Jennifer Pease

Background:   

I have undergraduate degrees from MIT in applied mathematics and mechanical engineering.  I also have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines.  Previously, I have worked in the nuclear and wind turbine industries, accumulating nearly 20 years of experience performing finite element analysis on metal and hyperelastic components.

What do you do here at MD&A? What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at MD&A?  

I perform finite element analyses and component life assessments. When components are repaired or replaced, understanding how changes in geometry or materials can affect the future life of the component is crucial. Modeling the component and comprehending the stresses it will undergo helps predict its future life. I greatly enjoy the variety of projects I’m involved with here at MD&A. Every repair and analysis is unique in some way.

Why did you choose to work for MD&A and why have you continued to choose to work at MD&A?

I joined MD&A to enhance my analysis skills and because I appreciate the variety and challenges of the work. Every analysis is unique, offering opportunities to learn something new and grow as an engineer. Solving challenging problems is something I find enjoyable.

What is the most interesting challenge you have come across?

Every project presents unique challenges. Finding the proper inputs for an analysis and determining the correct boundary conditions for a model are critical to obtaining accurate results. Due to the variety of analyses and components, finding the inputs for a project can often be one of the most challenging aspects.

What inputs do you access to see if a component has viability for a life extension?

Several factors can impact the future life of a component. Any changes in geometry or material properties need to be closely examined and included in the analysis. Additionally, understanding the loads and cycles the component has previously experienced and will experience in the future is important in determining its remaining life.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy being outdoors whenever possible. When we have free time, my husband and I camp, garden, ski, or take our stand-up paddleboards to nearby lakes.  We also keep honeybees in our backyard.