Amber Benham, PE

Experience

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  University of Wyoming

  Jun 2008 - Aug 2008

  Agricultural Research Intern

  •Vegetation Management: Pull weeds and water crops to maintain an optimal crop growth environment.•Data Collection: Gather information on crop quantity and quality for analysis.•Public Speaking: Formal presentation to disseminate information to colleagues and superiors on research concerning organic foods and the effects on human health.

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  Montana State University

  Jan 2011 - May 2014

  Undergraduate Researcher

  •Laboratory Technique: Aseptic Microbial Technique, Sterile culture transfer, weighing chemicals, pipetting, making growth media.•Laboratory Equipment Operation: Autoclave, Optical Density/spectrophotometer•Specialty Equipment Operation: Qualified operator on Leica Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope and Nikon research grade epifluorescent microscopes.•DNA Analysis: DNA Extraction, PCR Amplification, and Gel Electrophoresis to determine presence of nitrogen fixing genetic material.•Data Collection: Optical measurements to monitor growth curve progression and microscopic photography to determine presence of microbial community intimately associated with sediments.•Data Analysis: Growth curve data entry and analysis using Microsoft Excel.•Detail Tracking: Accurately maintain laboratory notebook to record test procedures, protocols, observations, and experimental results.•Public Speaking: Formal presentations to disseminate information about Antarctic isolates and cryoconite sediments to colleagues and superiors in University Scholars Program conference in 2012 and 2014 and presented Research Poster at 2013 American Society of Microbiology Conference in Denver.•Grant Writing: Authored research proposal and received funding through the Montana State University Undergraduate Scholars Program to image Antarctic cryoconite ice core sediments and their associated biofilm communities, Requested and Received Travel Grant from ASM to Attend ASM Conference, and proposed and received research funding through MSU University Scholars Program in 2011 and 2013. Show less

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  J.R. Simplot Company

  Jan 2013 - Jul 2013

  Process Engineering Intern

  •Process Operation: Operated pilot sized test process skid to react phosphate ore to create phosphoric acid.•Sample Collection: Collected samples from pilot sized test process to analyze in a laboratory to determine chemical properties.•Data Analysis | Process Enhancement: Analyzed process sample data to define operational proficiency and determine optimal process parameters.•Laboratory Equipment Proficiency: Use on-site laboratory equipment such as a centrifuge, vacuum and pressure filtration, X-Ray Diffraction to determine chemical properties of process samples.•Conduct Experiments: Executed both bench scale and pilot experiments to determine operational proficiency parameters, as well as design a separation process to minimize product waste.•Troubleshooting: Conducted hands-on troubleshooting to unplug process equipment and increase operating time.•Managed personnel | Training: Supervised and trained two interns to carry on as replacements once my job was complete. •Technical Writing: Wrote and submitted bi-weekly project progress and a final technical report to communicate progress to supervisors and company corporate headquarters.•Cross Functional Collaboration | Communication: Collaborated within the R&D department, between various departments within the company, and with vendors on equipment maintenance and material supply.•Logistical Planning: maintain skid raw material supply to maintain continuous operation and maximize the sample population size for data analysis.•Financial Planning: Economic analysis on skid supply material logistics to maximize material supply and time while minimizing cost.•Analytical Thinking: Hands-on problem solving and solution implementation for test process. Show less

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  Anvil Corporation

  May 2014 - May 2018

  Lead Control Systems Engineer

  •Graphics Programming: Build graphics for Honeywell Experion R430 DCS to function as interface between operator and process control.•DCS Configuration: Configure 200+ controllers on Honeywell Experion C300 and HPM DCS to enable operator viewing and interface, and sometimes facilitate automation.•Control System Design | Automation: Design 10+ and configure 100+ control system complex loops resulting in automatic operation for safety and efficiency purposes.•Technical Documentation: Review and advise on project drawings (i.e. P&IDs, loops, datasheets, etc.) •Code Understanding and Adherence: Technical review of project specifications to ensure compliance with client standards.•Controller Commissioning: Commission controllers on Honeywell Experion C300 and HPM DCS.•Automation: Interface control valves, motors, and other heavy equipment with control systems to automate operation.•Instrumentation Specification: Specify level and pressure instrumentation.•Database Management: Own and manage project databases in MS Access to facilitate efficient turnaround work practices and streamline project commissioning.•Customer Service: Full-time on-site client support at Shell Puget Sound Refinery in Anacortes, WA.•Equipment Sizing: Perform orifice sizing, flow transmitter, and DP level calibration calculations.•Programming Language Proficiency: Utilize Honeywell control language in complex loop design and configuration and VB Script in operation graphics. •Alarm Management: Configure process variable alarming in the DCS and Honeywell Alarm Manager Client database to help operator maintain process within optimal operating parameters.•Technical Writing: Regularly author project bill of materials for field construction.•Project Commissioning | Project Management: Conduct loop checking and troubleshooting. •Leadership: Lead control systems engineer on both large and small turnaround projects. Show less

