Forge Applied Science & Technology

John-Paul Bonansinga MD: Dr. Bonansinga is a former United States Army Ranger and Dept. of Defense Foreign Service Officer with extensive leadership experience both on the battlefield and in the civilian sector. As a medical doctor, he is an expert in human physiology and biological sciences. He has a B.S in in neuroscience, and conducted undergraduate research in the field of neuroimmunology with a focus on cytokinetic processes contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. He possesses advanced knowledge in the field of genetics, developmental biology, and neuroscience. Dr. Bonansinga elected to enroll at UTSA during 2022 rehabilitation, and completed advanced coursework in Lean Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Bonansinga is a self-taught gun smith, electronics engineer, and musician. Hobbyist pursuits have resulted in the generation of a novel phosphating process, proprietary 1911 ignition geometry, an estimated 200 guitar effects circuits, custom controls in his instruments, and the restoration of a 1937 Rickenbacker Model B lap steel. As a firm believer in “Gemba”, he elected to work afternoons on an assembly line to improve his technical documentation in F.A.S.T’s infancy. Dr. Bonansinga is an experienced project manager, who has developed working knowledge of the necessary aspects of design, engineering, production, assembly, and compliance to direct F.A.S.T towards interim goals. Nick Hardy: Nick works as a Program Manager in the field of Industrial Engineering / Manufacturing. He is a seasoned leader with 17 years in the United States Army and currently serves as an Infantry First Sergeant (E8) reservist. Nick’s involvement in F.A.S.T projects began in June 2021, and he has continuously expanded his skillset to meet the needs of the company. Nick earned a B.S. in Project Management from Colorado State University in 2020 and is currently attending University of Arkansas School of Engineering studying for Master of Science in Operations Management. Nick currently holds the following certifications; Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) and Certified Lean Practitioner (CLP). As part of the CSSBB certification process, candidates must design and implement a new practice that results in a savings of $50,000 or more. Nick’s lean implementation initiative resulted in a savings of $1,000,000 for his company. Thomas Nuessen: Thomas is a highly skilled mechanical engineer with 10+ years of experience. He has a successful track record of creating and improving component designs, increasing assembly efficiencies, and minimizing re-engineering. His excellent communications skills have allowed him to engage cross-functional team members to drive product development. Thomas began working with F.A.S.T in December 2020, and was instrumental in the rapid redesign of the MOD 0 sterilizer unit. He has an eclectic engineering background with experience ranging from medical devices and aerospace to HVAC systems. Thomas’s modification to the MOD 0 assembly process resulted in a 60% reduction in assembly time. Key skills include Design Engineering, Solidworks, Sheet Metal, 3D Printing, Product Analysis & Inspection, Prototyping, Technical Documentation, Computer Hardware, and Customer Service. He updated CAD capabilities for his family’s operations which resulted in a 75% decrease in quoting time and allowed for handling larger weldments on complex assemblies. Winner of 2012 CATI Solidworks Rollout Speed CAD Modeling Competition. He currently holds 10 professional certifications and is a Certified Solidworks Professional. Crystal Maldonado, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC, FNP-C: Crystal has 15 years of clinical/hospital experience primarily in the acute and emergency care setting. She holds 3 degrees including a Masters of Science in Nursing for pediatric primary care and a Family Nurse Practitioner Post Master’s Certificate. She served as a Chairwoman on the Pediatrics Committee from 2012 to 2016 while at University Health Systems. Her comprehensive understanding of the dynamics associated with patient care have influenced aspects of the device design direction as well as the proposed implementation guidance. She has worked almost exclusively as a contracted emergency response provider since Fall of 2020, with experience in austere and low resource settings. Crystal’s extensive work history in San Antonio, TX contributes to a large network of health care providers as well as hospital administrators. Her general tenacity and ability to learn quickly have allowed her to fill gaps in team knowledge ranging from technical documentation translation compliance to infection control protocols. Crystal has developed high level knowledge in spread control and is a key collaborator for experimental design initiatives meant for the hospital environments.