My first real engineering project addressed an accessibility issue I'd noticed in people's lives. As folks age, they often need more medications, coinciding with declining hand dexterity and strength.

I designed a three-piece tool adaptable to various pill bottle cap sizes, allowing users to open caps while keeping both hands fully open.

This project taught me a lot about the engineering process. After researching beneficial shapes, I used SolidWorks CAD to design and 3D print the initial product. Real-world testing led to sizing and material changes, showing how an idea can evolve to become more effective than originally conceived.

Building on my previous project, SolidWorks certification, and motorsports team experience, I tackled a bigger challenge: designing and manufacturing the cooling system mounts for an electric Formula SAE car.

This task presented various challenges, including limited space, complex 3D geometry, and tight component fitment. The design process went through four failed iterations before reaching a workable solution that integrated with other systems.

After the lead engineer approved the final design, I used the machine shop to cut and bend components. This extensive process taught me how to derive 3D designs from the car's existing geometry in CAD software and how to persevere through failures to achieve a finished product.

For a course project, I collaborated with a local middle school to enhance their underused STEM lab. The goal was to provide students with hands-on, real-world experience that complemented their classroom learning.

I designed an interactive environment cart that could replicate various ecosystems, allowing students to study plants and environmental conditions in depth. The centerpiece was a terrarium where students could control plants, sunlight, and chemical factors.

The main engineering challenge involved creating a solar-powered fertilizer spreader for consistent plant care. I integrated a solar panel and battery system to power a hopper-fed spreader with a screw gear turned by an electric motor. This project deepened my experience with 3D printing, client collaboration, and combining mechanical and electrical systems.