John Dews-Flick

John Dews-Flick

R&D Engineer, ML Engineer, Software Developer

Research engineer combining mathematics, simulation, and machine learning to solve complex problems. My journey spans from aerospace and finite element analysis to modern AI systems, with a focus on large language models and retrieval-augmented generation. I enjoy exploring complex systems and building high-performance software that bridges theory with practical applications. Learn more about me

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Education
Experience
Projects

R&D Team Lead - Align Technology

2023-Present • Position

Leading a team of R&D engineers in the development of treatment prediction models, shape optimization methods, unsupervised classification, and model integration. Separately pioneered a custom LLM RAG chat with agentic flows within Align leading to better document ingestion flows, re-ranking, and citation of documents.

Team Leadership Machine Learning Biomedical RAG Systems

Align Knowledge RAG Platform

2024-2025 • Project

Developed custom transformer based machine learning models for treatment prediction and optimization. Created embedding and classification models to encode treatments, patient outcomes.

RAG LLM Vector Database Embeddings Reranking Production AI

RustFEA

2023-2025 • Open Source Project

Open-source project implementing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using the Rust programming language. Provides a framework for running FEA simulations, leveraging Rust's safety, speed, and modern language features for high performance and reliability.

Designed for both research and practical engineering applications, offering computational techniques for solving complex structural, thermal, and other physics problems by discretizing them into smaller, manageable elements.

Finite Element Analysis Rust Scientific Computing Open Source Computational Mechanics

Align Simulation Platform

2024 • Project

Automated and pioneered new simulation and analysis methods for orthodontic treatment planning.

Implemented distributed simulation compute on premise to enable grander statistical use of the simulation platform and data collection for machine learning applications.

Simulation Distributed Computing Machine Learning Orthodontics

WASMBrowserMLP

2024 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web demo that visualizes the training of a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network in real time, entirely in the browser using WebAssembly for high performance. Core neural network logic implemented in Rust and compiled to WASM, with Vue.js frontend.

Demonstrates 2D binary classification where the model learns to distinguish points inside user-defined regions using configurable architectures, loss functions (MSE/BCE), and complex mask expressions. Users can watch decision boundaries evolve in real time.

Phase Plane
WebAssembly Rust Neural Networks Binary Classification Real-time Visualization

R&D Engineer III - Align Technology

2023-Present • Position

Leading a team of R&D engineers in the development of machine learning prediction models tied with simulation to provide patient specific design.

Developed and validated custom machine learning models for biomedical optimization. Pioneered a RAG knowledge base chat system tailored for domain specific and agentic use.

Team Leadership Machine Learning Biomedical RAG Systems

R&D Engineer II - Align Technology

2022-2023 • Position

Pioneered new simulation and analysis methods for quantifying the effect of orthodontic appliances in highly patient specific morphology.

Provided new insight and data metrics for previous and future cases, advancing personalized treatment planning.

Simulation Analysis Orthodontics Patient-Specific

Non-Linear Frictional Contact Simulation

2022 • Master's Thesis
Phase Plane

Master's thesis for the University of Florida which applies the step-boundary method to contact analysis within FEA.

Contributed to novel software OnSimulation with analytical geometric representation for contact identification and analysis of stick-slip problems.

Finite Element Analysis Contact Simulation Research IBFEM

OnSimulation Contact Analysis Add-on

2022 • Software Launch

Launched contact analysis add-on using the immersed boundary method within the finite element analysis software OnSimulation.

Implemented novel geometric representation techniques for improved contact identification and analysis.

Software Development FEA Contact Analysis Product Launch

Master's in Aerospace Engineering

2021-2022 • Education

Extensive understanding of solid mechanics, simulation and the FEA method, including system design, plasticity, and contact analysis.

Completed thesis on contact simulation in IBFEM on a novel method to represent contact without meshes. Also served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for FEA and computational CAD courses.

Aerospace Engineering Solid Mechanics FEA Teaching

Web Based FEA Solver

2021 • Demo Project

Browser based 2D finite element software for solid mechanics problems which uses the immersed boundary method.

Demonstrated the feasibility of running complex FEA calculations directly in web browsers, making simulation more accessible.

FEA Example

test

Web Development IBFEM Browser-based FEA Innovation

BallTableDynamics

2021 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web application that simulates the dynamics of a ball on a table using intuitive 3D visualizations. Built with Vue.js and powered by the three.js graphics library.

Allows users to explore physical motion and control systems through real-time, browser-based simulations with interactive 3D graphics.

Phase Plane
Physics Simulation Vue.js Three.js 3D Graphics Control Systems

KeplerSolverUI

2020 • Interactive Demo

Interactive web-based application that streamlines the process of solving Kepler's Equation, a core concept in orbital mechanics and astrodynamics.

Implements robust numerical solvers using Newton-Raphson method with real-time visualization of orbital paths and parameter relationships. Features modern JavaScript frameworks with plotting libraries for dynamic user experience.

Orbital Mechanics Numerical Methods JavaScript Visualization Educational Tool

Graduate Research Assistant

2020-2022 • Research Position

Research within finite element analysis on non-linear frictional contact contributing to the novel software OnSimulation.

