Justin Hartman
Glenville,PA
Summary
Dependable graduate student with over 7 years of experience in industry, research, and design teams, demonstrating strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to excel across diverse fields through effective workflow prioritization and collaboration. Expertise in conducting in-depth research and data analysis, employing advanced methodologies to enhance academic projects. Proficient in statistical software and laboratory protocols, contributing to superior research outcomes and innovative solutions.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
01.2023 - Current
- Assessed scalability and commercial viability of proposed process designs, linking laboratory results to potential for industrial implementation
- Synthesized experimental and economic results into actionable recommendations for process optimization and potential commercialization pathways
- Led master's research on coal waste valorization , emphasizing process development and techno-economic feasibility for industrial applications
- Designed and executed a bench-scale testing program (humidity cells), including equipment procurement, system setup, and development of standardized operating procedures (SOPs)
- Analyzed time-series experimental data to evaluate material performance, system behavior, and process stability
- Developed a techno-economic analysis (TEA) for integrating coal waste into resin and 3D printing filament production processes
- Modeled process flow configurations and plant layouts , evaluating throughput, bottlenecks, and system-level performance
- Estimated CAPEX and OPEX , including equipment sizing, labor, and overhead; identified primary cost drivers and opportunities for optimization
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Responsible for assisting and running two test programs
- Performed research duties across multiple institutions
- Conducted 5-stage sequential chemical extraction techniques for recovery of Rare Earth Elements
- Conducted standard humidity cell test procedure for recovery of Rare Earth Elements
- Purchased and constructed test apparatus for new program with limited funding
- Initialized new test program with new equipment, samples, and measurements
- Responsible for apparatus and material procurement, test validity, sample measurements and external lab analysis.
DUMP SUBTEAM LEAD - ASTROBOTICS
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Leading the dump subteam for the NASA Lunabotics competition
- Responsible for managing team members and the final generation of a working prototype.
- Modeled user-generated parts and implemented with part models available from retailers for the creation of a 3D Solidworks assembly.
- Fabricated simple parts and procured complex parts from retailers.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
SME/NSSGA STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
10.2020 - 12.2022
- Designed a 20-year plan for limestone and sand/gravel operations given geologic and market data.
- Forecasting pit development, blast design, haul routes, processing plant, market analysis, economic feasibility, and mine reclamation.
- Responsible for the generation of a model remotely in Phase I, with updated designs or production and a presentation in Phase II.
- Presented our final model and recommendations to a panel of industry experts.
- Awarded 3rd and 2nd place in consecutive competitions, respectively.
SERVICE CHAIR - TAU BETA PI
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
05.2021 - 05.2022
- Established long-lasting connections with members of the local community in order to establish yearly service events.
- Responsible for organizing 3 service events per semester, transportation, and organization attendance to the service projects.
- Assisted initiates in their initiation requirements.
- Helped maintain local old-growth forests, clear land for local farms, and collect unharvested crops for delivery to local food banks.
STRUCTURES SUBTEAM MEMBER- NASA MARS ICE CHALLENGE
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
09.2019 - 09.2021
- Developed Solidworks models of chassis and drill parts for an ice extracting Martian drill rig.
- Constructed final working rig using parts fabricated and procured from vendors.
- Awarded NASA grants for the development of prototypes.
- Experience with Solidworks, parts assembly, welding, and 3D printing.
OPERATIONS INTERN
Boxley Materials Company
Lynchburg, VA
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Performed critical operational procedures to maintain scheduled production levels.
- Assisted in quarry operations and plant management.
- Operated a CAT 773 haul truck.
TEAM LEAD - NASA BIG IDEA CHALLENGE
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Lead an interdisciplinary team of 8 members for the development of a dust mitigation robot for use on the lunar surface.
- Investigated electron beam and high energy photon charging of dust to induce particulate motion without physical contact.
- Lead team efforts in materials sourcing, laboratory testing, and proposal generation.
TEST LAB INTERN
Metso:Outotec
York, PA
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Developed ISO Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory use data Excel templates.
- Performed routine work with regrinding sub-212-micron particulate matter.
- Established a test routine for calibrating new regrind mill to an existing mill.
- Calibrated, validated, and maintained laboratory equipment.
- Automated laboratory equipment and connected to Human Machine Interface for remote technician operation of a test.
- Assisted in a Virginia Tech flotation research project.
- Performed critical processing tests including grinding, regrinding, particle size analysis, and flotation testing.
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Responsible for sample collection and preparation
- Performed routine work with ash analysis of coal refuse
- Assisted in the establishment of a clean coal recovery pilot plant.
Education
Master of Science - Mining Engineering
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA12-2026
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Mining Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA12-2022
Skills
- Proficient in SOLIDWORKS
- AutoCAD design skills
- Data analysis methods
- Advanced Excel skills
- System integration
- Test planning and execution
- Experience with Talpac
- Remote sensing proficiency
- Analytical research processes
- Prototype modeling and manufacturing
- Vulcan expertise
- Experience with Aggflow software
- MATLAB simulation techniques
- LT Spice modeling
- 3D modeling and printing
- Data analysis using JMP
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Proactive learner
- Analytical problem-solving
- Critical analysis
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Virginia Tech
01.2023 - Current
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Virginia Tech
05.2022 - 12.2022
DUMP SUBTEAM LEAD - ASTROBOTICS
Virginia Tech
08.2021 - 12.2022
OPERATIONS INTERN
Boxley Materials Company
06.2021 - 08.2021
SERVICE CHAIR - TAU BETA PI
Virginia Tech
05.2021 - 05.2022
SME/NSSGA STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION
Virginia Tech
10.2020 - 12.2022
TEAM LEAD - NASA BIG IDEA CHALLENGE
Virginia Tech
08.2020 - 01.2021
UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCHER
Virginia Tech
11.2019 - 03.2020
STRUCTURES SUBTEAM MEMBER- NASA MARS ICE CHALLENGE
Virginia Tech
09.2019 - 09.2021
TEST LAB INTERN
Metso:Outotec
05.2019 - 08.2020
Master of Science - Mining Engineering
Virginia Tech
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Mining Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University