Ashley Q. Kemper, MS
(neé Swartz)
Engineer. Researcher. Leader.
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Phone:
810.813.4526
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Email:
Location:
San Francisco Bay Area, CA
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resume
I strive to make the world a better place through the work that I do.
Endlessly curious, I have deep expertise in robotics, healthcare,
and machine design and a breadth of experience in chemistry, controls, machine learning, product discovery, and user testing, as well
as a plethora of prototyping and manufacturing methods.
I believe the world’s hardest problems will be solved by
high functioning teams, not individuals.
As a leader, my job is to enable and empower those teams by leading with clarity and empathy.
2022 - Present
Staff Research Engineer
Hardware Team Lead
(X, The Moonshot Factory)
During my tenure with Google (X), I have served on two teams in two different capacities. From 2022-2023, I was the hardware team lead for a robotics project. As part of the leadership team I supported the restructuring of the team as well as the authoring of our strategy documentation, PRD, ERD, and technical development roadmap. In 6 months, I led a team of 7 mechanical engineers and soft goods designers in the design and fabrication of a new robotics prototype.
From August, 2023 to present I have been on a team in the early pipeline where my role is to rapidly evaluate new technologies and ideas in order to discover new project opportunities for X, The Moonshot Factory.
2018 - 2022
Sr. Director of Engineering
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
Roam Robotics
I was the Sr. Director of Engineering at Roam Robotics and held many roles during my tenure. My largest contribution to the team was as the technical team lead for the development of the Health product (Ascend). I built the product development team from scratch and lead the team from R+D to a fully verified medical device product. I was also a senior engineer on the design and launch of the ski product, Elevate.
2011-2018
Engineer III, Mechanical
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
(Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
I was a research and design engineer at the Center for Bionic Medicine, a translational research lab within the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. I worked on or led the design of several novel myoelectric and body-powered prostheses, surgical implants, and rehab technologies. My focus was human centered mechatronics and machine design.
2011-2013
Contract Engineer
Northwest Aerospace Technologies
Working with Northwest Aerospace Technologies, I provided expert knowledge on a workcard management system used by their client, Delta Air Lines. Working remotely and autonomously, I authored and published mechanic work instructions for a complete A330 aircraft interiors overhaul.
2007-2011
Engineering Intern,
A330 Systems & Interiors
Delta Air Lines
As a systems and interiors engineer, I wrote project documentation for aircraft weight savings, FAA mandated equipment changes, and aircraft structures maintenance and repair. I earned over 2 years of experience with the airline and was self-managing projects by the end of my tenure.
EDUCATION
2015-2017
Master's of Science, Mechanical Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO
Returning to school after some time off, I attended UIC part time while working full time with my current employer at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. My degree is specialized in controls, robotics, and machine learning.
2007-2011
Bachelor's of Science, Mechanical Engineering
KETTERING UNIVERSITY
Degree specialty in biomedical engineering and pre-medical school training. Completed a thesis while working with my employer at the time, Delta Air Lines, on FAA regulations for emergency and supplemental oxygen on board the aircraft.
SKILLS
SOLIDWORKS, UG NX, ABAQUS
LEADING MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAMS
USER CENTERED DESIGN
PRODUCT INNOVATION & STRATEGY
WORKING W/REGULATORY BODIES
ARDUINO & RASPBERRY PI
GRANTS & WHITE PAPERS
VERIFICATION & VALIDATION
MATLAB & SIMULINK
HANDS ON PROTOTYPING
INJECTION MOLDING & CASTING
MACHINING & EDM
GD&T | DESIGN FOR MFG
3D PRINTING
PUBLICATIONS & PATENTS
"Custom, Rapid Prototype Thumb Prosthesis for Partial Hand Amputation: A Case Report"
Prosthetics and Orthotics International
"Design and evaluation of a voluntary-opening/voluntary-closing prosthetic terminal device"
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
Powered medical device and methods for improved user mobility and treatment
Patent US20210370495A1
Lockable Finger System and Related Methods
Patent US 2016/0367383 A1
Powered device to benefit wearer during skiing
Patent US20210177686A1
Fit and suspension systems and methods for a mobile robot
Patent US20210370494A1
Battery systems and methods for mobile robot
Patent WO2021242975A1
User interface and feedback systems and methods for mobile robot
Patent WO2021242980A1