Detailed Education
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This is a more detailed list is my educational experiences. I apologize for
its length, but it seemed better to include all the classes and sort them well,
than to arbitrarily select which classes to show. Schools are in reverse
chronological order.
University of Michigan (Fall 1997 - Present)
Degrees received: Masters of Science, Mechanical Engineering
My studies here have focused primarily on control theory, in many of its forms.
This has involved a lot of theory, exposure to many forms of control and ideas
about control, with in-depth study of the theory of discrete-event control and
substantial research in human factors. This
is largely what my
work at the university has concentrated
on.
Course Work by subject:
- Control Theory:
- Digital Control Theory (MEAM 561, Fall 1997): The study of discrete-time effects on controls.
- Linear Control Theory (MEAM 564, Fall 1997): The mathematical theory behind continuous linear
control.
- Non-linear Control Theory (EECS562, Winter 1997): Analysis and control of non-linear systems.
Lyapunov stability, existence and uniqueness of solutions, control concepts.
- Advanced Linear Control Theory (EECS565, Winter 1997): Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO)
systems, optimal control, advanced
linear topics.
- Discrete Event Systems (EECS 661, Fall 1998): The study of discrete-event systems. Including
Petri-nets, finite state machines, supervisory control theory, with an introduction to
timed systems and Markov chains.
- Adaptive Control Theory (MEAM 661, Fall 1998): Adaptive control systems. Model reference
adaptive control, Recursive least squares (RLS) estimation, and tuning algorithms.
- Control of Machining Systems (MEAM 584: Winter 1999): Control theory as applied to machining
systems, including contour control, introduction to G-code, and machining-specific
concerns.
- Other Technical Courses:
- System Modeling (MEAM 560, Fall 1997): Introduction to dynamic system modeling concepts
with an emphasis on the technique of bond graphs.
- Non-linear System Analysis (MATH 558, Winter 1999): A mathematical treatment of non-linear systems,
including bifurcation, stability, discrete-time systems, chaos, and limit cycles.
- Introduction to Topology (MATH 590, Fall 1999):
Introduction to topology, largely focusing of proofs and counterexamples.
- Analytic and Computational Dynamics (MEAM 543, Winter 2000):
Methods to examine system dynamics analytically (using Lagrangian
methods) and via simulation (using Matlab). Includes the strengths
and weaknesses of each method.
- Time Series Analysis (MEAM 563, Fall 2000):
Methods to analyze discrete time data series, with a focus
on deriving models and using those models to predict future data.
- Other Courses:
- Organizational Design (Organizational Behavior 624/265, Fall 1999):
Methods of analyzing the relationship networks that exist within
organizations, as well as methods of improving them.
- Basic Drawing I (Art 115, Winter 2000)
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California Institute of Technology (Fall 1993 - Spring 1997)
Degrees received: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Graduating from Caltech remains one of proudest accomplishments, and I
believe one of the most influential as well. There I was taught not only the
necessities of engineering, but also given a strong background in mathematics and the
sciences. In addition, I learned how to work very hard, and still find time to
enjoy life, as I attempt to explain in the
activities
section of this resume.
Course Work by subject (within subject chronologically):
- Mechanical Engineering:
- Statics and Dynamics (Applied Materials 35): Static mechanics, structural mechanics,
and dynamics.
- Thermodynamics (Mech. Eng. 18): Basic Thermodynamics
- Fluid Flow (Mech. Eng. 19): Basic fluid flow, including incompressible, compressible,
channel flows, supersonic flows etc.
- Intro. Material Science (Material Science 15): Introduction to crystal structures,
basics of material science.
- Heat Transfer (Mech. Eng. 20): Heat transfer methods and applications, for conductive,
convective, and radiative heat transfer. Simple time-varying heat transfer.
- Design (Mech. Eng. 71): Methods of project design, including 3 projects and
machine shop training. My final project was a stand to hold a 13" TV under my loft.
It included an 11' track which rolled under the loft, a swivel, and adjustable tilt joint.
- Design Contest (Mech. Eng. 72): This class was an extension of ME71. We were
given an open ended contest problem, and instructed to create a device to compete
in the contest. A good lesson in planning, goal-setting, and creative problem-solving.
- Kinematics (Mech. Eng. 70): Basic kinematic design and analysis.