Contributed significantly to analytical geometric representation for contact identification and analysis of stick-slip problems.

Research FEA Contact Analysis Software Development

Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering

2017-2021 • Education

Coursework includes orbital dynamics, flight dynamics, CFD, Monte Carlo simulation and control theory.

Experience with material testing, machining and additive manufacturing. Graduated Cum Laude with strong foundation in engineering principles.

Aerospace Engineering Orbital Dynamics CFD Control Theory

Phase Plane

2019 • Computational Tool

Computational tool designed to visualize and analyze the phase portraits of dynamical systems, primarily focusing on systems of ordinary differential equations (ODEs).

Plots vector fields, trajectories, equilibrium points, and nullclines, providing valuable insights into the qualitative behavior of two-dimensional dynamical systems. Supports interactive exploration and parameter adjustments for teaching and research applications.

Phase Plane
Dynamical Systems ODEs Web Visualization Mathematics

OrbitalElementsJS

2019 • Open Source Library

JavaScript library for solving orbital mechanics problems, allowing conversion between orbital elements and position/velocity vectors for two-body orbital systems.

Features interactive demo with 3D visualization, supports standard Keplerian orbital elements, and provides both forward and inverse transformations. Built with Vue.js frontend and published as an NPM package.

Orbital Mechanics Web Simulation Aerospace

Senior Developer - Catch The Fever

2015-2023 • Position

Single-handedly developed a robust, automated e-commerce platform now driving multi-million dollar revenue.

This system handles orders, retail orders, shipping, notifications, and ad optimization with fully automating fulfillment down to label selection and printing.

E-commerce Full-Stack Development Automation Revenue Generation

Junior Developer - IJoin Solutions

Summer 2015 • Internship

Designed and implemented a real time notification system within a financial advising and onramp software.

First professional software development experience, working with real-time systems and financial technology.

Software Development Real-time Systems Financial Technology

John Dews-Flick

Researcher, Aerospace Engineer, and Software Developer

Hover over timeline items to explore my professional journey

Featured Projects

About Me

I'm an R&D Engineer and Machine Learning specialist with a passion for solving complex problems at the intersection of engineering, mathematics, and artificial intelligence. My journey spans from aerospace engineering fundamentals to cutting-edge AI applications, always driven by curiosity and the desire to build meaningful solutions.

Machine Learning & AI

I develop production-grade AI systems including RAG platforms, neural networks, and ML pipelines. Currently leading ML initiatives at Align Technology, I've pioneered patient-specific prediction models and comprehensive evaluation frameworks that bridge research and practical applications.

Engineering & Simulation

My expertise spans finite element analysis, contact simulation, and computational mechanics. I've contributed to novel software like OnSimulation and developed web-based FEA solvers, always focusing on making complex simulation tools more accessible and intuitive.

Embedded Systems & Robotics

I bridge digital algorithms with real-world hardware through microcontroller programming, custom PCB design, and autonomous robotics. My projects include SLAM-enabled robots, drone flight controllers, and embedded systems that operate reliably in unpredictable environments.

Software Development

I work across the full stack with languages from C/C++ and Rust for performance-critical applications to Python for ML and JavaScript/TypeScript for web development. I focus on writing clean, maintainable code that solves real problems elegantly and efficiently.

Vision & Impact

I believe the most impactful work happens at the intersection of disciplines. By combining aerospace engineering rigor with modern AI capabilities and theoretical knowledge with hands-on implementation, I strive to create solutions that push boundaries while remaining grounded in solid engineering principles.

Education

M.S. Aerospace Engineering University of Florida 2022
B.S. Aerospace Engineering University of Florida 2021 Cum Laude

Core Interests

Machine Learning Embedding Models Finite Element Analysis Agentic Systems Robotics & SLAM Custom PCB Design AWS & Cloud Architecture Rust Programming Microcontrollers Complexity Science Finite Element Analysis WebAssembly Neural Networks Autonomous Systems DevOps & CI/CD Systems Programming

Current Focus

  • Production AI/ML systems
  • Autonomous robotics & SLAM
  • Cloud-native architectures
  • Embedded systems development
  • Complex systems modeling
  • Team leadership in R&D

Languages & Libraries

Python
  • PyTorch
  • TensorFlow
  • scikit-learn
  • Pandas, Polars
  • NumPy
JavaScript/TS
  • Node.js
  • Vue.js
  • WASM
  • Vite
Rust
Go

Beyond Research

Photography

I enjoy capturing landscapes, animals, plants, while also enjoying capturing industry or mechanisms. photos.johndews.com.

Hiking & Camping

I enjoy day hikes and multi-day camping trips, immersing myself in nature and enjoying geology and ecology. My favorite places include Yosemite, Sequoia National Park, and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and Mount Shasta

Tinkering

I enjoy 3D printing, PCB design, and building custom electronics. I enjoy integrating machine learning, sensors, and mechanics into practical projects and artistic creations.

Programming Projects

Beyond work, I enjoy exploring new programming languages, contributing to open source projects, and building tools that solve interesting problems. Often simulating new problems or words; or trying to find a deeper understanding of a concept..