Ph.D. in Engineering Test Engineer at Tesla
Ph.D. in Materials Engineering with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Hands-on experience in CAD, machining, prototyping, electromechanical hardware, and automation using Python and Arduino. Proven ability to turn complex technical requirements into functional prototypes, custom machinery, and research tools. Currently working as a Test Engineer at Tesla.
Hello! I'm Teal Dowd, and I design and build solutions. My portfolio demonstrates my ability to take an idea from concept to reality, using skills ranging from CAD and 3D printing to electrical engineering and programming. I focus on rapid prototyping and delivering tangible results.
See my LinkedIn profile for my full professional history and to contact me, my ORCID record for my publications, download my resume, or read my Ph.D. dissertation.
I successfully defended my Ph.D. in Materials Engineering at Purdue University in December 2025, but at heart, I'm a mechanical engineer who thrives on bringing solutions to life. My research focuses on the performance of lubricants for bicycle roller chains, where I've led the development of a testing rig to evaluate and improve drivetrain efficiency for high-performance cyclists. This project perfectly blends materials science, tribology, and mechanical engineering principles - a sweet spot for me. My dissertation, System Analysis and Modeling of High-Performance Bicycle Drivetrains, captures that work in full. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue (2018), I transitioned seamlessly into doctoral research under Dr. Mansson in the Manufacturing Design Lab (MDLab). I'm driven by a passion for hands-on work, rapid prototyping, and a desire to build and test innovative solutions. I currently work as a Test Engineer at Tesla, where I get to do exactly that. Outside the lab, I enjoy the problem-solving challenges of rock climbing and other outdoor adventures.
Here are a some notable projects I have lead and contributed to. Work in progress, more coming soon!
My research at Purdue University has led to journal articles, conference papers, patents, and press coverage, organized below. I have worked as part of the Manufacturing Design Laboratory (MDLab), which shares my project with Purdue's Ray Ewry Sports Engineering Center (RESEC).
My research has focused on the development and use of the cycling testing rig. This testing rig is used for the assessment of bicycling drivetrain efficiency, as well as testing the quality of home cycling smart trainers for homologation purposes for the International Cycling Federation (UCI).
For a different view of my publications, see my ORCID record, or continue below.
Doctoral research on bicycle drivetrain efficiency, lubricant performance, and the cycling testing rig developed for high-precision measurement and smart trainer homologation.
Peer-reviewed journal articles.
Long-term efficiency of immersion-style and drip-style wax lubricants using the testing rig.
Design and Gage R&R validation of a preload-based in-situ bicycle chain elongation gauge.
Introduces the DCM metric combining wheel angular velocity and crank torque to predict drivetrain efficiency via a weighted least squares linear model.
Development of the cycling testing rig used for assessing home smart trainers.
Developed the testing apparatus used to validate the aluminum bicycle crank arm design.
Published conference papers.
Demonstrates the change in bicycle drivetrain efficiency over time as the lubricant wears.
Testing apparatus used to validate the aluminum bicycle crank arm design (ISEA 2022).
Initial design of the cycling testing rig for smart trainer analysis.
Initial cycling testing rig data analysis methodology.
Main design engineer on the design and manufacturing of the cycling testing rig, used for smart trainer and drivetrain lubrication research.
Selected press coverage.
Local coverage of the Purdue team standardizing smart trainers for virtual cycling and the Virtual Cycle Homologation system.
RESEC’s homologation work for virtual cycling and fair competition on the path toward Olympic recognition.
Interview on goals and impact of the UCI smart trainer standardization program and Olympic esports.
UCI smart trainer standardization, trainer accuracy, and wireless security for fair cycling esports.
🧗— Rock Climbing - See me on Mountain Project
🎒— Backpacking
⛷️— Skiing
🥏— Disc Golf
⚙️— 3D Printing - See me on Printables
