I came to Creare directly from my ME doctoral program at Cornell University. My research involved experiments in turbulent combustion: developing novel laser diagnostic techniques for gaining insight into the fundamental structure of turbulent flames. Although the diagnostics that I developed were state of the art, combustion is a somewhat mature field and available jobs in combustion were with large transportation or power generation companies. I was interested in finding a job where I would have the freedom to branch into emerging technology areas that interested me, such as alternative energy and biotechnology.

During my employment search I discovered that Creare combined the independence and variety of consulting with a level of supportive services typically only found in larger companies. I was immediately attracted to the project choices and the breadth of skill and quality of colleagues with whom I would share technical challenges. Support includes machinists, technicians, and able office/operations administrators: the resources needed to make new ideas come to life.

I am also supported in learning how to develop clients and build a technology business. Upon arrival at Creare I met with my engineering colleagues about their projects, and took on assignments that were a good match for my skills and interest, and later those engineers mentored me in the process of developing my own clients and projects.

One of my early projects involved an aerosol nebulizer for delivering measles vaccines to people in developing countries. Much of the work was experimental and involved laser-based techniques for measuring aerosol properties, and I was particularly pleased to work on a project that could have such a positive impact on world health.

The variety of work at Creare has indeed allowed me to branch out into new fields. I started to work in bioastronautics, the science of keeping astronauts healthy in space. My first project involved developing technology to measure calcium loss in astronauts due to microgravity. Although this sounds far removed from combustion, I actually used a laser-diagnostic approach to making the calcium measurement. That first project in bioastronautics has branched into other areas of interest, including decompression risk during EVA, and spacecraft acoustics. I was also fortunate to fly on a KC-135 microgravity aircraft to conduct hearing sensitivity measurements.

During the first couple of years I didn’t work in combustion at all. But after my initial learning curve I was able to contribute to generating new business in combustion. On one project, we are applying the same medical nebulizer technology that was developed for the measles problem to develop vaporization systems for heavy fuels for the Army. This project involves catalytic combustion devices, an exciting emerging technology area. On another project, I am working on improving the stability of military jet engines using a modeling approach.

Overall I have found the work environment at Creare to be very enjoyable. Work is organized by project instead of by an administrative hierarchy. On one project I might be the project manager with support from a senior engineer, and on another the roles might be reversed; the excellent skills of all add to the quality of the work experience. I am also almost completely self-directed, managing my own work load. I love the freedom that this provides, but working in this environment requires a high level of motivation. The four seasons of the New England year provide an array of activities. I often recreate with co-workers after hours, cross-country skiing and playing hockey in the winter, cycling and trail running in the summer. I definitely feel that I have the best of both worlds at Creare – a diverse, independent, self-directed career, and a truly supportive work environment.

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