Dan Foster

Dan Foster has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and roles. Dan began their career in 2006 as a Staff Sergeant and Test Measurement Diagnostic Equipment Supervisor in the United States Air Force. During their time there, they excelled in repairing and calibrating test equipment, drafting technical manuals, and developing cost-saving solutions.

Following their military service, Dan worked as an Engineering Graphics Term Project collaborator at Laney College in 2016, where they were involved in the design and analysis of a chainsaw engine. Their exceptional work led to the project being used as a reference in subsequent courses.

In 2017, Dan served as an Engineering Design Intern, specializing in Interactive Adaptive Education, at Laney College and the San Leandro Unified School District. There, they created a wheelchair-mounted ball kicking device to enhance education and play for special needs students. Dan conducted site visits and design reviews to ensure the device met the adaptive education program's requirements.

Dan's engineering experience continued at Laney College in 2017, where they were a member of the Engineering Design Team responsible for building a Mars Rover. Alongside a team of eight designers, they utilized Fusion 360 and CNC tools to construct a modular rover chassis and an electric, chain-driven powertrain.

In 2018, Dan took part in two projects at San Jose State University. Firstly, as part of the Fundamentals of Mechatronics Term Project, they worked on an Automated Hydroponics System. Additionally, they led a six-member team in the design and construction of an autonomous robot for the Intro to Engineering Course Project, winning first place in a competition.

The following year, in 2019, Dan supplemented their education with work experience as a Mechanical Engineer in Product Development at WAGIC, Inc. Dan collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and launch new products. Their responsibilities included fabricating automated testers, redesigning injection molded components, and utilizing Creo Elements software.

Dan's next undertaking was at Spartan Racing, SJSU Formula SAE in 2019, where they served as a Mechanical Engineer focusing on the Automotive Cooling System. As part of a team of five, they designed a race car cooling system for an international intercollegiate competition. Dan was responsible for analyzing test data, characterizing radiators, and making design decisions based on the obtained results.

In 2020, Dan returned to San Jose State University for a term project, where they worked on a HVAC System Design for an office building. Dan carried out various tasks, including drafting basis of design, zoning diagrams, and conducting building thermal load calculations using Trace 700. Dan also provided mechanical floor plans and equipment schedules using AutoCAD.

Most recently, Dan joined LTA Research in 2021 as a Mechanical Test Engineer, contributing their expertise to the company's projects.

Dan Foster began their education journey in 2006 when they joined the U.S. Air Force. Dan studied Electronics and Metrology during their time there, completing their studies in 2012. Afterward, they enrolled at Laney College in 2016, where they focused on Engineering. Dan attended Laney College until 2018. In 2018, Dan Foster transferred to San Jose State University, where they pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Dan completed their degree at San Jose State University in 2020.