab publications

Graduate Student Research Engineer

USC Center of Advanced Manufacturing, Dr. Wen Chen’s Lab (Metal Additive Manufacturing)

Los Angeles, CA

August 2025 - Present​

​​

- Execute full-cycle metal AM workflows, from initial CAD and print prep to build, post-processing, and testing

- Conduct metallurgical analysis, polishing, chemical etching, and microscopy to evaluate melt pool and crack formation

- Leverage AM, materials science, and generative design knowledge to experiment with part/design capabilities

- Trained in metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, and Wire EDM processes

Mechanical Engineering Intern

HRL Laboratories, Center for Advanced Materials (Additive Manufacturing)

Malibu, CA

May 2023 - Dec 2023

​

- Accelerated aerospace R&D by testing experimental preceramic polymer formulas and fabricating components

- Completed end-to-end project lifecycle by building prototypes, executing validation plans, and analyzing failures to transition successful designs into low-rate production

- Resolved manufacturing bottlenecks in green-state cleaning and post-sintering polishing, establishing new lab SOPs

Forensic Fractography Researcher

Pepperdine University, Professor Holden’s Lab (Ceramic, Glass, and Bone), Federal Bureau of Investigation 

​Malibu, CA

Sep 2021 - April 2023

​

- Investigated brittle material failures and fracture markings to determine root cause and origin of complex samples

- Provided experimental analysis for an FBI investigation by simulating human bone fractures on animal bone models

- Co-developed a new academic curriculum covering glass, ceramic, plastic, and bone fracture

- Presented a poster on delayed fracture of tempered glass at Southern California Conferences for Undergraduate Research

Process Optimization Engineer Intern

Guardant Health

Redwood City, CA

May 2022 - Aug 2022

​

- Troubleshot microfluidic reagent handlers used for manufacturing oncology test kits

- Optimized the legacy automation process to scale up for future production

​

Operations Management Intern

Protective Film Solutions

Redwood City, CA

May 2021 - Aug 2021

​​

- Promoted quality control of protective film application workmanship on luxury cars

- Monitored invoice documentation and bookkeeping

- Fostered and strengthen client relations

​