Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
PhD, Mechanical Engineering
2020-2024
SM, Mechanical Engineering
2018-2020
GPA 4.9/5.0
SB, Mechanical Engineering
2014-2018
GPA 4.8/5.0
Research Experience
Research Assistant
Advised by Dr. Maria Yang
September 2018-Febuary 2024
Projects include:
- Generative Design Tools - Understanding the interaction between designers and generative design tools powered by artificially intelligent algorithms.
- Design Justice in Curriculum- Investigating the inclusion of design justice principles in design curriculum across departments at MIT
- Participatory and Computational Design of Improved Cookstoves - Integrating user preferences in computational tools to improve the design of a clean energy cookstove
- Motivating Sustainable Behavior Through Product Design- Exploring the effectiveness of designed napkin dispensers to encourage sustainable behavior in users.
Teaching Design to Refugee Youth
Advised by Amy Smith and Martha Thompson
May-September 2017
- Adapted curriculum designed to teach design process and skills to 16 unaccompanied minors living in Athens.
- Traveled to Greece to implement workshop and coordinate future innovation work in the area.
Body Grounded Haptics for Virtual Reality
Advised by Chris Schmandt
January-May 2017
- Developed a wearable robotic arm to provide haptic feedback in virtual reality using laser cutting and 3D printing.
- Incorporated actuators that provide force feedback to give users the illusion that they are touching virtual reality objects, such as pulling a bow and arrow or dribbling a basketball.
Toys for Learning
Advised by Pedro Reynolds Cellular
September-December 2015
• Engineered and prototyped a toy for teaching design skills to youth in developing countries.
• Created the toy “Marble Race”, a board game with the objective to use blocks chosen by cards to build a marble track to the finish line.
Project Experience
Fundamentals of Design
January-May 2019
• Designed, analyzed and tested several hands-on modules to demonstrate fundamental principles such as conservation of energy, Abbe's Principle, St. Venant's Principle, and elastically averaged design.
Product Design and Development
January-May 2019
• Engineered and tested a variable buoyancy backboard for spinal injuries in aquatic settings.
• Created inflatable system using an air cannister and plastic tubes which allowed the backboard to inflate underwater with the push of a button within 5 seconds.
• Created inflatable system using an air cannister and plastic tubes which allowed the backboard to inflate underwater with the push of a button within 5 seconds.
Manufacturing Processes and Systems
September-December 2018
• Designed and manufactured a radio-controlled car using CNC milling and lathe.
• Spearheaded the design and manufacturing of the a-arm suspension system.
• Spearheaded the design and manufacturing of the a-arm suspension system.
September-December 2018
• Developed a human-powered roll stabilization attachment for two wheeled vehicles, allowing users to balance on motorcycles at slow speeds.
• Co-Authored paper on the stabilizing attachment in IDETC 2019 conference.
• Co-Authored paper on the stabilizing attachment in IDETC 2019 conference.
Product Design
January-May 2018
• Created an escape-room experience using a jellybean climbing wall to envision the theme of Sugarland
• Focused on the design of the user-experience, from color combinations, illustrations, room size, jellybean placement, and gameplay.
• Focused on the design of the user-experience, from color combinations, illustrations, room size, jellybean placement, and gameplay.
Product Engineering Process
September-December 2017
• Collaborated with a team of 17 students to design and build Tatchi, game platform that uses sound and touch to facilitate a compelling new gameplay experience.
• Corresponded with sub-teams to facilitate integration with electrical and mechanical components, ensure rapid assembly, and maintain cohesive product aesthetics.
• Corresponded with sub-teams to facilitate integration with electrical and mechanical components, ensure rapid assembly, and maintain cohesive product aesthetics.
Principles and Practices of Assistive Technology
September-December 2017
• Engineered a left-handed camera holder for a client with right-side paralysis that improved the set up time from 80 seconds to 20 seconds.
• Created an Inscrutables page that documented the process (http://www.instructables.com/id/Left-Handed-Camera-Adapter/)
• Created an Inscrutables page that documented the process (http://www.instructables.com/id/Left-Handed-Camera-Adapter/)
D-Lab Design
January-May 2017
• Developed a low-cost, modular, and robust pediatric standing frame for the developing world that encourages the patient into a weight bearing position through joint manipulation.
• Utilized existing techniques currently used in Haiti, such as wooden tenon joints, to produce a design that can be replicated by local artisans using readily available materials and tools.
• Utilized existing techniques currently used in Haiti, such as wooden tenon joints, to produce a design that can be replicated by local artisans using readily available materials and tools.
Design and Manufacturing II
September-December 2016
• Designed and manufactured 50 cupcake themed Yo-Yos using additive manufacturing, thermoforming and injection molding.
• Maintained a blog detailing the process (sweettooth-yoyo.blogspot.com).
• Maintained a blog detailing the process (sweettooth-yoyo.blogspot.com).
Dassault Systemes SOLIDWORKS Corporation
May-August 2016
• Assessed problems acquired through Beta software testing and submitted detailed description to R&D.
• Provided support to customers by identifying problems and knowledge gaps.
• Presented new software features to Technical Support Engineers worldwide.
• Organized an annual week-long technical workshop for Value-Added Resellers (VARs).
• Provided support to customers by identifying problems and knowledge gaps.
• Presented new software features to Technical Support Engineers worldwide.
• Organized an annual week-long technical workshop for Value-Added Resellers (VARs).
Design and Manufacturing I
January-May 2016
• Modeled a robot in SOLIDWORKS for an end-of-semester competition.
• Evaluated the feasibility of ideas using physical laws to construct a robot that could climb up a sixty degree hill and grab objects using a claw.
• Evaluated the feasibility of ideas using physical laws to construct a robot that could climb up a sixty degree hill and grab objects using a claw.
Toy Product Design
January-May 2015
• Cooperated with a group of six to design and engineer the toy “Wobblit”, a balance board with alternating light up sections indicating the direction to lean.
• Presented the final prototype to an audience of children, MIT students, faculty, and alumni and professionals.
• Presented the final prototype to an audience of children, MIT students, faculty, and alumni and professionals.
Teaching and Mentorship
Introduction to Design
Teaching Assistant
Fall 2019, 2020, 2021
• Teaching assistant for a creative, hands on, user centered design course
• Advised student groups on projects, led machine shop trainings, and organized course material.
• Advised student groups on projects, led machine shop trainings, and organized course material.
Mentor
January 2018-March 2020
• Facilitate the operation of a student run machine shop with over 1,000 users.
• Advise users on project designs, manufacturing processes and machine use such as laser cutter, 3D printer, and mill.
• Advise users on project designs, manufacturing processes and machine use such as laser cutter, 3D printer, and mill.
Gordon Engineering Leadership Program
September-December 2016
• Participated in a selective leadership training program focused on developing effective and emerging leaders of teams in the engineering industry.
• Actively developed leadership, communication and teamwork skills in an engineering context, complementing MIT technical coursework.
• Actively developed leadership, communication and teamwork skills in an engineering context, complementing MIT technical coursework.
Certificates
Awarded August 2016