Resume
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Research Scientist; Software Engineer; Aeronautical Engineer; Applications Programmer; Aerospace Research; Maritime Research; Autonomy; Autonomous Systems; Robotics; Discrete-event Simulation; Cooperative Control; Flight Dynamics; Multiple-body Dynamics; Mathematical Modelling; Physical Systems; System Identification; Parameter Estimation; Signal Processing; Evolutionary Algorithms; Numerical Analysis; Procedural Animation; Software Development; Client-Server Network Programming; Real-time Systems; Simulation Architectures; Distributed Computing; C/C++; Fortran; Matlab; Simulink; Perl; Python; PHP; Java; Javascript; HTML5; DHTML; XML; VRML; X3D; Renderman; SQL Database; CGI Web; Unix; Linux; Windows; DSTO; Defence Science and Technology Organisation; University of Sydney; PhD; BE Honours (Class I)
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C/C++; Fortran; Matlab; Simulink; Perl; Python; PHP; Java; Javascript; HTML5; DHTML; XML; VRML; X3D; Renderman; SQL; Object Pascal; Visual Basic; Shell Script (Unix, Windows); LaTeX
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MS-Windows; MS-DOS; Irix; AIX; Solaris; SunOS; VAX/VMS; HP-UX; Linux (Various); Mac OS X
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Microsoft Visual Studio; Borland C++ Builder; Intel Visual Fortran; Netbeans; Eclipse; Matlab & Simulink; Komodo IDE; Borland Delphi; Flightlab; Arena; Microsoft Office; Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop & Illustrator; Autodesk Maya & 3ds Max
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| Software Frameworks & Libraries |
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Microsoft .NET; Boost; Twisted; Qt; wxPython; Numpy; Matplotlib; MOOS; MRPT; OpenCV; ImageMagick; Subversion; CVS; NSIS
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Unmanned Maritime Operations Simulation and Analysis (C/C++, Java, Python)
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I have established three main areas of research within the Unmanned Maritime Operations group of MOD: terrain-relative navigation of autonomous underwater vehicles; analysis of unmanned maritime operations using discrete-event simulation and; multiple vehicle cooperative mission control. Under the first area, I am continuing with the development and testing of a terrain-relative navigation system conceived during my Fellowship at NPS (see below). Under the second area, I am furthering development of a discrete-event simulation framework for the analysis of complex scheduling operations [1]. The framework provides a system within which problem-dependent application models with stochastic components and processes can be constructed. For any application, simulations of the model can then be run many times in a Monte Carlo experiment to derive statistical measures of performance and effectiveness. The framework can exploit multi-core systems, or run in a client-server distributed architecture across multiple machines for scalable performance. I have built an application for the analysis of unmanned systems deployment for surveying and search missions using the framework developed. This application has been used to assess differing operating procedures in regard to such factors as survey efficiency, clearance rates and crew workload. Under the third area, I have recently started developing strategies and investigating approaches to multiple vehicle operations through simulation and analysis. Each of these areas of work has entailed coordination with staff across DSTO as well as professionals from other defence organisations and universities.
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Maritime Capability Studies: Area Defence Modelling (Python, Delphi)
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The other main application I have built using the discrete-event simulation framework developed (see above) is for the simulation and analysis of area defence systems and scenarios. The application has been used to determine the performance of various anti-ship missile defence systems via measures of probability of survival, number of leakers and number of surface-air missiles launched.
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Maritime Tactics and Concepts: Joint Semi-Autonomous Force Simulation (C/C++)
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In the MTC group, I worked on an R&D Infrastructure task in the Concept Exploration and Analysis Laboratory (CEAL), which was created for large scale, distributed, semi-autonomous simulation of the military battle-space. This involved contributing to the design and administration of the computing and networking facilities in the laboratory, the integration of various recording and analysis tools, and the development of simulation models.
