Kanika Vessel : Curriculum Vitae

Objective

To educate and encourage students to obtain a strong background in engineering and mathematics and pursue advanced educational degrees.

 

Education

  • Math Certification, Teach Baton Rouge Program, Baton Rouge, LA, November 2006
  • MS, Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA, May 2002

Thesis Title: “Parametric and Sensitivity Analysis of a Vibratory Automobile Model”

Adviser: Dr. Su-Seng Pang

  • BS, Mechanical Engineering (magna cum laude), Southern University, Baton Rouge LA, 1999 (GPA 3.8/4.00)

 

Employment History

Secondary Math Content Leader, August 2009 – Present

The New Teacher Project

  • Formally train and support Practitioner Teachers (PT) during their first year of teaching
  • Develop syllabi, customize curriculum, model strategic design process and instructional strategies, and evaluate PT performance

 

Teacher, August 2004 - Present 

Scotlandville Magnet High School (SMHS) - EBR Parish     

  • Engineering Department Head (2008 – Present)
  • Lead Teacher for SMHS Robotics/Moonbuggy Team (2005 – 2009)
  • 2009-Present  Calculus AB/BC (AP), Draft & Design II, Advanced Math, and Construction Technology
  • 2006 – 2009    Calculus AB (AP), Draft & Design I & II, and Construction Technology
  • 2005-2006  Advanced Math I (H), General Technology, Draft & Design II
  • 2004-2005 Calculus AB/BC (AP) and Advanced Math II
  • Provide tutoring for all math disciplines

 

Project /ACT Math Coordinator, June 2007, June 2008

Southern University - Civil Engineering Dept., Summer Transportation Institute

  • Provide quality mathematics ACT preparation (paper & computer-based)
  • Coordinate design projects for student design teams (civil engineering related)

 

Parent Coordinator, October 2006 – May 2007

Evaluative and Development Services

  • Serve as lead educator in the homes of 10 students
  • Conduct evening  home visits and monitor student educational progress
  • Work with teachers, parents, and students to establish 2-hour daily study periods, family reading times, and other efforts that aid in the educational development of assigned students

 

Instructor, September 2004 – December 2004

Southern University - Mechanical Engineering Dept.

  • Taught Statistics for Engineers to College Graduating Seniors
  • Provide tutoring for mechanical engineering undergraduate students

 

Tutor, August 2004 – October 2005

Sylvan Learning Center

  • Developed a customized plan for students specific math tutoring needs

 

Summer Intern

Goodyear Tire Corporation

May 2000 – August 2000

  • Examine the objective versus subjective response of ride performance of a vehicle
  • Examined rough and transient road input
May 1999 – July 1999
  • Investigating, understanding, and conducting an evaluation of the performance of a cured tire testing system
  • Comparing the performance to a proven standard      
May 1998 – August 1998
  • Understanding CADRA, COPICS, and TAGS
  • Revising part drawings for the Radial Full Stage (RFSR)-IV and the Radial Farm Strip Laminator

 

Awards

  • IGERT Fellowship, emphasis on Macromolecular studies, 2001- 2004
  • LaSPACE Fellowship, emphasis on Aerospace studies, 2002- 2005

 

Publications

  • Vessel, K. N., Y.M. Ram, S.S. Pang, R. Nichols, and I. Negulescu, “The Sensitivity of the Natural Frequencies of a Vibrating System to Perturbations,” Proc. Tenth Annual International Conference on Composites/Nano Engineering (ICCE/10) (Ed.: D. Hui), pp. 745-746, New Orleans, Louisiana, July 20-26, 2003.
  • Vessel, K. N., Y.M. Ram, and S.S. Pang, “On the Sensitivity of Repeated Eigenvalues to Perturbations,” Submitted to AIAA Journal. (March)
  • Vessel, K. N., "Parametric and Sensitivity Analysis of a Vibratory Automobile Model". (Master's Thesis submitted May 2002)

 

Affiliations

NSBE-National Society of Black Engineers

American Society of Mechanical Engineering

Pi Tau Sigma-Honorary Mechanical Engineering Fraternity

NAACP- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

DST - Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.