Education
Carnegie Mellon University
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
Anticipated Graduation: May 2023
Proposed Dissertation: “Designing Engineering Design Teams: The Study of Relative Contribution in Engineering Design with Proficient Heterogeneous Computational Agents”
University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
Minors in Product Design and Leadership
Graduation: May 2017
Research Experience
Carnegie Mellon University
Advisors: Dr. Jonathan Cagan & Dr. Kenneth Kotovsky
Aug 2018 – Present
Designed an agent-based AI model to mimic human behavior in engineering design tasks
Analyzed large datasets resulting in 5 peer-reviewed journal and conference publications
Developed MATLAB software for building truss structures to execute human subjects studies
University of Minnesota
Product Design Department, Advisor: Dr. Barry Kudrowitz
Jan 2017 – May 2017
Manufactured a novel pistachio shell natural fiber composite material with casting techniques
Discovered mechanical material properties utilizing hardness and flexural strength testing
Leadership Studies, Advisors: Dr. Leonard Taylor Jr. & Dr. Linnette Werner
Aug 2015 – May 2017
Conducted literature reviews on pedagogy for leadership education to contribute to a novel framework
Mechanical Engineering Department, Advisors: Dr. Jiarong Hong & Teja Dasari
Oct 2015 – Aug. 2016
Performed multimodal analysis on field images and temporal weather data to investigate the fluid-structure interaction of a full-scale wind turbine
Research Interests
Topics: Design Theory & Methodology, Computational Engineering Design, Design Teams, Problem Solving
Methods: Engineering Optimization, Machine Learning, Agent-Based Modeling
Journal Publications
Brownell, E., Cagan, J., & Kotovsky, K., 2021, “Only as Strong as the Strongest Link: The Relative Contribution of Individual Team Member Proficiency in Configuration Design,” Journal of Mechanical Design, 143(8), p. 081402.
Zhang, G., Raina, A., Brownell, E., & Cagan, J., 2023 “Artificial Intelligence Impersonating a Human: The Impact of Design Facilitator Identity on Human Designers,” Journal of Mechanical Design, 145(5), p. 051404.
Taylor, L. & Brownell, E. 2017 “Building Inclusive Leaders: A framework for leadership education.” In A. Boitano & H. E. Schockman (Eds.), Breaking the Zero-Sum Game: Transforming Societies Through Inclusive Leadership, p. 323-340.
Peer-Reviewed Conference Papers
Brownell, E., Cagan, J., & Kotovsky, K., 2022, “Does Design Proficiency Matter in Engineering Design Teams? A Computational Model and Experiments,” 2022 ASME Design Automation Conference. St. Louis, MO. Distinguished Paper Award [Top 10% of 100+ submissions]
Brownell, E., Cagan, J., & Kotovsky, K., 2020, “Only as Strong as the Strongest Link: The Relative Contribution of Individual Team Member Proficiency in Configuration Design,” 2020 ASME Design Theory & Methodology Conference. St. Louis, MO (Virtual).
Taylor, L. & Brownell, E. 2016, “Towards Inclusive Leadership Education: Critical Questions and Theories.” International Leadership Association Conference. Atlanta, GA.
Taylor, L., Werner, L., & Brownell, E. 2016 “Critical Paradigms in Practice: Informing Curriculum, Guiding Practice, Creating Change.” Association of American Colleges and Universities: Diversity, Learning, & Student Success. Philadelphia, PA.
Teaching Experience
Carnegie Mellon University
MEG 24-682 – Design for the 4th Industrial Revolution, Teaching Assistant; Spring 2022
MEG 24-703 – Numerical Methods in Engineering, Teaching Assistant; Fall 2020
University of Minnesota
ME 3332 – Fluid Mechanics, Grader; Spring 2017
PDES 3711/5711 – Toy Product Design, Laboratory Instructor; Spring 2016, Spring 2017
PDES 2701 – Creative Design Methods, Teaching Assistant; Fall 2016
PDES 3701/5701 – Creativity, Idea Generation, and Innovation, Laboratory Instructor; Fall 2015
Professional Experience
McKinsey & Company, Philadelphia, PA
Insight Program Participant
Apr 2022
Proposed a growth plan for a non-profit client to increase revenues by 25% with donor and event strategy
St. Paul Partners, Iringa, Tanzania
Mechanical Engineer
Sep 2017 – Mar 2018
Implemented water distribution systems in rural villages of 400-10,000+ people without clean water
Navigated communication and culture to meet needs while managing costs and creating village buy-in
Managed an international team of engineers, 3 Tanzanian project leads, and contractors during projects
Leadership Minor, Minneapolis, MN
Student Associate
Dec 2014 – May 2017
Authored winning proposal for the 2016 Association of Leadership Educators Program of the Year
Collaborated to design a STEM-focused introductory course for the College of Science and Engineering
Leadership and Service
Graduate Student Consulting Club
Vice President of Case Prep
Oct 2022 – Present
Launched weekly “Ace the Case” seminar series for 30+ students to hone management consultant skills
Mechanical Engineering Graduate Student Organization
President
Jun 2020 – May 2021
Led 7 board members to communicate vital COVID-19 information during remote transition
Administered a budget of $30k for social events, Ph.D. support programming, and outreach
Board Member
Dec 2018 - May 2020
Organized monthly events to foster community and encourage work-life balance for 200+ students
Led town halls and met with faculty to voice feedback on the cost of living, fees, and qualifying exams
Graduate Student Association
Jun 2019 – May 2021
Acted as a member of the Campus Affairs Committee, focusing on transportation and mental health
Undergraduate Advisory Board
Sep 2015 – May 2017
Conveyed perspective with Vice Provost to inform on issues of admissions and degree requirements
Skills
Application Software: Advanced: MATLAB, Microsoft Office; Intermediate: SolidWorks, PTC Creo
Programming Languages: Advanced: Python, C++
Languages: English (Native Speaker), French (Conversational)