In 2013, I worked for Siemens Power Supply Group for about two years. Later, in 2018, I joined the Instrumentation group and have been back at BNL for a little over six years now.

What is the focus of your work on the sPHENIX experiment?

I have experience in learning and upgrading old instrumentation systems, and also helped with projects such as BNNT, BIF and Diamond Detector. During the construction of sPhenix, I was assigned to help with wiring all infrastructure I/O and any other tasks required of me for a year. For Run 24/25, I will be providing technical support on a part-time basis, primarily during maintenance days and as needed for operational support.

Where were you born and what is your background before your current position?

I was born in Smithtown, NY and grew up in the Patchogue/Medford school district. After completing my education, I joined the Army in 2004 as a Forward Observer, FIST (Fire Infantry Support Team). I served two tours of duty in Southeast Baghdad, each lasting around 12 months. During my first tour, I worked closely with the infantry and supported them in their missions. During my second tour, I was part of a Personal Security Detachment (PSD) unit, providing security to high-ranking officials in our area of operation. During this tour, I was promoted to sergeant.

After leaving the Army in June 2009, I enrolled in SUNY Farmingdale to pursue a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. After graduation in 2013, I joined the Siemens Power Supply group at BNL, where I worked for almost two years. Following that, I worked as a design engineer at Beta Transformers, leading prototype projects and assisting the test department for about two years. I completed my MBA with a focus on Management and Leadership from Dowling College.

In 2015, I started working as a Field Service Engineer at IBA (Ion Beam Applications), where I worked on accelerators used in manufacturing plants worldwide. I was later promoted to installation manager. In 2018, I returned to BNL, working in the CAD Instrumentation group.

What was the most exciting/challenging project you have worked on?

Managed the installation of a 3 MeV accelerator system in the Czech Republic. This involved tracking the entire process, from building and testing in Long Island to shipping it and staying in the Czech Republic for almost four months. The sPhenix project was a close second.

How did you decide to go into your profession??

In high school, I took an electronic and computer class which I enjoyed a lot. We learned how to build computers and had weekly trips to computer associates where we got a taste of software. After completing my army service, I had to decide what to do next. I was considering either becoming a gym teacher or an Electrical Engineer. After some research, I decided to enroll in SUNY s Electrical Engineering Technology program.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with my two daughters, Scarlett and Ainsley. Recently, we started playing lacrosse together, and we practice a lot in the backyard. As they grow older, I hope to introduce them to snowboarding, which I love doing.

Fun fact?

Achieving a degree in Physics is a personal goal of mine.