damian cianci
With over 20 years of unparalleled expertise in technology, education, and engineering, Damian is a multi-talented innovator and educator. Holding an array of certifications from industry leaders like Cisco, Microsoft, and Dassault Systemes CATIA. He has taught and developed diverse college level curricula since 2000, spanning subjects from data networking and advanced composites to UAV systems and industrial VR design.
Renowned for turning complex technical concepts into accessible, practical knowledge, Damian has consistently driven innovation, including transforming in-person courses into hugely successful online programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and starting a groundbreaking UAV program during the transformative period of custom-engineered aerial vehicles.
Currently teaching aerospace engineers and manufacturing technicians, he continues to make a significant impact in shaping the future of technology and engineering education.
Professional Summary
Experienced educator, designer, and technical support expert with over 20 years of teaching and curriculum development experience. Proficient in CAD design, networking, composite technology, UAV systems, computer generated (CG) design, and multimedia production. Proven track record in project management and industry collaboration.
Industry Recognized Certifications
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Cisco Systems: CCNA, CVOICE, QoS
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CWNA (Certified Wireless Network Administrator)
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MCP (Microsoft Certified Professional)
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CATIA (Mechanical Design): Part Design Specialist, Surface Design Specialist, Assembly Design Specialist
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CompTIA: A+, Network+, iNet+
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CIW Associate
Technology Support
Damian has maintained all computer and network systems for the college division since 2000
Computer and Network
Maintain all server systems
Data backups and management
Manage online services for the college division
Design and build all staff computers
Manage all wired and wireless network systems
Configure network routers and switches
LMS (Learning Management System)
Have managed various Learning Management Systems and related over the years.
Besides the listed systems and software, this support has also included image acquisition (taking pictures in the shop), image editing, creating 3d models for presentation, and video editing.
LMS and related systems
Geolearning
Moodlerooms
Moodle (Self buildt and hosted on local Linux system)
Moodle (Online service)
Thinkific (Online service)
Teachable
Skillshare
Rise / Articulate
Content Authoring Software
Authorware
Captivate
Articulate
Teaching and Curriculum Development
Developed and taught multiple courses since 2000, including:
Computer and Networking
CCNA, CVOICE, QoS, CompTIA Network+
A+ Computer Systems Design
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CAD (Since 2005)
CATIA Part Design, Surface Design, Design Theory, Functional Design, Fusion 360
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Composites
Applied Composites (snowboard fabrication)
Rigid Composite Structures (longboards)
Advanced Composites DME (aerospace)
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Robotics and Electronics
Radio Controlled Robotics (Arduino),
PCB Design (KiCAD),
SMD Soldering, Embedded Robotics
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Manufacturing
Mechanical Automation Systems Engineering (CNC machines)
Additive Manufacturing Materials and Assembly
Practical Machining
CNC Laser Design
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Design
Blender Industrial Design
Foundations of the Industrial Metaverse (Unreal Engine and other)
Software Proficiency
Networking and Systems
Operating Systems: Windows Server, Linux OS, MacOS
Terminal emulators
Office Software: LibreOffice, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace
CAD and Industrial Design
CATIA (CATIA V5 and 3DExperience),
Fusion 360
Blender (Hard surface modeling, Sculpting, Texturing, UV mapping, Animation)
Unreal Engine
Design and Multimedia
Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
Affinity Designer
Affinity Publisher
Inkscape
Davinci Resolve
KDENlive
Digital Audio Workstations (Studio One, Sonar, Samplitude)
Robotics
Programming IDE (Arduino IDE, Microchip MPLABs, Visual Basic Code)
Betaflight Configurator
INAV Configurator
Blackbox Explorer
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Project Involvement and Career TImeline
2002 - Developed new Cisco CCNA Program
This was a very practical approach to the CCNA material
I wrote detail labs for every topic in the CCNA certification program
This was a successful program running until 2008 when I began transitioning to manufacturing and robotics.
I have considered making some of these labs accessible online or through an online course.
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2003 - 3D Stereoscopic Projection Project
Lead technical contact interfacing with company from Atlanta developing a 3d projection system.
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2004 - Purdue, Boeing, Edmonds College Joint CATIA Program
Objective was to develop a CATIA program to be taught onsite at Boeing
Worked closely with a team working under John Bransford, author of "How People Learn".
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2005 - Technical Assistance to MPDC Aerospace Composite Program
Aided Edmonds College group, MPDC (Materials Process Development Center), in developing an aerospace composite training program.
Originally taught by Earl Brown.
Damian took over the program in 2009, renamed it "Advanced Composites Design Manufacture and Engineering", and continues to teach it over a decade later.
2006 - Established new training facility
College paid for a training site exclusively for Damian's programs
This was in the community, close to our typical clients
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2007 - Training in 3D Printing techniques at Saddleback College in California
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2007 - Polygon Editing Training - Materialize Magic in Ann Arbor Michigan
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2007 - Developed PLM (Product Lifcycle Management) curriculum for MPDC
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2007 - Information gathering for college Mechatronics program
Requested by college VP to participate in several information gathering sessions on campus to look at the viability of a new Mechatronics program.
This ultimatley didn't go anywhere, but through my research I began all my current robotic/mechatronic/automation based programs.
The VP eventually left the college and became Chancellor of Ivy Tech where they started a large Mechatronics program.
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2008 - Developed various training programs for all YMCA locations in Washington State
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2008 - Developed aerospace program for young women
This became known as "Cool Girls in Aerospace"
I taught the first few classes and then turned it over to others
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2008 - Transition from data networking to composite manufacturing
I requested a new location that was more conducive to manufacturing training
Was also teaching composite courses at the college's Monroe Hall location
College Vice President also needed a new location for a manufacturing endeavor and asked me to help scout locations.
We eventually chose the old Tyee Structures building on Paine Field, which is now know as the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center.
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2016 - Invited by Chancellor of Ivy Tech College to visit their Mechatronics lab
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2018 - Composites training in Morocco
Invited by Chancellor of Ivy Tech College to move to Morocco to train people in composite manufacturing.
I ultimately declined the offer.
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2020 - COVID19 Lockdown - Course Delivery Transition
Transitioned several previously "In-person" courses to online programs
Lectured with live instructors via Webex
Adapted several programs and was running within a couple months
Where others struggled, this ended up being one of our more financially successful years
Even after coming back after the lockdown, we still continue to run and create online programs, which has allowed us to reach people far out of our local area.
Various Other Involvements
2009 - 2012 - Vice President of Technology for the Enso Company
2016 - 2017 - Boeing Design and Prototyping Contract
Primary Engineer from my personal company, CIanci Industries.
Worked on a special project with Boeing Research and Technology group
Contract was for one year
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2009 - Current - YouTube Content Creator
In a desire to reach even more people that might benefit from my skills, I started multiple YouTube channels over the years.
Channels focused on CAD (CATIA, Fusion 360), Blender, KiCAD PCB design, electronics, and composite technology.
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