About Me

CURRICULUM VITAE
Ron Picard

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About Me

I am a hyper driven engineer with a passion for Embedded-Systems, Software Engineering, and Aviation. I have a demonstrated history of driving technology development, integration, and maturation to build real solutions that directly impact the the Air Force’s Air Superiority via both hands-on and leadership roles within large scale DoD programs. I currently Lead & Serve the Department of Defense as a Computer Engineer for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (Class of 2016)
Wright State University 
GPA: 3.506/4.0

CERTIFICATIONS

Ground School Certificate
Date: 07/01/2020

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) License
Date: 06/01/2020

Student Pilot Certification
Date: 06/01/2020

DAWIA – Level 1 ADPD Engineering
Date: 08/07/2018

DAWIA – Level 1 ADPD Science & Technology Management (STM)
Date: 02/22/2018

PUBLICATIONS

A Transfer Function for Relating Mean 2D Cross-Section Measurements to Mean 3D Particle Sizes

A. R. C. Gerlt, R. S. Picard, A. E. Saurber, A. K. Criner, S. L. Semiatin, E. J. Payton

Abstract

It is common practice to estimate mean 3D particle and grain size of polycrystalline materials by multiplying 2D cross-sectional measurements by a multiplication factor. However, the most frequently used multiplication factors apply only to uniform or specific dispersions of particles, and therefore can provide misleading results. In the present work, empirical equations are developed to more accurately predict the mean 3D grain size of a lognormal spherical particle dispersion, regardless of the dispersion’s width. The equations provide an improvement over scalar multiplier values by allowing the effects of particle size distribution to be accounted for using inputs that can be obtained by cross-sectional analysis.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11661-018-4808-8

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Computer Engineer (2017 – Present)
United States Air Force (Civilian)
• Served as a software engineer for cross-directorate autonomy programs, where the integration of multiple software technologies is required. Performed multidisciplinary professional engineering work, such as systems, computers, and other engineering disciplines, to assist the integration of autonomy technologies into system-level solutions for transitioning products to the warfighter.
• Applied knowledge of advanced engineering methods, theories, and standards, such as systems and software engineering, to provide technical support to the Air Force Research Laboratory’s autonomy program development and management, including requirements development, management, risk management, configuration management, decomposition and design, integration and qualification, and informed technology transition.
• Developed and implemented tailored systems engineering processes and tools to ensure successful execution and transition of autonomy programs.
• Responsible for designing software engineering plans, including processes and infrastructures, to support the development of autonomous capabilities across the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Software Engineer (2016 – 2017)
SRC Inc.
• Led a research effort on machine learning that focused on exploring frameworks capable of supervised neural networks for autonomous classification of signals.
• Followed an agile, team-based development process to develop waveform pattern visualization and analysis tools to meet the requirements of the customer.
• Developed software using an agile development process utilizing sprints and spirals with scrums and retrospectives.
• Implemented model view controller and model view view-model architectures, along with object-oriented design patterns such as observer, singleton, and factory.
• Put in place a verification and validation framework for a real-time radar simulation engine.
• Wrote automation scripts for Sparx’s UML modeling software, Enterprise Architect, to decrease model design-time.
• Technical ambassador for a new employee.

Materials Student Researcher (2015 – 2016)
Air Force Research Laboratory (SOCHE Contractor)
• Designed a lognormal sphere slicing simulation in MATLAB for a stereological analysis of gamma-prime distributions.
• Created a sphere simulation in MATLAB that calculated the maximum volume fraction of hexagonally close-packed spheres in a cube.
• Performed metallographic characterization of materials used in an experimental rotary detonation engine utilizing scanning electron microscopy techniques.

Mechanical Engineering Co-op (2014 – 2015)
Ferco Aerospace Group
• Programmed a VB.NET module that converted 15,000 Harvard Graphics 3.0 presentation files into Initial Graphics Exchange Specification files in approximately four hours, saving weeks of work and over $5,000.
• Experimentally determined the correct stress concentration factor needed for the air bending of aerospace brackets by designing and fabricating test parts out of sheet metal.
• Designed 3-D Unigraphics models using 2-D AutoCAD files.

AWARDS

S&E Junior Power and Control Division Quarterly Award
711 HPW/RHCC Dedicated Service Award
Palace Acquire Full & Books Scholarship
Dean’s List (2014-2015)
25th Place in the 2016 NASA Robotic Mining Competition
Senior Design Team Honorable Mention
2015-2016 Senior Design Showcase Nominee
Strivers Alumni Scholarship Award Winner
OH Means Interns and Co-ops II Scholarship
Charles H. Hewitt Scholarship