Reagan Courville ePortfolio

June 2024 – August 2024

Intern at Los Alamos National Laboratory

In the DoE's SULI program, I worked on the R&D-100 awarded Fieldable Atomic Beam Isotopic Analyser (FABIA) under Dr. Alonso Castro in the Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) group. I implemented some mechanical re-designs to the main heating components. I also integrated and tested an alternative current controller to drive the onboard laser diode used to perform laser absorption spectroscopy on actinide monatomic beams.

Los Alamos, New Mexico

June 2023 – August 2023

Associate Researcher at NASA Langley

As a part of the NASA Academy, I worked in a student-led design team to develop the Compact Lightweight Aerial Sensor System (CLASSy) with the goal of providing comprehensive frontline wildfire emergency decision support and aiding mitigation. I worked most closely with developing the overarching systems architecture and the design of the descent parachute sub-system.

Hampton, Virginia

January 2022 – Present

Undergrad Researcher at LSU

Working under Dr. Shyam Menon at LSU's Energy and Propulsion Laboratory, I've focused on the experimental setup of laser diagnostic techniques with applications in propulsion and combustor design with an emphasis on particle image velocimetry and two-color laser induced fluorescence.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

May 2022 – July 2022

LSU in the French Alps – Study Abroad Program

Through the Department of French Studies at LSU, I participated in an immersive study abroad experience where I had the chance to intern at a few local shops in the town of Barcelonnette in the southern French Alps, working at a regional products store (La Maison de Pays de l'Ubaye), chocolatier (Maison Padiou), florist shop (Coline Fleurs) and toy shop (King Jouet). I presented on the disappearance of regional dialectal variance as a result of the standardization of the French language and on the historical significance of the Quartier Latin, the Panthéon and the oldest tree in Paris le robinier du square René-Viviani.

Paris, France
Barcelonnette, France

August 2024 – Present

Treasurer for Tau Peta Pi (Louisiana Alpha Chapter)

I'm responsible for managing all club finances, including transactions and required financial reports. I've also been in charge of organizing some funding opportunities for the club. I manage the purchasing and distribution graduation regalia for graduating seniors.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

January 2022 – December 2022

Tutor for Physics at LSU

I was tasked with tutoring 4–5 students a semester in an introductory physics course (particle mechanics) through the EXcellence in Calculus/STEM for Engineering Leadership & Diversity (EXCELD) program. I held one-on-one weekly meetings as well as weekly group sessions to encourage collaboration with discussion-based learning and study skills.

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
French Language & Literature