Background

Chris is working towards his doctorate in mechanical engineering design at University of California, Berkeley with Professor Albert P. Pisano. While studying and conducting research on the fuel-flexibility of small-scale rotary engines, he has completed the Management of Technology Program(MOT) at the Haas School of Business and received his Masters Degree (2009); both from U.C. Berkeley. Currently, he plans to complete his doctoral work here at the Escuela Técnica Superior de los Ingenieros Aeronáuticos (E.T.S.I.A.) with professors: Ángel Velázquez, Mario Sánchez Sanz and Juan Ramon Arias. Chris along with his colleagues both here in Spain and back in the U.S. intend to fully characterize the fuel-flexibility of these small scale rotary engines (see photo here). Chris is being supported by both U.C. Berkeley and E.T.S.I.Aeronáuticos in addition to a U.S.-Spain Fulbright Research Grant. The program started by Senator William Fulbright in 1948, is an organization that provides fellowships for undergraduate, graduate, post-graduates, and professors pursuing research (or teaching) abroad. The goal of the Fulbright Program is to foster mutual understanding between nations in order to promote peace.

Research interest

Chris is working on small-scale fuel flexible engines for ultra-portable power generation needed in disaster relief situations.

Publications

Masters of Science: Mechanical Engineering:

1. McCoy, C.D., Pisano, A.P., Feasibility, design, and optimization of a torsionally-actuated microgimbal using the Polystrata® process. University of California, Berkeley. Engineering Library. May 2009.

Conferences

1. Chan, M., McCoy, C.D., Wodin-Schwartz, S., Warren, C., “MEMS-scale kinematic clamps for repeatable precision alignment.” American Society of Precision Engineers. 24th Annual Meeting. Monterey, CA. October 2009.
2. McCoy, C.D., Revillé, J.P., “Fuel flexible engine design for optimal combustion.” MIT Energy Conference 2009, Boston, MA, March 2009. [
3. McCoy, C.D., Chen, Y.M., Walther, D.C., Pisano, A.P., “Optimal design and characterization of a metal MEMS microgimbal platform.” IMAC 2008, Orlando, Florida, Jan 2008.
4. Park, S.W., McCoy, C.D., Mehr, A., Kuypers, J.H., Pisano, A.P., “Design optimization of a MEMS magnetostatic linear actuator.” IMAC 2008, Orlando, Florida, Jan 2008.
5. Cardes, A., McCoy, C., Inaoka, K., Walther, D.C., Pisano, A.P., Fernandez-Pello, C. "Characterization of fuel flexibility in a 4.97cc rotary engine." International Combustion Symposium. Lisbon, Portugal. 6-11 Oct. 2005.

Other Publications

Patents

1. Hobbs, E., McCoy, C., Porter, James, Slocum, A., “Adjustment mechanism.” US 7,368,930 – 6 May 2008

Teaching Activities

1. Volunteer Physics, Math and Engineering Tutor (City College of San Francisco)

Interesting Links

1. Berkeley Sensor and Actuator Center (BSAC) - Chris' research homepage.
2. Race4Awareness - combining passions with problems in order to create awareness and fund solutions. A non-profit organization.
3. Technology, Entertainment, Design (TED) - a fantastic website that hosts lectures from the most prominent, intelligent, passionate, inspirational and remarkable people in the world.