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  VECA Electric & Technologies

  Mar 2019 - Jan 2020

  Process Control Engineer

  •Full-time on-site support at Marathon Kenai Refinery in Kenai, AK.•Refinery Operational Support: Support operators in day to day operation of the process to mitigate any risks or issues related to the control system, and to improve existing control schemes and HMI graphics and programs to enhance operator capabilities and ease-of-use.•Capital Project Support: Review and advise on project documentation and drawings including loop diagrams, data sheets, installation details, wiring diagrams, control narratives, and complex loop narratives.•DCS Configuration: Configure compounds and blocks on Foxboro I/A DCS, including modification of CALC, PIDA, and IND blocks, using Foxboro ICC.•Sequence Control Block Configuration: Modify control programs using Foxboro HLBL.•Graphics Configuration: Configure operational graphics for operator use using Foxboro Foxdraw graphics program.•APC: Support operation of Aspen DMCplus/ Aspen DMC3 on process units, facilitate data collection and conduct step-testing for APC model construction.•Troubleshoot Control System Hardware and Software: Determine root cause of control system alarms or failures and take action to solve the issue and mitigate future risk.•Alarm Rationalization|Alarm Configuration: Participate in alarm rationalization activities, configure alarms on DCS, and update Master Alarm Database using Honeywell Dynamo (ACM and M&R) and Schneider Electric System Auditor/Advisor.•Cybersecurity: Awareness of and adherence to secure cyber work practices.•Process Historian Configuration: Configure points for history tracking on PCN using Foxboro AIM Historian Configurator and Osisoft PI System for business side data historization.•Management of Change: Participate in MOC processes using KMS.•Honeywell Software: Dynamo (ACM and M&R)•Schneider Electric Software: Foxboro Evo I/A DCS, Foxview, Fox Draw, Fox Select, ICC, AIM Historian Configurator, System Auditor, Control Advisor•APC Software: Aspentech DMCPlus and DMC3 Show less

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  Marathon Petroleum Corporation

  Jan 2020 - May 2022

  Process Control Engineer

  •Refinery Operational Support: Support operations with day to day operation of the process to mitigate any risks or issues related to the control system and to improve existing control schemes, graphics, and programs to enhance operability.•Controller Tuning: Tune PID controllers to increase operability, minimize disturbances, and decrease valve wear and tear. Trained in lambda tuning and advanced control tuning and development.•DCS Configuration: Configure Foxboro I/A DCS, including modification of CALC, PIDA, and IND blocks, using Foxboro ICC.•Graphics Configuration: Configure new and update existing operational and safety graphics for operator use using Foxboro Foxdraw graphics program.•Process Historian Configuration: Configure points for history tracking on PCN using Foxboro AIM Historian Configurator and Osisoft PI System for business side data historization.•Site Alarm Management SME: Lead company in development of site-specific alarm standards, organize and participate in Alarm rationalizations, monitor and Report Alarm KPIs using Honeywell Dynamo M&R, manage Master Alarm Database in Schneider Electric System Auditor, and configure alarms in the DCS.•Troubleshoot Control System Hardware and Software: Determine root cause of control system alarms or failures and take action to mitigate future risk.•APC Engineering: Support operation of Aspentech DMC3 on process units, facilitate data collection and conduct step-testing for APC model construction, develop and configure inferential parameters, tune the controller, and troubleshoot and solve any issues.•Management of Change (MOC) Responsible Person: Responsible Person on and adherence to MOC processes using Intelex.•Company Standard Gap Assessment: Compare current local standards to corporate standards to determine gaps and actions required to close the gaps.•Capital Project Support: Review and advise on project documentation and drawings. Show less

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  Professional Trails LLC

  Jun 2020 - now

  Administrator
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  VECA Electric & Technologies

  Dec 2022 - Jan 2023

  Process Control Engineer

  Support Marathon Petroleum Corporation Renewable Diesel Project at the Martinez CA refinery.

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  Coffman Engineers

  Sept 2023 - now

  Senior Control System Engineer