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Terrain-Relative Navigation for AUV’s (Matlab, C/C++, Python)
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At the NPS CAVR, I developed a new approach to terrain-relative navigation based on Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM) and employing gridded patches of bathymetry, chosen selectively from the underlying terrain [2]. The technique has been successfully demonstrated with a full nonlinear 6-DOF vehicle model in simulation and the algorithm has been subsequently implemented using the MOOS robotics framework and Mobile Robot Programming Toolkit for real-time execution on the vehicle.
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Simulation Model Development for the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (C/C++, Flightlab, Matlab, Python)
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In the Helicopter Flight Dynamics (HFD) group of AOD, I contributed to the development of both high- and low-fidelity simulation models for the Australian Army’s new Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) for use in simulation and operational analysis areas, respectively. Initially, the high-fidelity simulation model was built using the simulation software package, Flightlab. A preliminary automatic flight control system was also designed and integrated into the simulation model. Then, a database of stability and control coefficients for the new helicopter was built from a range of linearised state-space models. The coefficients were subsequently utilised in the low-fidelity simulation model, which was integrated into the operational simulation and analysis software. A suite of test cases was simulated and the results compared with existing helicopter flight dynamic behaviour.
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Simulation and Analysis of Helicopter Slung Load Systems (Matlab, Fortran, C/C++, VRML, Perl)
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The largest and most significant program of research I lead in AOD was the development of a full nonlinear helicopter and external-load model for system analysis and simulation [3][7][8]. The mathematical model was formulated using a principle of coupled-body dynamics, which could be readily applied to either elastic or inelastic sling representations [6] for many different configurations. In addition, a set of tools for graphical display of the simulation was written, including functions to output the data in the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) format [4][5] for real-time visualisation of the system’s behaviour. Responsibilities also included direction and coordination of the task, management of task finances and staff involved, demonstration and training for the clients, as well as subsequent advice and support.
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Genetic Programming for Identification of Flight Dynamic Models (C/C++, Fortran)
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I investigated the use of Genetic Programming (GP) techniques for the estimation of aircraft model parameters from flight data [9][10]. This task required the use of an open-source GP software package on a high-performance Unix workstation at DSTO and the integration of a reduced-order flight dynamic model into the software. Various modifications and enhancements were made to the algorithms in the code in order to further improve the performance and convergence during optimisation. The research was conducted under a collaborative agreement with the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) in Canberra.
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Modification and Extension of Flight Manoeuvre Controller (Fortran)
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I tailored a flight manoeuvre controller program for various manoeuvres not included in the original code. This entailed modification of the existing controllers to follow different commands, and then validation of the new manoeuvres through simulation. The trim algorithm was also extended to work in a range of attitudes.
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Administrative and Supervisory Duties (Unix shell script, DHTML, Perl, SQL)
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General responsibilities have included system administration of divisional computers in varying capacity. In the UMO and MTC groups, I manage several servers in the CEAL, including virtual machines, as well as other shared network facilities. In addition, I provide various software and hardware support to the staff in both groups. In the HFD Group, I acted as principal systems administrator in charge of several SGI Irix and Linux machines.
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In each of the areas I have worked within DSTO I have supervised a number of staff, including engineers and students, on a range of tasks. This has entailed the formulation of work plans, guidance, feedback and performance assessment.
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I formed a Matlab User’s Group within DSTO, which involved the creation a database-driven information portal and discussion forum, as well as the organisation of various presentations by external consultants.
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Administrative and Supervisory Duties cont’d
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I am principal or co-author on a number of DSTO reports and international and Australian conference papers. I have also presented my work extensively to Defence staff, other professionals and students in Australia and overseas.
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Acquisition and Telemetry of GPS Data for an RPV (C/C++, Matlab)
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Following my PhD, I wrote a software interface for the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver unit which was subsequently used in the Department’s Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV).
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Lectures, Tutorials, Demonstrations and Presentations
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During my PhD, I presented a number of lectures in Engineering Mechanics. I also tutored and demonstrated in various undergraduate subjects at the University of Sydney, including Flight Stability and Control, Mechanics and Engineering Programming. In addition, I developed and presented a short graduate course in System Identification, which covered a range of topics from advanced statistics to estimation theory, including regression, Maximum Likelihood estimation and Bayesian probability.
