Alex Dornfest

Technical Lead innovating an enteral feeding system.

Designed medical devices that provide nutrition to babies in the NICU and an electromechanical, cryogenic compression device. - Designer for multiple NPD projects: designed and evaluated mechanical components, assemblies, manufacturing and assembly processes, and equipment to advance the development of innovative medical devices. - Designed and prototyped systems and fixtures iteratively using SOLIDWORKS, 3D printing, and machine shop; collaborated with Molding and APD to optimize designs and DFM & DFA - Inventor or co-inventor on 9 Invention Disclosures for digestive health devices. Presented to Senior Leadership. - Designed water & air manifolds with sensors, switches, solenoid valves, fittings, and integrated check valves. Designed enclosures with 2-5L reservoirs with moldable hinge, cam lock, and articulating handle. Designed mold used to manufacture silicone components. Held design reviews. - Led user-facing, ergonomic design solutions and facilitated human factors validation testing of enclosures, handles, and caps. Led design, high-fidelity prototyping, and testing of 3 novel UI/UX display panels.

Project Lead for the Standalone Anterior Cervical Interbody Fusion System and the Anterior Cervical Corpectomy System. - Managed technical design, R&D, V&V, vendor correspondence, manufacturing ramp up, project timelines, and commercialization of 2 Class II implant systems. Translated VoC and Marketing insights to requirements. - Led design & manufacture of surgical instruments using SOLIDWORKS; collaborated with machinists to implement DFMA for efficient procurement; received accolades from surgeons using devices in OR. - Manufacturing experience in titanium 3D printing, laser welding, laser engraving, passivation, bead blasting, DLC/PVD coating, electropolishing, anodizing, welding, bending, CNC and lathe. - Designed a fixture to manufacture stents, saved $10,000 & 24 weeks. - Led V&V strategies, developed protocols, and test methods, to evaluate and meet design inputs; functional testing and cadaver labs with clinicians; compression, expulsion, and subsidence testing on Instron and MTS. - Followed design controls complying with FDA/ISO regulations and QMS; engineering reports, DHF, and DCOs. - Investigated and strategized disposition of five NCRs; generated deviations saving $10,000s.

Research & Development - Energy End-Use - Developed machine learning forecasting models in Python and nonlinear optimization tools in MATLAB - Conducted research initiatives at Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Smart Neighborhood

Hollister Lab (Tissue Engineering and Mechanics Lab) Under the direction of Professor Scott Hollister Prepared FEA platform by generating digital models of orthopedic anatomy from segmentation of DICOM data (MRI/CT) from a pediatric patient to support design V&V testing of a novel halo traction device. Verified models with orthopedic surgeons. Conducted a literature review of the target anatomy/condition being modeled to replicate tissue mechanical properties.

Developed deliverables from VOC; conducted interviews with HPCs including ENT physicians, ER physicians, Respiratory Specialists, and clinical researchers. Collaborated with team of engineers to brainstorm and synthesize 80+ concepts. Designed, prototyped, and tested two novel Endotracheal Intubation medical devices verified and validated with HCPs.

Designed working and marketable prototype to prevent heat stroke. Received UC San Diego Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Departmental Runner-up Award.

Designed and prototyped device for postdocs to equip a mass spectrometer with innovative rapid diagnostic capabilities to create a "super-breathalyzer."

Principal Investigator: James Friend Ph.D. Center for Medical Devices and Instrumentation - http://friend.ucsd.edu/ Developed test methods and experimental setups to support acoustofluidic jetting (droplet ejection)) research for advanced 3D printing technology. Designed, prototyped, and tested novel interdigital transducer systems Built Vacuum Isolated Exhaust Lockers for COVID-19 patients as a solution to protect HCPs from contracting the virus. 50+ protected HCPs in local hospitals.

- Designed assemblies and tests to automate the additive manufacturing of advanced materials with collaborative precision robotics. - Used 3D CAD software, Creo, and high-end 3D printers for rapid prototyping of end effector tools.

Marine Physical Laboratory - Designed mechanisms and structures to develop a unique ocean wave energy converter system - Generated and analyzed MATLAB models to calculate, predict and compare the behavior of 3 prototypes - Awarded a grant of $5,000 to manage the project and synthesize research to produce a project report - Presented preliminary findings at San Diego County’s largest undergraduate research conference

- Designed assemblies, produced P&IDs, and procured parts to test atomization of the fuel injector and an igniter test stand for the 3D printed LOX/LNG engine - Generated models in SolidWorks and AutoCAD; led to the optimization of real-estate and materials - Collaborated to develop a liquid-propellant rocket for the Base 11 Space Challenge

- Conceptualized, designed and constructed a novel subsurface air injection prototype to improve solar-powered desalination efficiency - Proposed and managed the experimental research project - Achieved 300% improvement of evaporation and humidification capabilities per unit surface area - Designed in SolidWorks and collaborated with machine shop to fabricate prototype and testbed - Conducted experiments on the prototype and testbed - Analyzed data collected from sensors mounted to the prototype and testbed - Compared results to thermodynamic models of convective evaporation in MATLAB - Produced BoMs and negotiated to save the allocated budget

-Communicate with clients directly, schedule appointments and resolve issues -Efficiently account for transactions of small businesses using database software -Develop marketing strategies. Attract new clients with website design and social media

- Graduate researcher in the Tissue Engineering and Mechanics Lab - Specialized in design, biomedical engineering, and manufacturing

Post-graduate program abroad dedicated to investigating philosophies, ethics, and personal growth. Studied both ancient and modern texts in multiple languages. The program helped me become a better critical reader and thinker by understanding different perspectives. I am grateful for this opportunity to study topics outside of my realm of expertise, and these skills have made me a more well-rounded engineer.