About Me
Howdy!
I am currently a student at Texas A&M University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor in Engineering Entrepreneurship.
I will be graduating in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.
I am currently an advisor of Texas A&M's SAE Aero Design Micro Team, advising on the development of aerospace structures and material selection.
My senior design project focuses on robotics and simulation for a nuclear cleanup effort.
Additionally, I am an active member in the Meloy Engineering Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program, developing business, presentation, and leadership skills that complement my engineering background.
I am dedicated to learning new technologies and concepts, and I'm always ready for a new challenge.
Let's engineer dreams into reality!
Projects
Quadruped Mobility & Waste Excavation
I am the team coordinator for my capstone team, which is sponsored by Los Alamos National Labs. In this project, we are designing, manufacturing, and testing a quadruped robot with an excavation attachment to excavate radioactive material from storage tanks at the Hanford site in Washington. Additionally, we are working to develop a "digital twin" simulation of the quadruped and its performance using python simulation packages.
1974 Chevrolet Corvette Restoration
In my ongoing restoration of a 1974 Corvette, I'm applying a range of engineering and problem-solving skills in a hands-on setting.
I've tackled several key issues, including a carburetor cleaning and tune-up, transmission cleaning, and a complete fuel system replacement.
My upcoming projects include a full rewiring, windshield replacement, fiberglass repair, paintwork, and interior work.
For the interior, I will be modeling and 3D printing complex components to save on part cost and weight.
This project demonstrates my ability to integrate various engineering disciplines, from mechanical work and fabrication to electrical work, all while maintaining the Corvette's classic character.
Follow my progress on: Instagram
SAE Aero Design
During my time with SAE Aero Design, I have served as a Structures Advisor since April 2024, guiding the team in designing lightweight RC aircraft structures using multivariable optimization.
I compiled detailed material specifications for FEA simulations through experimental design.
Previously, as Design Lead, I led a team of 11 peers to secure first place overall at the international-level SAE Aero Design West competition in Van Nuys, CA.
We rapidly designed, tested, manufactured, and improved upon a short-takeoff, high-lift RC aircraft with a liquid payload.
As a team member, I designed and prototyped aerostructures within a Scrum framework using anisotropic materials and optimized these structures through cost analysis, hand calculations, topology optimization, and Solidworks FEA.
This experience honed my leadership and technical skills in aerospace engineering.
Learn more about the Texas A&M SAE Aero Design Team.
Ideas Challenge
As a finalist in the Ideas Challenge hosted by the McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship at Texas A&M University, I showcased my innovative project "EcoScape", demonstrating my ability to apply engineering principles to real-world sustainability challenges. The Ideas Challenge encourages participants to develop and pitch groundbreaking business ideas. EcoScape presents a solution to urban sustainability challenges by combining cutting-edge carbon capture technology with sustainable design. It offers three distinct systems catering to various budgets and sustainability goals, aiming to create carbon-neutral urban living environments. EcoScape targets real estate developers, property management companies, local governments, and corporate tenants, offering benefits such as cost savings, enhanced sustainability, and potential revenue streams from carbon capture and utilization. My success as a finalist in this competition not only highlights the potential of this project but also showcased my skills in conceptual design, environmental engineering, and my understanding of the intersection between technology and sustainability, all crucial attributes for an engineer in today's world.
Aggies Invent - Tech for Peace: UXO and Safe Practices (Los Alamos)
For the October 2023 Aggies Invent project with Los Alamos National Laboratory, my team and I developed BoomHawk, a solution to address waste, unpredictability, and inefficiency in high explosives manufacturing.
This 48 hour intensive design challenge consists of problem solving, physical prototype development, video design, and a 10-minute pitch to a panel of experts.
My team and I focused on improving explosive stability by measuring and controlling particle size distribution in real-time during production.
We utilized the Mettler-Toledo ParticleTrack G400 for advanced sensing capabilities, implemented a data logging and processing system, and created a real-time alert mechanism with an operator display.
After considering various measurement methods, we chose a Particle Size Analyzer based on a decision matrix evaluating factors such as measurement accuracy and real-time feedback.
Our solution aimed to increase explosive stability, enhance detonation predictability, reduce material waste, and improve manufacturing efficiency.
This project allowed me to apply my engineering skills to a critical challenge in the field of high explosives, demonstrating my ability to develop innovative solutions for complex industrial processes.
