Matthew Kirkland: in Portland, OR

Quality Improvement Project - Label Tamping - Implemented a label tamp machine on the floor to semi-automate blood bag labeling - Tamp machine reduced operator variability and improved operator ergonomics - Designed and fabricated safety guarding around label tamp machine to eliminate pinch points - Redesigned equipment to operate in an ISO class 8 cleanroom - Tamp machine improved label adhesion to minimize the risk of label wrinkling during sterilization - Improved visual management by hanging work instructions in front of operators Mirasol PRT Manufacturing Process Efficiency Improvement Project - Conducted in-depth time studies to identify bottlenecks in the line - Evaluated work content at each station for ergonomics, efficiency, and quality risks - Engaged with line operators to identify improvement opportunities and common issues - Analyzed time studies to redesign assembly process to improve efficiency - Decreased number of line operators from 7 to 6 while maintaining target output, which resulted in an annual savings of $140,000 - Implemented the change on the floor following QMS procedures and cGMP Drafted Various Engineering Documents for Tamp Machine - Equipment Operating Procedure, Preventative Maintenance Procedure, Equipment Set-Up, and Lock Out - Tag Out Procedure - Updated Manufacturing Operating Procedures

- Collaborated with a graduate biology student on the testing and analysis of various heart valves - Preformed biaxial testing on pig heart valves - Processed data in MATLAB to determine mechanical properties