Engineering Educator

APPAJOSULA YASHODHARA RAO “Yashu” (Ph.D.)

PERSONAL INFO: Houston, TX 77018

Tel : 301-***-****(Cell)

E-mail : *****.******@*****.***

OBJECTIVE:

Highly Driven, student-centered, and passionate engineering educator, seeking faculty and teaching opportunities in academic institutions. Dynamic and adaptable professional, with over 5+ years of experience in STEM and subject matter expertise in Engineering, Materials Science, Energy Sciences, and Natural Sciences and over 3+ years of experience in Entrepreneurship Education. Specialized skills in scientific lab management, student recruitment, mentorship, career counseling and workforce development.

Over 5+ years of experience in Academic Administration, classroom management, and teaching at the College and University Level. 4+ Years of experience in Program Management and Executive Leadership, 5+ Years of experience in Professional Development, 5+ Years of experience in Organizational Partnerships.

Additional Skills Include: Multi-lingual (English, Spanish, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi), Teaching at University and College Level, Technical Proficiency, Innovation and Creativity, Professional Development and Training, Career Development and Workforce, Engineering Education, Academic management, Leadership, Student Services, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Logical, Critical, and Analytic Skills and Problem Solving, Excellent Oral Communication Skills and Public Speaking.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, August 2021—Ph.D. Materials Science & Engineering/ Nuclear Science

U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification, May 2023

Certified COABE Entrepreneurship Educator, March 2023

Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, Dec. 2016— M.S. Materials Science & Engineering

University Of Maryland, College Park, Dec. 2014 – B.S. Chemistry

Certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Dec. 2014

WORK EXPERIENCE:

1.Technical Project Officer, Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Project Management Division – (August 2023- Present)

●Provided technical analysis on carbon management, carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration, transportation, including carbon capture technology

●Provided financial analysis on transportation and storage options

●Conducted compliance reviews and merit reviews on technical aspects of projects

●Managed multimillion dollar projects in the large-scale pilot's provision

●Advised and supported DOE and Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations officials on project management activities

●Supported data and records management activities including being the training coordinator for the provision and the Salesforce Integration lead for the provision

●Supported development of project management processes and procedures including data and schedule tracking and producing RACI and Gantt Charts

●Designed project proposals with defined goals and objectives

●Developed operating plans, schedules and budgets for assigned project or program

●Directed and coordinated the execution of programs/projects through interaction with appropriate DOE organizations stakeholders, and supporting contractors

●Ensured early identification and mitigation of cost, schedule, and/or technology risks supporting on-site monitoring of projects

●Prepared reports on project progress and presented to leadership and cross divisionally

●OCED Recruitment efforts at National Conferences

2.Career Navigator & Coach, EdOpp Solutions (March 2023 – Present)

●Supported student services and career coaching to Adult students

●Lead the enrollment services department and the workforce development initiatives

●Interacted with students on a daily basis through every phase of their academic journey: assisting them before enrollment, through enrollment, through classes, and post graduation

●Supported students in their trajectory to secure jobs and/or higher education after program completion

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

3.University of Florida, Materials Science Engineering Department, Instructional Faculty

(Sept. 2021-December 2021)

●Developed curriculum for departmental survey course to support students with the basic understanding of material science engineering and promote talent recruitment.

●Exposed and cultivated young student curiosity and creativity in Science and Engineering projects by developing interactive activities

●Facilitated a safe working environment for students, helping students work through the experimental set ups, answering questions for students, and mentoring during final presentations.

●Performed demos and science experiments as well as supported students with their research projects using the scientific method.

●Called in to participate in K-12 STEM initiatives in Alachua County, including hosting information sessions, STEM Demonstrations and presentations, and Judging science fairs

4.M.A.N.A.T.E.E Research Group, Nuclear Materials, Doctoral Researcher at University of Florida- Materials Science Engineering Department, (Sept. 2017-Aug. 2021)

●Conducted doctoral research in Stress Corrosion Cracking for Nuclear Material application

●Trained and mentored undergraduate students in areas of clean energy, specifically, Nuclear Energy applications

●Managed and supervised laboratory in compliance with safety standards

●Developed Standard operating procedures (SOP)

