6103 Oliver Loving Trail

Austin, Texas
October 30, 1996

Dr. Art Ratzel

Division 1513
Sandia National Labs
P. O. Box 5800
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185
Dr. Art Ratzel:

In last month's issue of Undergraduate Engineer, Sandia National

Laboratories advertised positions for a summer undergraduate research
program that is to begin in June 1997. Would you please consider me for such
a position with your solar thermal division? I am a junior in mechanical
engineering at the University of Texas, and my emphasis is in thermal fluids
(see enclosed rsum).
In reading about Sandia, I learned of the solar thermal work in your division.
Solar thermal technology interests me greatly. While here at the University of
Texas, I have taken a course in solar energy applications. My project for that
course--the comparison of heat transfer fluids for a solar thermal power
plant--specifically pertains to your division's work.
After completing my bachelor of science here at the University of Texas, I plan
to attend graduate school because I am interested in research. Last summer,
I had the opportunity to work at Balcones Research Center in Austin and
enjoyed the work and atmosphere associated with research. Given that
Sandia National Laboratories is the foremost engineering research laboratory
in the country, I would welcome the chance to work for you.
Thank you for your consideration, and if you have any questions, please feel

free to write, email, or phone.

Sincerely,
Brad Smith

Brad Smith

Enclosure.

Brad Lee Smith

6103 Oliver Loving Lane
Austin, Texas 78749
(512) 288-3548
blsmith@utexas.students.edu

Goal To research thermal/fluid systems, particularly those in solar energy

and gas turbine applications.

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas (12/97)

Technical Block Option: Thermal/Fluid Systems

Relevant Courses:
Heat Transfer
Advanced Thermodynamics
Solar Energy Systems
GPA: 3.7/4.0 in major; 3.5/4.0 overall

Experience
Austin, Texas

1996: Research Assistant, Balcones Research Center;

Assisted in turbine cooling laboratory

Helped set up and perform laser doppler velocimetry measurements
Authored section of progress report to project sponsor (Garrett Turbine)
Updated large Fortran computer programs
Learned Lotus 1-2-3 to edit data files

1994-1995: Field Service Technician, Longhorn Business Products; Dallas,

Texas
Maintained and repaired copiers and facsimiles
Scored in top 5% in Ricoh's facsimile training school in 1994
Trained new service technicians for facsimiles

1993: Lifeguard, North Dallas YMCA; Dallas, Texas

Scheduled and supervised weekend lifeguard crews
Taught CPR classes to new lifeguards

Awards

Third place in Rube Goldberg Design Contest, 1996

Engineering Honor Roll, 3 semesters

Four-year partial scholarship, College of Engineering

Activities
ASME; Society of Automotive Engineers; Big Brothers/Big Sisters
of Austin; Intramural softball and basketball; Guitar

References Available upon request