Professional Online Portfolio
(858) 805-1605
PERSONAL PORTFOLIO
Design of a Solar Cell Tester
Master's Thesis at U.C. San Diego
Impactful
Designed a novel and inexpensive tester for solar cells to accelerate commercialization. Published design for universities to adopt.
Challenging
Solved complex, diverse problems: thermal analysis, solar simulation, inert-gas sealing, PCB design, maximum power-point tracking, size & cost constraints, DFA, DFM
Scalable design
Complete ownership of product lifecycle from concept to 45-cell capacity. Scaled design for >450 cell manufacturability
Bi-directional clutch for e-bikes
Senior Project at U.C. Santa Barbara
Innovative
Invented & provisionally patented clutch to toggle regenerative braking and freewheeling on e-bikes
Unique design
Utilizes a positive-contact design to ensure engagment of the clutch. Advantages of reliable engagement with minimal actuation force, however with increased wear over time.
Technical
Performed stress, impact, and fatigue analysis on steel parts through FEA, hand-calculations, and S-N curves
Battery cell fixture design
Internship at Tesla
Prototype design
• Designed prototype testing fixture for custom Li-Ion cells
• Updated cell heat spreader for new geometry; reduced thermal gradient and response time by 25%
• Modeled thermal resistance networks in MATLAB to assess solution viability; quantified thermal stresses in ANSYS
• Expanded temp. range to -30ºC, increased system safety and efficiency; worked with technicians to ensure robust design
Rocket Trajectory Analysis + Fin Design
During my sophomore year, I was a founding member of the UCSB Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, an student-led undergraduate group promoting aerospace engineering on campus. As the Flight Dynamics Team Lead, I coded a trajectory simulation and designed the fins. I presented my calculations and design iterations to the team weekly, while also gaining insight and feedback from industry and professors.
PYTHON SIMULATION
Previously having no coding experience, I taught myself Python to complete this project. My code utilizes' Euler's method for numerical integration and cumulated in over 600 lines. While the accuracy is limited to the variable environmental conditions, the code served as a helpful design tool for the team.
PROTOTYPE FIN DESIGN
Using FEA and CFD on each iteration of fin design, I worked towards maximizing stability while also minimizing drag. I applied the analytical skills I gained here to my subsequent projects.
Dancing Robot
We collaborated with a local elementary school, where the kids requested a "flossing wyger" (a cross between a wolf & tiger). Within our time constraints, we created an acrylic skeleton and electronic housing for a plush doll. Using arduino-controlled servos and bevel gears, we created rotation in both the shoulders and arms. We also programmed flashing LED's attached to the kids' 3D printed "wyger" head. The result is moderately terrifying.
Electric Skateboard
Started a custom electric skateboard with my little brother in Summer 2019. Many learning experiences later, we have *tentatively* finished. We assembled a 10s3p Li-Ion battery with numerous safety features; i.e. electrically isolating each cell group from its neighbors, adding exterior impact padding, and insulation to prevent hot wires from causing a short. The final product is a dual motor beast with a range of 15 miles and top speed of 30 mph.