●Developed proposals and applied for grant funding

●Produced quarterly reports and presented to board and committee

●Monitored compliance standards and supervised inspections

●Consulted with vendors and businesses on valuable equipment purchases for the research

●Trained colleagues and undergraduate students on appropriate lab procedures

●Project management to develop a plan and execute: Including skills such as data driven decision making, producing Gantt Chart, producing SWOT Analysis, and public speaking

5.University of Florida, Materials Science Engineering Department, Graduate Teaching Assistant (Sept. 2018-Aug. 2021)

●Instructed and Managed Undergraduate Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior materials science engineering courses and Labs. Duties included training students on specialized Material testing equipment, bridging students course knowledge with experiments being conducted in lab, facilitating a safe working environment for students, helping students work through the requirements and expectations of the class and answering questions for students.

oFreshman course, Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering

In this course, students were educated on the origin of materials behavior and the interrelationships of structure, property and performance. Investigated Materials selection and use of familiar materials- metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials and composites in electronic, structural and other engineering applications.

oSophomore Materials Lab, Engineering Design

In this course, students were instructed through conducting experiments on the materials behavior and the interrelationships of the materials tetrahedron: structure/ property/ performance/ processing. Students were taught the value of logic and scientific methodology, in addition to industry practices of design.

oJunior Materials Lab, Materials Processing lab

In this course, students were educated on Materials selection and use of familiar material (metals, ceramics, polymers, electronic materials and composites) in electronics, structural and other engineering applications.

oSenior Materials Lab, Materials Selection and Failure Analysis lab

Students were educated about the Philosophy and practice of engineering selection of materials. Case studies in product liability and failure analysis. Students were guided to perform various material tests to study material properties, failure analysis and have a comprehensive understanding of material performance.

6.University of Florida, Materials Science Engineering Department, Lab Safety Manager & Hazardous Waste Manager (Aug. 2020-Aug. 2021)

●Enforced lab safety protocols and met Environmental Health & Safety Regulations and Radiation Standards and Regulation for M.A.N.A.T.E.E Research Group Laboratories

●Ensured Compliance of lab safety protocols by other lab group members

7.Catholic University of America, Chemistry Department, Graduate Teaching Assistant (Sept.2015-Dec.2016)

●Instructed and managed the Undergraduate Chemistry Labs for Nursing Majors and Undergraduate General Chemistry Labs. This included Facilitating a safe working environment for students, helping students work through the requirements and expectations of the class and answering questions for students during lab as well as during office hours.

●Co-managed lab preparation which included chemical preparation, equipment preparation, cleaning and stocking of supplies

8.Howard University, Chemistry Department, Instructional Assistant (Jan.2015- Jun.2015)

●Assisted in Instructing and managing Undergraduate Analytic Chemistry Instruction. This included Facilitating a safe working environment for students, helping students work through the requirements and expectations of the class and answering questions for students

9.University of Maryland, College Tutor (Sept.2012-Dec.2014)

●Tutored students for Mathematics, Chemistry, and English courses at the introductory level. Supported undergraduate students by working through problems, assisting students in homework completion by addressing their doubts and questions, and formulating practice questions for students to prepare for examinations

10.Montgomery College, Materials Science Center, Math Science Tutor (Sept.2011-Dec.2012)

●Tutored students for Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Physics courses at the introductory level. Supported undergraduate students by working through problems, assisting students in homework completion by addressing their doubts and questions, and formulating practice questions for students to prepare for examinations

OTHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE:

11.Career Empowerment Program / Career Pathways Manager, Harris County Department of Education – Adult Education (March 2022- July 2023)

●Founded the Career Empowerment Program to provide career coaching and professional development for students

●Integrated holistic wrap around services to students such as Leadership and Professional Development and Mental health services to ensure career success for students

●Created the Upskills through Life Skills initiative to provide occupational, health, financial, and digital literacy skills to students for career growth

●Formed strategic partnerships with local, state, and nation wide organizations

●Formed employer partnerships and managed the TWC Employer Engagement Grant to upskill employees

●Express12 initiative to support students and organizations and their employees on upskilling and providing resources to thrive in society

●Work with community partners and business partners to acquire funding and donations for student resources

●Supported Contact to Careers program by managing Employer Relations, Community Partner relations, and Career Advisement

