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EDUCATION  

University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Architectural Engineering Program – Acoustics, Ph.D. May 2006

  • Thesis Topic: Characterization and analysis of the architectural parameter effects in dedicated coupled volume systems – two or more spaces connected by a series of acoustically transparent apertures

Grinnell College, Physics/Gender & Women’s Studies Concentration, B.A. 2001

  • Capstone Topic: Single bubble sonoluminescence – brief flashes of light caused by the cavitation of gas bubbles in a fluid due to the oscillation of an acoustic field

University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia, Butler University Semester Abroad Program, 2000

 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Instructor, Vassar College, 2007-present

  • Science of Sound (PHYS 110 / 180
  • Fundamentals of Physics II (PHYS 114)
  • Fundamentals of Physics IILaboratory (PHYS 114L)
  • Modern Physics (PHYS 200)
  • Electromagnetism I (PHYS 240)
  • Advanced Topics in Physics: Advanced Acoustics (PHYS 375)

Co-Instructor

  • Transition to Vassar (EDUC 298), Vassar College, 2009
  • Advanced Noise Control (AREN 830) , University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 2005

Guest-Lecturer

  • Topics in Applied Physics (PHYS 116), Vassar College, 2008-2009
  • Lighting II (AREN 4200/8200/8940) University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 2004
  • Building Environment Technical Systems II (ARCH 334) University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 2003-2004
  • Advanced Architectural Acoustics (AREN 835)University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 2002-2005

 

FELLOWSHIPS, HONORS, AND AWARDS

Ford Foundation Predoctoral Diversity Fellowship, 2003-2006

Acoustical Society of America Best Student Paper Award in Architectural Acoustics, 1st Place, Fall 2005

Newman Medalist for Merit in Architectural Acoustics, The Robert Bradford Newman Student Award Fund, 2004

Commendation, Acoustical Society of America Student Design Competition, 2004

Acoustical Society of America Graduate Fellowship for Minorities, 2002-2003

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

NSF Regional Grants Conference, Omaha, NE, Attendee, 2008

American Association of Physics Teachers Workshop for New Physics and Astronomy Faculty, Workshop Participant, 2007

Preparing Future Faculty, Fellow, 2005-2006
 
WORK EXPERIENCE

Vassar College, Assistant Professor of Physics, 2007-present

  • Develop and teach undergraduate courses in Physics + Astronomy, Media Studies, Cognitive Science, and Education
  • Establish and maintain an externally funded research program in acoustics, and provide service to Vassar College, professional societies, and the community at large

BRC Acoustics & Technology, Seattle, Acoustical Consultant, 2006-2007

  • Analyzed and provided recommendations for room acoustics and sound isolation issues in several projects including office buildings, multi-family housing units, higher education facilities, and houses of worship.
  • Modeled outdoor sound propagation scenarios for environmental and industrial noise sources
  • Detected and evaluated ultrasonic noise levels in a cancer research center animal facility
  • Researched and instituted new office-wide standard for open plan office acoustic design
  • Drafted scope of service proposals and budget requirements for several projects

Talaske Inc., Chicago, Sub-Contracted Consultant, 2004-2005

  • Tested and mapped the response of the Pritzker Music Pavilion outdoor sound reinforcement/ enhancement system
  • Conducted stage acoustics and orchestra riser vibration response measurements and analysis for the Pritzker Pavilion
  • Measured and analyzed speech intelligibility and room acoustics parameters of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater

PMK Consultants, Dallas, Intern, 2004

  • Designed room acoustics for 30-seat movie theater based on THX audio system criteria
  • Provided room acoustics design and noise control analysis for critical spaces in the proposed Dallas W Hotel, including the multi-level ‘Sky-Bar’ Nightclub
  • Contributed to the investigation of the room acoustics and computer model of the Cirque Du Soleil – Ka Theater at MGM Grand in Las Vegas

Central Acoustics, Omaha, Consultant, 2001-2004

  • Evaluated an existing atrium space for acoustic retrofit, including background noise attenuation, reverberation time reduction, and sound reinforcement system modification
  • Surveyed on-site environmental sound levels for proposed outdoor amphitheater

Arup Acoustics, Los Angeles, Intern, 1999 & 2000

  • Executed several acoustical engineering processes, including HVAC noise analysis, room to room sound attenuation analysis, room acoustic design, and environmental noise control
  • Computed room acoustics data for the UCLA Westwood Auditorium using the CATT computer modeling program
  • Developed a general algorithm for characterizing floor structure vibrations in commercial buildings for specific structural variables, such as standard bay sizes and beam dimensions
  • Measured and compiled sound level and vibration data for worldwide company database
  • Mentored a new intern and assisted him in learning the basic techniques of acoustical engineering

 

TECHNICAL AND SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Acoustics and Audio Software

Other Software
 
 

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), Member, 2006-present

National Society of Hispanic Physicists, Member, 2006-present

Acoustical Society of America (ASA), Full Member (promoted 2008), 2001-present

  • Diversity in Acoustics Committee, Founding Member, 2008-present
  • Education in Acoustics Committee, Member, 2007-present
    • Hands-On Workshop for High School Students, Demonstration Leader, 2003-present
  • Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics, Member, 2001-present
    • TCAA Technical Program Organizer, 2009
    • Co-organizer of TCAA Student Design Competition,2008
    • TCAA Technical Session, 2004+2009
  • Student Council, Architectural Acoustics Representative, 2001-2006
    • Chair, 2003-2005
    • Website Designer, 2003-2006
  • Women in Acoustics Committee, Member & Website Designer, 2001-2006
  • Technical Committee on Architectural Acoustics Session Chair, Fall 2004
  • On-Line Education in Acoustics Committee, Member, 2002-2004
  • ASA Student Chapter, 2003-2006
    • Aided in developing the procedure for implementing Acoustical Society of America student chapters and served on planning committee for establishing the pilot student chapter
    • University of Nebraska ASA Student Chapter, Event Coordinator, 2004-present

Audio Engineering Society (AES), Member, 2005-present

  • AES Standards Working Group SC-04-01 (Acoustics and Sound Source Modeling), Member, 2008-present

American Institute of Physics – Physics Today Career Network Advisory Committee, Committee Member, 2007-present

Peer-Reviewed Publications, Reviewer

 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Admissions Volunteer, Grinnell College, 2005-present

Volunteer Class Fund Director, Grinnell College, 2006-2007

Workshop Leader, “Public Advocacy of Marginalized Communities,” Ford Foundation Diversity Fellows Conference, 2006

Application Workshop Volunteer, KIPP DC: KEY Academy, October 2006

  • Assisted middle school students from under-resourced communities complete high school applications

HIV Test-Site Volunteer Supervisor, Nebraska Aids Project, 2003-2006

  • Volunteer of the Year, 2005
  • Red Ribbon Award Nominee, 2004

Volunteer Graphic/Web Designer, 2002-2005

  • Seattle Men's Chorus, 2006
  • Rowland Unified School District Founder’s Day Celebration, 2005
  • Nebraska Aids Project, 2002-2004

Volunteer Acoustical Consultant, 2002

Student Advisor, Grinnell Science Project – Grinnell College, 2000

  • Served as peer mentor for minorities and underrepresented students in the sciences