Modeling, simulation, and engineering

About Craig Finch

I develop mathematical models and simulation software to predict the behaviour of complex systems. I have experience in a variety of multi-physics applications, such as low-Reynolds number flows in biotechnological devices, chemical reaction rates, microwave-frequency electromagnetics, flight simulations, and military constructive simulations. I have developed a tool chain based entirely on open-source software, which I can use to develop a custom model or simulation for your application, rapidly and cost-effectively. With a background in hardware design, I will develop tools that will enable your engineers to predict the performance of their designs for more accurate bids, fewer design iterations, and higher production yields.

Past Research and Development Projects

  • Used nonlinear optimization tools to develop signal processing devices
  • Modeled the effect of parasitics from bond wires and packaging on the performance of radio-frequency devices, using a combination of lumped-element and finite-element models
  • Created a reduced-order model of the accuracy and penetration performance of armor-piercing projectiles, for use in a OneSAF tactical simulation
  • Developed a basic flight-training scenario for the Orlando Executive Airport, including custom 3D scenery objects
  • Built a sensor to quantify the kinetics of protein adsorption using a whispering gallery mode optical resonator

Current Research and Development Projects

  • Developing a custom reacting boundary condition for a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver
  • Developing a Brownian dynamics simulation to predict the adsorption of proteins on engineered biomaterials
  • Developing a model of a sensor for detecting harmful bacteria in the presence of harmless bacteria
  • Developing a high-speed technique to classify action potentials of neurons, which will be used in a high-throughput system for drug discovery

Ideas for the future

The following are ideas for projects that I have not had time to work on.  I believe that they have practical benefits, and I would like to develop them as I find time and funding.  If any of these projects would benefit you, please contact me.

  • Develop a method to interface finite-element electromagnetic simulations with lumped-element circuit models
  • Accelerate many-body simulations using graphics acceleration hardware, such as NVIDIA CUDA
  • Build a practical biosensor utilizing a whispering-gallery mode optical resonator.  Specifically, develop a resonator with an integrated waveguide that eliminates the need to manually fabricate and align resonators and waveguides.

    Professional Experience

    Download Resume for Craig Finch (pdf)

    • PhD candidate in Modeling and Simulation at the University of Central Florida
    • MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Central Florida
    • BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • 6.5 years of experience designing radio-frequency (RF) signal processing hardware for high-volume applications (mostly cell phone handsets) at TriQuint Semiconductor