●Worked with state partners and workforce centers, such as, Texas Workforce Commission, Workforce Solutions, Focal Point, and other community entities to provide valuable services for students

a.Educated students on the importance of employ-ability and supported students in their trajectory to secure jobs and/or higher education after program completion

i.Surveyed students on student goals, career aspirations and interests, and obstacles to better understand student needs and provide direction

ii.Aided in the transition of students from program to employer

iii.Educate students on vital skills of job readiness including Interviewing, resume writing, professional anxiety, financial aid, etc.

iv.Coordinate and trained instructors on career awareness and motivation

v.Assist classroom teachers with Instructional coaching and strategies

●Acquired partnership with Telemundo, T-Mobile, and Comcast on tech devices to distribute to students

12.Business/ Innovation Development and Marketing Manager, Harris County Department of Education – Adult Education (March 2022- July 2023)

●Represent the HCDE Brand locally, state and nation wide, and form organizational partnerships

●Developing opportunities through organizational partnerships

●Creating executive documentation such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

●Making Data driven decisions

●Driving intrapreneurial and innovative initiatives

●Innovative programming to assist various departments within division to improve productivity, efficiency, and drive branding as premier adult education program in the United States

●Supporting division projects directed by Assistant Superintendent and Senior Director

●Overseeing Marketing and Communications including Marketing strategic plans, content development, and analytics

●Speaking at local, state, and national conferences and events as subject matter expert

13.Professional Development Supervisor - Harris County Department of Education – Adult Education (December 2021- May 2023)

●Overseeing state regulations and ensuring Compliance standards on Professional development requirements for staff

●Developing Professional development curriculum based on consortium recommendations and programmatic needs

●Hosted trainings in areas of innovation, instructional strategies, and leadership

●Speaking at local, state, and national conferences and events as subject matter expert

●Supported Largest Adult education program in the state of Texas by providing Professional Development, Instructional Coaching and Training

●Supported the Marketing and Outreach initiatives to promote Literacy programs to most vulnerable communities

●Presented Locally, State, and Nationally on Innovative Approaches to High Impact Teaching Strategies

●Hosted Professional Development Training day, serving over 150 Employees with training

●Planned and executed Training Day

●Facilitated training sessions

●Supported growth and development of program with innovative strategies and resources

●Implemented new project plans and process improvement strategies

●Supervised instructional coaches, aides, and teachers

●Observed, evaluated, and trained teachers in their respective areas

●Initiated retention strategies and innovative initiatives to bring to the classroom

●Coordinated speakers, vendors, and community partners for events

●Supervised and managed State Required Professional Development for all employees

DIVERSITY INITIATIVES AND ENTREPRENEURIAL OUTREACH:

14.Student & Client Services- Avalon School of Massage (February 2024 – Present)

●Provided exceptional customer service for Clients, Students, Faculty, and Staff

●Attended Customer Service for Clients and Admissions Calls for prospective students

●Front Desk Management

●Data and Records Management

●Class Registration and scheduling

●Facility Monitoring

●Marketing and Outreach

15.AYR Studios, Founder & CEO (August 2020 – Present)

●Brand Development Strategy company focused to support the small business owners, non-profits, large-organizations navigate the competitive business world and elevate their branding

16.#HappyYashu Personal and Professional Development Coaching, (August 2020 – Present)

●Work with clients to develop essential, personal and professional life skills

●Supporting clients on stress management, goal setting, and strategic planning, leadership skills, employability skills

●Providing professional development trainings in subject areas such as education, technology, and innovation

●Supporting clients on processing life events, traumas, and overwhelming or stressful experiences

●Encourage and motivate clients to stay positive, focused, and determined

●Provide a unique blend of services including Therapeutic Solutions, Mentoring and traditional Coaching

17.SLIICK Relax Fit, Operational Director + Communications, Social Media & HR (January 2020 – July 2021

●Oversee daily business activities and manage the brand ambassadorship program.

●Perform Executive operation including Managing company resources, Developing and implementing an operational plan and ensuring that procedures are carried out properly and timely, Evaluating current business protocol and make necessary changes to maximize company productivity, and assessing the needs of the company and find opportunities for the company to grow and expand into other cities.

