Quality Assurance Engineering

KIMBERLEY J. DE SOUZA

**** ****** ****** + Reno, NV 89503 +775-***-**** +

*********.*.*******@*****.***

PROCESS ENGINEER

Talented and results-driven professional with experience conducting

qualitative testing for research and development (R&D) initiatives.

Enthusiastic recent graduate with MS in Material Science and Engineering

eager to utilize and expand upon educational background. Broad knowledge of

research methodologies, data collection practices, and statistical analysis

techniques. Thorough understanding of organic synthesis, catalytic reaction

systems, and multiple analytical methods including GC-MS, and FTIR. Proven

ability to work collaboratively and complete projects within stringent

deadlines. Fluent in English, French, and Hindi. Skill set includes:

Technical Writing + Process Control + Quality Assurance + Troubleshooting +

Report Generation + Sample Preparation + Biodiesel Production +

Leadership & Teambuilding + Records Management

Technology Proficiencies: MATLAB, CHEMCAD, AUTOCAD, CHEMDRAW, Minitab,

Microsoft Office Suite

EDUCATION

MS in Material Science & Engineering + University of Nevada, Reno, NV

(2012)

Thesis: Silicotungstic Acid Anchored to Mesoporous Ciliceous Support as a

Catalyst for Production of Biodiesel

Relevant Coursework: Characterization of Materials, X-ray Diffraction,

Advanced Ceramic Engineering, Electron Microscopy, Interfacial Phenomenon,

Fundamentals of Research

BS in Chemical Engineering + University of Pune, Pune, India (2011)

Relevant Coursework: Mass Transfer, Heat Transfer, Thermodynamics, Chemical

Reaction Engineering, Process Dynamics and Control, Process Equipment

Design, Fluid Flow Operations, Unit Operations, Process Modeling and

Simulation, Project Costing and Appraisal, Technical Communication,

Catalysis, Transport Phenomenon, Chemical Plant Engineering, Process

Calculation

Senior Project: Played key role in microwave-assisted production of

biodiesel from non-edible oils such as Pongamia pinnata using base

catalysis, procuring feedstock and modifying domestic microwave oven to

reactor.

EXPERIENCE

University of Nevada, Materials and Electrochemical Research (MER) Lab +

Reno, NV 2011 to 2012

Research Assistant - Corrosion, Electrochemical Engineering, and

Spectroscopy

Enlisted to support design, engineering, R&D, and characterization of

materials for electrochemical applications in sustainable energy generation

and environmental protection. Reported to Director of MER Lab and carried

out experiments related to production of biodiesel from waste oils high in

free fatty acid content including characterization of novel solid acid

catalysts and analysis of products. Conducted qualitative tests to identify

fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) via GC-MS. Collaborated with fellow

graduate student at University of Utah to coordinate Brunauer, Emmett, and

Teller (BET) surface area analysis and performed scanning electron

microscope (SEM) imaging.

. Achieved 84.2% conversion of free fatty acid to FAME with 30% loaded

catalyst on mesoporous support.

. Proved one-step esterification method of conversion of free fatty acid to

FAME for oils high in free fatty acid content (rather than 2-step

esterification - transesterification process).

. Demonstrated that surface area of heteropoly acids can be increased by

loading on mesoporous support.

University of Nevada + Reno, NV 2011

Teaching Assistant

Provided aid for students in Process Calculation class. Proctored exams and

graded tests and homework. Supervised approximately 30 individuals and

served as resource regarding subject matter questions and issues with

assignments.

AFFILIATIONS & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

American Chemical Society (ACS)

University of Nevada Young Alumni Chapter

Young Professional Network, Reno-Tahoe Chapter

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