B.S. Mechanical Engineering,
Penn State University, 1997
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I joined MPR Associates in August 1997 after graduating from Penn State University with a
bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. The first thing I learned about MPR is its diversity.
In my first three months at MPR, I worked on several different tasks. Right from the start I
learned about new pipe stress design techniques, so I could inform other MPR engineers about this
developing technology. This involved learning a great deal about metallurgy and chemistry above
and beyond what I learned in college.
On one of my first tasks, I worked on a project team to design a repair for a leaking heat exchanger at a power
plant. Our solution was to plug the leaking heat exchanger tube, but unique spatial limitations
necessitated a custom-designed plug and plugging procedure. I performed two distinct tasks within
the project. First, I built a full–scale wooden and PVC mock up of one–quarter of the heat
exchanger. The mock up was necessary because we needed to determine if there was enough room to
maneuver under the tube bundle (within the heat exchanger) to properly install the tube plug. I
also prepared all of the stress calculations using the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code to verify
that the plug would adequately sustain all of the design forces and environmental conditions
required for the heat exchanger. This project involved quality hands-on work and mechanical design
and analysis.
Another early project involved a lifetime failure analysis of a military class fire
extinguisher. MPR was hired to analyze the failure modes as well as the effects of the corrosive
extinguishing chemicals on the overall life expectancy. Again, the project involved stress
calculations, in conjunction with chemistry and corrosion analysis. The results of these analyses
were used to determine the lifetime expectancy and to modify the practices for their inspection
and routine maintenance for this type of extinguisher.
A third early task involved artificial intelligence and computer programming. I was
surprised how quickly you get assimilated into projects and how soon you start to make a difference.
I walked in with a mechanical engineering degree, but I checked that at the door. Now, I am a
multi-discipline engineer.
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