Education at Washington State University
Washington State University graduate with honors
I graduated from Washington State University (WSU) with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Material Science Engineering, with a final GPA of 3.75 (view my transcript). As a dual degree graduate from WSU, I learned how to apply myself to a breadth of different applications and challenges. Throughout the intense course load, I grew to understand the importance of managing my time and working efficiently to achieve an end result. The different groups that I worked with taught me how to communicate the complexities of topics ranging from point cloud processing python code to development of liquid crystal elastomers using additive manufacturing. In these groups, I had the opportunity to develop my leadership skill by leading the Mechanical Engineering Capstone project where I identified all tasks necessary for completion and delegated said tasks. My time at WSU has been instrumental in teaching me the skills and allowing me to become the person I am today, someone who hopes to positively impact the world in as many ways as possible.
Sample of my work using Python to process a point cloud
Sample of my research adapting and modifying a 3D printer for DIW
ME Senior Capstone Project: Point Cloud Processing with Python
This project was sponsored by Los Alamos National Lab, where they tasked us to develop an algorithm to offset all surfaces of a point cloud depicting a common object, such as the trash can shown above. These points were intended for use with a gamma detector and robotic arm such that the arm could automate the scanning of decommissioned, potentially radioactive, material.
As the team lead, I was responsible for keeping the overall project on track, and served as the primary contact when subtasks went awry. With my understanding of the project direction, I worked to create a manageable schedule for each member to follow and designated tasks to each of the sub teams.
My group accomplished this using Python, where I was in charge of taking the isolated planes of the object, finding their normal, simplifying the amount of points, then offsetting them perpendicular to the surface, regardless of initial orientation. A link to a detailed walkthrough, all of the code, and to view PDFs of the final report and presentation are below.
MSE Senior Thesis: Research on Contractible Elastomers Using Liquid Crystals
The Material Science Engineering senior thesis course allowed students to partner with professor(s) to work on their existing research or help lay the groundwork for new research. I partnered with Dr. Narasimha Boddeti and Dr. Kaiyan Qiu, where we worked toward developing an additive manufacturing method for liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). The course starts with performing background research and information gathering to gain a conceptual understanding, ordering the necessary parts and material, then beginning the research.
Preliminary research consisted primarily of reviewing research papers to gain a conceptual understanding of LCEs. I then ordered a liquid crystal as a powder, a two part silicone mixture (Ecoflex 00-30), and an Ender-6 Desktop printer. The printer was then modified for direct ink writing (shown above).
The LCE ink loaded into the syringe consisted of varying portions of fumed silica, Ecoflex 00-30 parts A and B, and the chosen liquid crystal. A detailed walkthrough, reports, and presentations can be viewed below.
Certifications and Examinations
Solidworks Mechanical Design
Successfully passed the Solidworks Mechanical Design certification exam
Solidworks Simulation
Successfully passed the Solidworks Simulation certification exam
Fundamentals of Engineering
Successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam