GRI Employee Spotlight
Paige McCraine
Title:
Research Engineer III
Time at GRI:
3 years
Hometown:
Brandon, MS
Q: What is your academic background?
I graduated from Mississippi State with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical
Engineering.
Q: What are your research interests?
My research mainly revolves around uncrewed systems integration and operation
using both commercial & custom designed components. Platform wise I have
focused on an amphibious ground robot and uncrewed surface vessel.
Q: Who inspired you to pursue the career you have today?
I always enjoyed learning how things worked growing up. Between working around
the family farm, 4-H activities, and school activities it seemed like the
obvious choice.
Q: What has been your favorite project while working at GRI?
It’s hard to pin one specific project as my favorite. The component I enjoy the
most is thinking through the process flow for each project and accounting for
platform/sensor requirements, integrating them appropriately, while also trying
to keep a level of simplicity. I find it highly satisfying to see the
transition of conversations into 3D models to printed prototypes to a
functioning system supporting project deliverables.
Q: What is the coolest thing you are working on right now?
GRI has two SeaTrac SP-48 USVs. These two platforms are incredibly capable
systems collecting water quality data that can be used to better understand the
waterways within our state.
WORKING AT GRI IS QUITE UNIQUE. WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE RESEARCH INTERESTS IN A COLLABORATIVE WAY THAT CAN ULTIMATELY MAKE HUGE IMPACTS ON OUR ENVIRONMENT. NO TWO DAYS ARE ALIKE AND I’M ALWAYS LEARNING SOMETHING NEW!
Q: What is something most people don’t know about you?
I enjoy reading novels probably more than watching tv.
Q: What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I like to dabble in lots of different hobbies. My favorites are probably
gardening, anything sourdough, and snowboarding!