I have a technical background with a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)(1st Class), a Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Below is a summary of my professional experiences. I have worked in diverse industry sectors and I believe this is one of my strengths. I have made seamless transitions which highlights the strength of my resolve.
I joined the Royal Australian Navy in 1987 as an apprentice Aircraft Technician after completing my HSC in 1986. My first two years were spent learning the theory associated with my trade. I studied and developed skills in areas such as fitting and machining, sheetmetal fabrication, internal combustion engine mechanics, gas turbine engine mechanics, theory of flight, avionics to name just a few. In 1989 I was posted to HMAS Albatross, Nowra. Here I completed my trade training via on-the-job experience, some sea time, and conducting routine and specialised maintenance on AS350B helicopters. 
I was also volunteered to work on historical aircraft (e.g. Grumman Tracker, Westland Wessex, Bell Iroquois and Bell-47). It was during this time I decided to attend the local TAFE 3 nights per and I studied Maths and Physics. To my surprise I did very well considering I never liked school. I was recommended for a Defence Force Engineering Scholarship. After a process lasting 12 months – which included aptitude, psychometric, psychological and interview based testing I was one of SIX people accepted into the scheme (out of approximately +100 applicants Navy wide).
In 1992 I commenced an Associate Diploma in Computing and Physics as a precursor to my Engineering Studies and Commission to Naval Officer. At the start of 1993 I commenced my Mechanical Engineering degree and finished with First Class Honours (top 10), with a High Distinction in my final year project. During my University years I was required by the Navy to undergo on-the-job training via several stints at sea. On these occasions I participated in ships routines, maintenance, public relations activities and many other valuable experiences.
By 1997 I was Assistant Marine Engineering Officer (A/MEO) on HMAS Brisbane. I was jointly in-charge of an engineering department of 60 personnel. HMAS Brisbane had a ship’s company of 300 men and was one of the last remaining steam driven ships in the Australian Fleet. On the Brisbane I managed and supervised maintenance schedules for ship based engineering systems including main and auxiliary engines (General Electric Marine Main-Propulsion Steam Turbine 70,000 BHP and Ships Service Turbine Generator set), refrigeration/air conditioning, essential services (e.g. sewerage) and hull/super structure. I also performed inspections, maintenance and analysis of boilers and associated equipment (economisers, heat exchangers, auxiliary pumps etc. ) including NDIs. I problem solved in damage control exercises, drills and real life events, conducted personnel evaluation reports and participated in a multitude of management committees.
After over a decade in the Navy I left for further study; completing a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering. During my Masters I worked nights and weekends in hospitality but then won another scholarship (Australian Post Graduate Award) to study towards my PhD. My PhD was completed concurrent to working in a medial research laboratory situated on the grounds of a large hospital. I was a member of the lab from 1999 until I left in 2006. At the time of my departure I was a senior member of staff. My major duties included helping to manage the everyday workings of the laboratory, conducting, leading and driving projects and research teams on a multitude of topics. I was involved in product design, test consultation, failure analysis with multi-national companies. I performed mechanical tests on a whole range of materials including ligaments, tendon, bone, medical grade polymers and alloys. Due to my hands-on experience I managed all the laboratory equipment maintenance schedules. I also supervised and mentored Post-Graduate Students.
Some of my achievements whilst at the laboratory were initiating Foot and Ankle research leading to an increased network of surgical expertise, improved and expanded an implant failure analysis program with international involvement – including fractography, SEM, material science, tribology and histology. I also published several works in peer reviewed journals and attended international conferences. I completed my PhD with a thesis entitled, “Ankle Biomechanics and the Implications for Ankle Arthroplasty”. For a short while I was probably Australia’s foremost authority on ankle biomechanics as they applied to arthroplasty.
My next role was a contract as a Test Manager in the consumer goods and manufacturing sector. I led and coordinated product development testing, evaluation and standards adherence. This included establishing cost effective test procedures for all products, controlling expenditure for work unit, validation of designs and parts from suppliers via field and life testing, develop and test products, prepare test reports and control/chair meetings, problem solve and failure analysis for internal customers and of outsourced components. I established an FMEA process (Failure Modes Evaluation Analysis) – not previously attempted at the company, I created new laboratory management systems and division of labour and I instituted a higher level of professionalism via continuing education programs. My contract was extended and then I was offered a role at a medical device company.
In this role I analysed and solved design issues. I gave ongoing support to all current design and development projects. My activities included (but were certainly not limited to): understanding design requirements, identifying design and manufacturing solutions, manage design partners and suppliers, prepare design documentation, problem solve, Failure and Root Cause Analysis and FMEAs, formulate detailed design and verification activities. I was instrumental in introducing HALT to the company. HALT is Highly Accelerated Life Testing and is a technique gaining prominence amongst world leaders in miniature and consumer electronics. HALT is known to improve the in-field reliability of mechano-electrical systems. My team, via HALT and other innovations, improved product reliability and decreased field returns. I managed several successful projects and improved the company profile through site visits and presentations. I was tasked with the job of travelling through America (the company’s Largest Market) to explain our innovations and to communicate to field staff and customers about our ongoing commitment to them. Upon my return I was offered a permanent role in the American head office which I declined, even though it was a golden opportunity. I then left the company. My decision not to take the US role and leave was because of the company’s continuing reluctance to recognise people’s value to the organisation. On the one hand they were saying the company “could not afford” payrises yet with the other hand they were handing out bonuses worth much much more than my annual salary to executives. Hypocrisy at its grandest.
Now I walk to my office at an engineering consultancy which means I can sometimes pick up my youngest from pre-school – that’s something we both enjoy. Reflecting on my last 20+ years I would have to say that my strengths are problem solving, failure analysis, generating ideas, motivating others and, systems thinking.