Colleen S.

I help deep-tech companies solve difficult engineering problems — from modeling and validation to prototype development, scale-up, and commercialization. With a PhD in engineering and 25 years of experience in R&D, engineering analysis, manufacturing, and technology development, I work with companies when technical decisions have significant consequences for cost, performance, timelines, and investment risk. For the past 10 years, I have also worked as a startup advisor, helping more than 175 deep-tech companies evaluate technology risk, develop R&D strategies, pursue non-dilutive funding, and transition innovations from research concepts toward commercial products. My approach combines first-principles engineering, mathematical modeling, experimental analysis, and practical manufacturing experience. I do not just analyze data — I help teams understand whether their technology will work, what risks remain, and what engineering decisions should be made next. ## Engineering Services ### Engineering Modeling & Simulation I develop engineering models to evaluate and improve complex systems, including: * Heat transfer and thermal management analysis * Fluid flow and pressure-drop modeling * Transport phenomena modeling * Electrochemical system modeling * Performance prediction and optimization * Python- and MATLAB-based engineering analysis * Literature-based correlation development and validation I have experience with engineering modeling tools including MATLAB, Python, MixSim, and multiphysics simulation approaches. ### Prototype Development & Technical Validation I help companies evaluate whether prototypes are technically ready for the next stage by assessing: * Performance claims and supporting data * Experimental design and validation methods * Failure modes and technical risks * Technology readiness level (TRL) * Scale-up challenges * Design improvements needed before commercialization ### Manufacturing & Scale-Up Engineering My engineering background includes semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments, where I worked on process improvement, technology transfer, and manufacturing challenges. I help companies evaluate: * Lab-to-production transition risks * Process sensitivity and yield challenges * Materials and equipment selection * Manufacturability constraints * Cost and scalability assumptions * Production readiness ### Deep-Tech Technical Due Diligence For investors, founders, and leadership teams, I provide technical assessments of: * Engineering assumptions * Prototype maturity * Validation discipline * Development timelines * Scale-up risks * R&D strategy The goal is to identify technical vulnerabilities before they become expensive problems. ## SBIR, STTR & Federal Funding Strategy I also support deep-tech companies pursuing non-dilutive funding, including SBIR, STTR, DOE, NSF, NIH, and ARPA-E programs. Over the past decade, I have advised more than 175 deep-tech startups on federal funding strategy, commercialization planning, and R&D architecture. Services include: * Technical strategy development * Research plan structure * Milestone and risk-reduction planning * TRL alignment * Commercialization planning * Phase I to Phase II transition strategy * Technical narrative development My advantage is that I approach funding strategy from an engineering perspective. A strong proposal requires more than good writing — it requires a technically defensible development plan. ## Background PhD Engineer with 25 years of experience in: * Research and development engineering * Manufacturing engineering * Semiconductor and pharmaceutical production environments * Mathematical modeling and simulation * Transport phenomena and engineering analysis * Design of experiments * Technology transfer * Prototype development * Deep-tech commercialization Previous organizations include: * Draper Laboratory * Catalent I have served as a federal reviewer for NSF, DOE, NIH, and related programs, giving me insight into how technical proposals and commercialization plans are evaluated. ## Books & Publications Author of 9 books covering engineering, commercialization, and federal funding strategy.