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Nicholas P

- Research Program Mentor

MBA candidate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Expertise

Aerospace, Design, Smart Materials, Operations

Bio

Hey! My name is Nick and I'm a first year in the Leaders for Global Operations (LGO) Program, working towards both an MBA & MS in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). My thesis research involves both the business and engineering departments. The goal of my project is to assess, identify, and implement solutions which improve the operational efficiency and optimize the supply chain at a small but growing manufacturing company. Prior to graduate school, I worked four years in the aerospace & defense industry across a variety of roles including propulsion design, aerodynamics, operations, and long-term strategy. During this time I filed four patents. I earned my Master's and Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M University, where I focused my research on avian-inspired smart materials (published, primarily shape memory alloys) and experimental aerodynamics. As a first generation college student, mentors have been instrumental in my growth, development, and career progression -- so I love being able to give back whenever I can! I've mentored 10+ students and young professionals both informally, and truly believe that anyone can accomplish nearly anything they set their mind to given enough drive and the appropriate resources. I've also recently become involved in the entrepreneurship community and have worked with two startups -- on in the fashion sector and another related to automotive services. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling (exploring), exercising, entrepreneurship, working on cars, and learning new things. I'm excited to meet you!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Wing Design and Build

Learn the basic concepts behind lift and structural design, then use free software to design a unique airfoil shape for a high lift aircraft. Then build a wing from this airfoil, and test its various properties!

Operational Optimization

Contact a local business (hospital, food establishment, etc.) and conduct process flow mapping and time studies. Use basic operations management principles to identify bottleneck(s) and provide recommendations.

Coding skills

Python, Matlab

Teaching experience

As a young professional working at The Boeing Company, I mentored undergraduates who were interested in aerospace for 3+ years, as well as new employees in my various work groups and in my leadership development program. Since I've been at MIT as a graduate student, I've had the opportunity to mentor an undergraduate freshman through the hardships of COVID, both socially and professionally.

Credentials

Work experience

The Boeing Company (2019 - 2020)
Propulsion Design
The Boeing Company (2019 - 2017)
Engineering Leadership Development Rotational Program

Education

Texas A&M University
BS Bachelor of Science (2016)
Aerospace Engineering
Texas A&M University
MSE Master of Science in Engineering (2016)
Aerospace Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
MBA Master of Business Administration candidate
MBA & MS in Mechanical Engineering

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