See our team's final presentation here: BoomHawk Final Presentation
See our team's video component here: BoomHawk Video
Aggies Invent - AI and National Security (Sandia)
For the September 2023 Aggies Invent project with Sandia National Laboratories, my team and I developed ZebraFish, an innovative solution to address defects in 3D printed metals.
This 48 hour intensive design challenge consists of problem solving, physical prototype development, video design, and a 10-minute pitch to a panel of experts.
Our team focused on creating a system to detect and potentially repair defects throughout the 3D metal printing lifecycle.
We utilized a combination of thermal imaging and ultrasonic mapping to identify issues in real-time.
Our solution incorporated advanced sensors, including thermal cameras to track cooling profiles and ultrasonic sensors to generate 3D maps of the prints.
We implemented machine learning algorithms for rapid processing of sensor data, enabling quick defect detection.
The system was designed to automatically stop the printer when defects were found, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Additionally, we explored the use of hydrophobic Janus nanoparticles for potential real-time repairs.
This project allowed me to apply my engineering skills to a cutting-edge manufacturing challenge, demonstrating my ability to integrate multiple technologies into a comprehensive quality control system for additive manufacturing.
See our team's final presentation here: ZebraFish Final Presentation
See our team's video component here: Zebrafish Video
More Mobility - Hacking 4 Homeland Security
For my Fall 2022 Lean Launch project titled "More Mobility," I participated in a pilot program with the Department of Homeland Security, focusing on improving wheelchair user throughput at TSA checkpoints in DFW International Terminal.
Our team worked closely with TSA to identify and address the challenges faced by mobility-impaired passengers during security screening.
We developed a comprehensive solution that combined innovative wheelchair design with improved screening methods to increase efficiency and passenger satisfaction.
Our project aimed to reduce the discomfort, distrust, and frustration experienced by wheelchair users during pat-downs, while also improving overall checkpoint efficiency.
Through extensive customer discovery, we identified key issues such as lengthy screening times, inefficient pat-down processes, and wheelchair management problems.
We proposed a two-pronged solution: a redesigned wheelchair made of polypropylene and canvas, compatible with advanced scanning technology, and a geofencing system for improved wheelchair tracking and management throughout the airport.
The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) we developed included a floor scanner integrated with the redesigned wheelchair, allowing passengers to remain seated during screening.
We also implemented a geofencing system using tracking chips in wheelchairs and software to organize the airport into monitored areas.
Our solution aimed to significantly reduce screening time, potentially saving the airport over $450,000 annually in labor costs for Terminal D alone.
This project allowed me to apply my engineering skills to a real-world problem, demonstrating my ability to innovate in the field of airport security and accessibility while considering both technical and human factors.
See our team's final presentation here: More Mobility Final Presentation
Work Experience
Mechanical Design Intern, Summer 2024
During my summer 2024 internship at Collins Aerospace in Lenexa, KS, I designed and 3D-printed prototype hardware to facilitate timely dimensional checks for new product developments. I tested and analyzed supplier prototypes for defects and accuracy, ensuring product consistency and quality. Additionally, I maintained clear communication with customers by notifying them of design and supplier changes throughout the product life cycle. I also ensured that new designs and modifications met Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) by developing and conducting engineering testing procedures. This role allowed me to enhance my skills in mechanical design and quality assurance within the aerospace industry.
X-Force Fellow, Summer 2023
During my summer 2023 internship at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, I focused on redesigning specialized cable housings to prevent galvanic corrosion, water intrusion, and cathodic reactions. I assessed high-temperature thermoplastics and fiber reinforcement to evaluate the viability of additive manufacturing technologies. Additionally, I tested prototypes to simulate long-term performance on naval vessels, ensuring adherence to military standards. This experience allowed me to apply advanced materials engineering and testing methodologies in a defense context, contributing to enhanced durability and performance of naval equipment.
Brewery Supply Intern, Summer 2022
During my summer 2022 internship at Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, MO, I applied Lean Six Sigma principles to optimize retooling procedures, achieving a 25% reduction in downtime. I also constructed comprehensive performance tracking solutions using Excel to enhance transparency in retooling processes. This experience allowed me to effectively integrate process improvement techniques and data analysis skills, contributing to increased operational efficiency within the company.
