ABOUT ME

EDUCATION

2019-2022
2019-2022

Naval Postgraduate School

Non-Degree Coursework

  • Coursework included Fluid Mechanics and Viscous Flows, Advanced Thermodynamics, and Advanced Power and Propulsion (Turbine and Rocket Engines).

While serving as Assistant Reactor Officer on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, I decided to take advantage of asymmetric courses offered by the Naval Postgraduate School that could be completed while the ship was deployed.  Because my undergraduate degree was in Electrical Engineering, I thought advanced coursework in Mechanical Engineering topics would help round-out my professional knowledge base.  This also complimented personal pursuits in Orbital Dynamics and Spacecraft Design Fundamentals.
August 2016
August 2016

University of North Dakota

Bachelor of Science  in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)

Honors: Suma Cum Laude (3.96/4.00)
  • Coursework included embedded systems, electrical power distribution, control systems, and distributed networks.
  • Research project focused on cybersecurity vulnerability and defense of autonomous aircraft (drones).

While I was completing this course of instruction, I was working 80-hour weeks as part of an elite nuclear inspection team.  While this made for a very challenging experience, I gained a great deal of experience in time management, personal discipline, and attention to detail.
May 2012
May 2012

Naval War College

Graduate Certificate in Joint Professional Military Education

  • Coursework included Strategy & Policy, Joint Military Operations, and National Security Decision Making.

An extremely interesting collecting of academic topics, covering everything from classical history to legal aspects of military operations to crisis action planning.  Most of the instruction covered material outside of my professional experiences to date and certainly forced me to work outside of my knowledge base.  The coursework forced me to embrace new perspectives and understand leadership, planning, and operational management at much deeper levels.
October 2004
October 2004

Naval Nuclear Power School

Officer Power School and Prototype

  • Coursework included Reactor Dynamics, Radiological Fundamentals, Plant Operations, Materials Failure Analysis, Thermodynamics, and Engineering Theory.

I learned a lot about myself and how to be successful.  Through the Navy I grew up a lot since leaving Virginia Tech.  But Power School was an experience unlike any other.  The pace of instruction is unreal, covering the equivalent of two years of postgraduate studies in six months.  And between the long hours and the high-stress environment, those who make it through are forged by the process into individuals with the dedication, perseverance, and work-ethic to succeed at just about anything.
May 2000
May 2000

Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science  in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Minor in Military Leadership

 
  • Coursework reflected concentrations in Social Psychology, Physiological Psychology, and the Sociology of Total Institutions (i.e. prisons, military bootcamps, etc.)
  • Research project focused on the cognitive processes of individuals diagnosed with ADHD through the use of brainwave analysis, EKG, and hypnosis.

Admittedly, my academic performance during this period of my life was a personal low.  I knew I wanted a military career and focused much more on the military aspects of my life than my studies.  In my Junior Year I changed majors from Engineering to a double major in Psychology and Sociology.  From this experience I leaned  I needed to improve my focus and follow-through.