- Senior Experiments (Mech. Eng. 96): Experimental methods as applied to two experiments.
We validated the stresses in a beam using strain gauges across a Wheatstone bridge, and
designed a state feedback controller for an inverted pendulum system.
- Intro to CAD (Mech. Eng. 177): Basics of CAD design using Ideas.
- Other Engineering:
- Basic Digital Design (EE/CS 4): Basic digital systems design. Included logic
simplification, programmable read-only memory (PROM) design, simple simulations.
- Basic Programming (CS 1): Basic computer programming in C. Included program
assignments as well as software engineering concepts.
- Intro to Engineering Methods (Eng. 5): Sample projects to demonstrate engineering
methods on real systems.
- Analog Electronics (EE14 abc): Necessities of analog electronics. Including
linear electronics, transistors analysis, and filter design as well as weekly lab
sessions where we tested electronics with digital oscilloscopes.
- Digital Programming (EE/CS 51): Construction of a TDD (telecommunications
device for the deaf) by programming a project board utilizing an Intel 8086
processor in assembly.
- Digital Programming and Assembly (EE/CS 52): Similar to the previous class
but the project was a digital oscilloscope, and the board needed to be
designed, assembled, and programmed. (Note that my project did not work,
and I eventually failed. However, I still consider it one of my best experiences
at Caltech.)
- Basic Control Theory (Control and Dynamical Systems 110ab) An introduction to linear
control theory. My first experience with this sort of thing, and I saw a
huge potential here. To some degree, my graduate work is an extension of this.
- Control Project (Control and Dynamical Systems 111) A project class in controls.
In groups of three, we designed a variety of controllers for the Caltech
Ducted Fan, learning about loop shaping, LQR, and feedback linearization controllers,
as well as the excitement of actually trying to make a controller work on a physical system.
- Technical Presenting A good class about how to give a good technical presentation. It
stressed organization, content (especially tailoring content for the audience) and time
constraints. We also covered the basics of introductions and how to handle presentation materials.
- Mathematics:
- Calculus 1 (Ma 1 abc): Freshman mathematics. We began by defining an operation
and calling it addition, went through differentiation, integration, limits,
basic complex numbers, sequences and more. Concentration
was on mathematical thought and proofs.
- Calculus 2 (Ma 2 abc): Sophomore Mathematics. Linear algebra, differential equations,
and probability. Again focusing on mathematical thought and proofs.
- Applied Math (AMa 95 abc): Mathematical methods of solving differential
equations, difference equations, complex number theory and application, Cauchy-Rieman
spaces and solutions to complex integrals.
- Hard Science:
- Chemistry (Chem 1 abc): Freshman chemistry. Basic chemical processes, kinetics
simple organic chemistry.
- Physics 1 (Phys 1 abc): Freshman Physics. Mechanics, electricity, magnetism,
Special Relativity.
- Physics Laboratory (Phys 171): Physics labs to accompany the electricity
portion of phys 1. Included building a low voltage power supply, a microwave
transmitter, and a high voltage power supply.
- Chem Lab (Chem 3): Chemistry laboratory. Focused on experimental methods,
verifying hypothesis, and accurate experimental note taking.
- Physics 2 (Phys 2 abc): Sophomore physics. Included waves, quantum mechanics,
and statistical physics. (Thermodynamics).
- Humanities and Social Sciences:
These classes come with not too much explanation. They were all very good for me, and
broadened my mind. However, I do not believe that too many of my marketable skills
are derived directly from these classes.
- Morality, Society and Politics (Hum. 10a)
- American Society and Politics (Hum. 7b)
- Cooperative Game Theory (Ec. 101)
- Ancient Chinese History (Hist. 133)
- Introduction to Political Science (Poli. Sci 12)
- Monetary Theory (Ec. 162)
- Introduction to Economics (Ec. 11)
- Legislative Processes (Poli. Sci. 121)
- Offensive Literature (Hum. 141a)
- Accounting (Business, Economics and Management 101)
- The Great War (Hist. 113)
- Introductory Psychology (Psych. 15)
- Other Classes
These classes were mostly for entertainment. None of them added to my overall stress,
which is important from time to time.
- Choir
- Fencing
- Walleyball
- Swimming
- Scuba diving
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