●Develop company training material and assist in strategic planning meetings with members

●Manage the advertisement content, social media content, and website maintenance

●Manage internal affairs, communication, documentation, filing, and organization

●Support budgeting, recording payments, and maintaining financial records including inventory & website sales

●Supervise other employees/and members of the network in their execution of responsibilities, provide team meetings and offer additional support and encouragement

18.National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Mentor (March 2019 – December 2022)

●Work with assigned Mentees who may be working with various degrees/forms of mental illness and assess their functionality and support, one a day-to-day basis.

●Responsibilities included checking in with them, talking to them to help them process their thoughts, taking case notes, communicating to NAMI and Parents (if applicable) and ensuring the safety and progress of mentees.

19.Manhood Youth and Development Foundation—Educator and Academic Mentor (January 2019-March 2020)

●Provided professional development for Minority youth, K-12 students

●Tutored Minority youth K-12, on their schoolwork and other important skills such as public speaking, essay writing, and SAT preparation. Subjects for tutoring generally involved Mathematics, Reading, and Science.

●Founded a Minority reading program to promote reading comprehension

●Gave presentations around Alachua County Public Schools on STEAM Education

20.University of Florida, UF Health, SHANDS – Recreation Therapy Volunteer (January 2018 – April 2020)

●Provided recreation therapy to patients from the Inpatient Psych at UF Shands to help engage them in their recovery process. Recreational Therapy activities include Arts/crafts, Motivational Speaking, Physical Movements such as exercise.

●Developed goal setting activities, presentations, brochures, and worksheets

PRESENTATIONS/RECOGNITIONS:

Speaker at National Career Pathways Network 2023

Speaker at Literacy Texas 2023

Speaker at Houston Area Alliance for Black School Educators (HAABSE) 2023

Speaker at Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) 2023

Leadership Excellence Academy Capstone Presentation 2023

Speaker at Texas Alliance for Black School Educators (TABSE) 2023

Speaker at Texas Association of Literacy and Adult Education (TALAE) 2023

Speaker Texas AEL Fall Institute 2022

Keynote Speaker, UF Women Student Association Conference 2019

Diversity in STEM Presentation for Materials Science Engineering Dept, UF, 2019, 2020, 2021

STEM Education Presentation for Alachua County Public Schools

AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

U.S. Entrepreneurship Certification, Spring 2023

Leadership Excellence Academy Scholar, Spring 2023

COABE Entrepreneurship Educator, Spring 2023

Washington Academy of Sciences – Early Career Achievement Award, Fall 2021

University of Florida, Gainesville, FL- MSE-Graduate Student Preeminence Award, Fall 2017

Patent Award From Office of Naval Research, US Navy Case No: 98861& US Patent 8,057,651B1, Nov.2011.

Gold Medal for Environmental Research Project “Evaluation of Environmentally Benign New Chemical Rust Removing Agent” International Sustainable World (Energy, Engineering and Environment) Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP), Houston, TX, April, 2009.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

University of Florida, MSE Graduate Student Preeminence Award, Fall 2017-Summer 2021

University of Florida, Graduate Teaching Assistantship Fall 2018-Spring 2021

Catholic University of America, Graduate Fellowship, Fall 2015 – Fall 2016

Catholic University of America, Graduate Teaching Assistantship (Dept Of Chemistry

Howard University, Tuition Scholarship for Summer 2015

Office of Naval Research NREIP Internship – 2013, 2014

Board of Trustees Merit Scholarship (BOT) Montgomery College – 2009

Office of Naval Research SEAP Internship – 2009, 2010

Organizations /Extracurricular Activities:

HAABSE, TABSE, NABSE

AEL Fall Institute, TABSE, TALAE, COABE – Speaker – Innovative Approaches to High Impact Teaching Strategies

Leadership Education Academy 2022-2023

Coalition on Adult Basic Education - Online Entrepreneurship Institute for Adult Educators & Service Providers

Teacher Connection Professional Learning Network

University of Florida Society for Women Engineers (UF SWE)

University of Florida Women in Science and Engineering (UF WISE)

University of Florida STEM TLC (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Teaching Learning Community)

Asha for Education Florida Chapter (Non-Profit) – President (August 2019 – August 2020)

National alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) GNV

Columnist for India Currents Magazine

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