John Michael Dawson
*******@**.*** Oakton, VA
Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech): Blacksburg, VA September 2016-May 2020 BS in Materials Science and Engineering with a focus in Nuclear Materials and a minor in Green Engineering
• Overall GPA 3.32, In-major GPA 3.48, Dean’s List: Fall 2018 – Spring 2020 Engineer-In-Training Designation (EIT): Virginia October 2020 Work Experience
Dominion Engineering, Inc. – Applied Engineering and Research Center: Reston, VA August 2020-Present Materials Engineering Technician - Contractor
• Lead investigator in the application and analysis of hydrophobic filming products on metal coupons in an effort to extend the lifespan of nuclear power plant components. o Conducted hands-on, laboratory work to develop a specific procedure for the filming of coupons by experimenting with the overall chemistry and process for its applications. o Developed custom equipment to fit the project needs and improve measurement capabilities. o Authored a laboratory quality assurance procedure for the use of a Drop Shape Analyzer (DSA) to measure the contact angle between a water droplet and the surface of a specimen. o Using the DSA, conducted contact angle measurements to characterize the hydrophobicity of the film on the metal coupon’s surface.
o Researched and purchased specialized equipment and lab materials ($10,000+). o Tracked all data and observations in lab notebooks and Excel worksheets. o Informed findings with vendors, clients, and senior engineers through presentations and reports.
• Researched various topics related to materials science and nuclear power plant operations. o Reviewed hundreds of primary sources to compile material property and behavior data into an Excel database. o Reported on the use of Diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) in fossil fuel and nuclear steam cycles as an alternate oxygen scavenger for hydrazine.
o Researched spent nuclear fuel storage systems and design features and compiled the data into an Excel database.
• Edited several pieces of literature for eventual publication. o Assisted in the revision and review of the 2020 EPRI Materials Handbook and the XI Nonmandatory Appendix for Crack Growth Curves.
o Formatted a paper for submission to Corrosion.
• Conducted established laboratory procedures.
o Manufactured pellets with specific chemistries
o Conducted tensile and hardness testing to characterize mechanical properties. o Conducted a leak rate test to detect through-wall cracks in metal coupons. o Used an assortment of standard workshop and lab tools and equipment to accomplish daily tasks. Roanoke Cement Company, Titan America LLC: Troutville, VA January 2019-August 2019 Quality Engineer Intern
• Collected samples of raw materials and cement at various stages of production and tested to ensure the product met quality and environmental standards.
• Conducted a plant audit where samples were collected continuously over a 24-hour period.
• Participated in a waste audit team to create a plan to minimize waste and improve recycling.
• Responsible for testing samples from potential suppliers to assist in determining their viability as a raw material. CSI: Create. Solve. Innovate. LLC: Blacksburg, VA June 2018-December 2018 Research Intern
• Researched emerging topics related to materials science and engineering and new product development. Relevant Coursework, Major Projects, and Skills
• Relevant Coursework: Calculus (I/II/III), Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Chemistry (I/II), Physics (I/II), Statics, Deformable Bodies, Mechanical Behavior of Materials, Thermodynamics, Transport Phenomena, Design of Experiments, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Nuclear Engineering (I/II), Materials Science (I/II), Metallurgy, Electronic Materials, Ceramics, Polymer Engineering, Corrosion of Materials, Material Selection and Design, Life Cycle Assessment.
• Senior Design Project: Designed a polymer ligament that could act as a suitable replacement to current ACL grafts.
• Other Projects: Designed a medical delivery drone using Inventor Professional and a laser cutter. Created an indestructible ceramic mug that was used in a competition against other universities as part of the Materials Engineering Professional Society (MEPS) Design Team.
• Software Skills: COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, Autodesk Inventor, Mathematica, Microsoft Office suite, Python
• Hardware Skills: Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Tensile Testing (Instron), Drop Shape Analysis, Hardness Testing, Microscopy, Drill Press, Non-Destructive Testing, Swagelok®
• Other Skills: Technical Research and Writing, Presenting, Teamwork, Continuous Learning, Communication Additional Activities and Volunteer Service
North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity- Epsilon Chapter
Boy Scouts of America – Eagle Scout