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Stability and Control of the Re-Engined BAC-111
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In the Stability and Control group, I developed a set of routines to display stability characteristics for various aircraft. I also compiled a database of stability and control coefficients for the BAC-111 aircraft following its re-engining.
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Topics
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Scientific Leadership; Managing Knowledge; Managing Projects; Organisational Culture; Strategy, Capability and Effectiveness; Ethics Frameworks; Strategic Management; Financial Planning; Communication; Managing Risk; Government Processes
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| Masters of Computer Science, Information Technology
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RMIT
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| 2003 to 2004 |
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Postgraduate Subjects
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Interactive 3D Graphics and Animation; Foundations of Distributed Programming; Advanced Programming Techniques; Object Oriented Programming; System Engineering for Complex Problem Solving
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Professional Courses
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Java Programming; C/C++ Programming; Engineering Applications of Random Signal Analysis; Residential Management; Performance Appraisal Workshop; Time Management
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Doctoral Thesis: Identification of Nonlinear Model Parameters – Spoiler Aerodynamics of the F-111C Aircraft (Matlab, Fortran, C/C++)
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I developed an approach for the identification of parameters that characterise nonlinear behaviour in high-order dynamic systems and then applied it to the unsteady aerodynamics associated with wing-spoilers on the F-111C aircraft [12]. A Piecewise Regression technique was utilised to estimate the lateral spoiler models from each flight case examined. This approach facilitated the use of Tensor splines, for representation of the nonlinear coefficients, which are ideally suited to modelling aerodynamic characteristics [13][15]. Following extensive analysis of a range of cases, the fundamental model structure was assessed in terms of its efficiency using a stepwise variable-selection scheme. Further refinement of the model using a gradient-type optimisation technique concluded the identification stage [14]. Lastly, in order to verify the identification results, a full six degree-of-freedom nonlinear dynamic model was constructed and each response simulation compared with real flight data [11]. During my research, I presented several papers and seminars and visited a number of institutions and government organisations in Australia, the UK and US.
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Graduate Courses
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Mathematical Modelling and System Identification, Neural Networks, Control Theory, Aeroelasticity, Fuzzy Logic, Kalman Filtering, Random Signal Analysis.
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Honours Thesis: Experimental Establishment of the Oscillatory Derivatives (Fortran)
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The aim of this project was to determine the dynamic derivatives of the Department’s Remotely Piloted Vehicle through experimentation in the wind-tunnel. This involved the design and construction of the test equipment, including the mount, the main drive mechanism and support, as well as the electronics required for measurement and acquisition and the data analysis software.
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Undergraduate Subjects (abbreviated list)
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Flight Dynamics and Digital Control, Mechanics of Flight, Propulsion, Advanced Rotary Wing Dynamics, Advanced Aerodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Design, Propulsion, Aviation Operation and Management, Thermodynamics, Materials, Industrial Electronics, Flying Operations, Mathematics, Numerical Methods, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Design, Engineering Programming.
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Defence Science Fellowship (2007); Winner Matlab Programming Contest (2003); Graduates’ Research Prize in Aeronautics (1994); Australian Postgraduate Research Award (1991); Aeronautical Engineering Scholarship (1991); Placed in top 3% for Higher School Certificate (1986); Second to DUX (1986); Most Outstanding Student (1982)
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Cycling, Freediving, Tennis, Volleyball, Hiking, Surfing, Skiing, Electronic Music, Internet Radio, Animation, Drawing, Sketching, Photography, Cooking, Renovating (well… not really!)
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[10] JONES, K.R., GOSS, S.P., STUCKEY, R.A., GAGE, P.G. & DROBIK, J.S.:
Modelling for Aeronautical Applications
IAC-97 International Aerospace Congress Proceedings. Vol. 1. Sydney, NSW. Feb., 1997. pp. 367 – 372.
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Download the PDF version.
