Eliza Lavery: FEA Engineer Stretch Assignment in Portland, OR

Developed innovative warping, knitting, dyeing, finishing and lamination SOPs to create products that met performance and regulatory specifications in textile and apparel/footwear/medical device form, while minimizing environmental and economic cost. Sourced yarn, dyes and chemicals needed for development that meet all customer specifications, such as recycled, organic, NAFTA, etc. Developed knit constructions using looping diagrams from reverse engineering existing fabric samples or based on supplier’s brief of fabrics intended end-use. Visually and electronically — using color spectrometer/Data Color — developed dye formulas for beam and jet dye applications. Collaborated with Nike, Under Armor, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare to develop quality requirements, standards, and methods to ensure quality and reliability of material in apparel/footwear/medical device applications. ? Facilitated team collaboration and fulfilled technical needs to smoothly integrate Accumed Corps medical device manufacturing business with Guilford’s performance textiles manufacturing business in five months. ? Used technical polymer and knit construction knowledge to develop innovative Raschel Knit alteration to successfully process Nike’s Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) yarn without quality issues. ? Collaborated on innovative new polyurethane foam development for flame lamination and thermoforming applications. ? Modified the Design and Development clause of Guildford/Accumed’s Quality Management System (QMS) to reduce new product design, development and commercialization time by two months. ? Reduced annual scrap by 12% by optimizing die-cut designs in Solid Works. ? Developed a robust fluorocarbon-free waterproofing chemical for use as a durable water repellent (DWR) in rainwear applications.

Resolved complex supplier interactions such as RSL failures and non-compliance issues, developed Corrective Action Plans (CAP) and 8Ds to address issues. Performed capability studies of fabric physicals such as Tongue Tear, Stroll Abrasion and Elongation at Break. Implemented lean tools such as KAIZEN to increase production efficiency and reduce cost. ? Conducted an evaluation of chemistry used in dyeing and finishing processes to eliminate incompatibility and reduce scrap by 20% annually. ? Led optimization study of nylon spandex dyeing operations to reduce water usage by over one billion gallons annually. ? Led a team of internal auditors to update the Quality Management System (QMS) to meet all regulations in ISO 13485 and receive recommendations for certification during the first third-party audit.

Founded a small group triathlon training class. Taught TRX, yoga, cycling and HITT group fitness classes.

? Develop microorganisms capable of executing bioconversions that can replace homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes in industrial downstream purification. ? Develop and execute reactions to examine characterization, performance, and applications of yeast surface displayed biocatalysts. ? Developed different lipase catalysts displayed on the surface of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) via fusion with alpha-agglutinin. ? Produce and optimize biodiesel production via transesterification reactions using yeast surface display biocatalysts. ? Develop and alter polymers and fiber systems to enhance their mechanical and thermal stability. ? Apply and test different finishing treatments using silicones, fluorocarbons, etc. to maximize water repellency.

Coordinated and supervised 200 staff and 500 children weekly in rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, and primitive survival. ? Acted as a creative, hands-on leader by productively supporting multiple, simultaneous efforts, collaborating and working through others ? Budgeted for camp activities, payroll, food, and insurance. Developed an operating manual for camp operations including safety standards.

? Conducted an evaluation of chemistry used in dyeing and finishing processes to eliminate incompatibility and reduce single product line scrap by 20%. ? Lead optimization study of nylon spandex dying operations to reduce water usage by over one billion gallons annually. ? Lead a team of internal auditors and work on quality management system to meet all regulations in ISO 13485 and receive recommendation for certification during first third party audit.