💼 Portfolio

I am a Mechanical Engineer (MS '25) and Dual Citizen (US/DE) with a passion for building rugged, integrated systems. My work bridges the gap between mechanical design, embedded electronics, and the compute infrastructure that powers them.

Below is a selection of projects demonstrating my ability to design, prototype, and deploy complex electromechanical systems.

💻 Software & Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)

Open Source SysML Core & Carbon Solver (Thesis)

Bridging the gap between static system models and dynamic python analysis.

Contribution: Contributed directly to the Gaphor open-source project to implement SysML 1.6 constraints and parametrics.
The Solver: Authored a Python library that bridges Gaphor models with external analysis scripts.
Application: Developed a multi-modal mapping algorithm (Truck/Rail/Sea/Air) to calculate accurate shipping carbon footprints, writing the results directly back into the system model for visualization.

Tech Stack: Python SysML Gaphor Open Source Contribution Git

Automated 3D Printer Calibration

Computer vision integration for manufacturing optimization.

Developed a closed-loop calibration system to optimize linear advance settings for 3D printers automatically.

Workflow: The system prints a test pattern, scans it using a high-precision GoCator 3D Profiler, and processes the point cloud data.
Analysis: Wrote a custom MATLAB algorithm to analyze the scan topography, identify the most consistent extrusion line, and output the optimal K-factor.

Tech Stack: MATLAB GoCator Computer Vision Metrology

🛠️ Electromechanical Systems & Robotics

Smart Dog Door: Integrated Mechatronics

Photo of a smart dog door

Senior Design Capstone Project. A ruggedized, automated entry system integrating RFID logic, cloud connectivity, and custom mechanical actuation.

The Challenge: Design a secure pet door that distinguishes between authorized/unauthorized entities and integrates with smart home ecosystems.
Mechanical Design: Fabricated a custom housing and locking mechanism using a manual mill. Designed linkages to interface the servo actuator with the steel locking pin.
Electronics & Code: Wired an ESP32 microcontroller with an RFID reader and Wi-Fi module. Programmed logic for tag validation and Alexa API integration.
Outcome: A fully functional, field-tested prototype capable of remote operation and "pet-only" access.

Tech Stack: ESP32 Arduino SolidWorks Manual Mill RFID

Pinewood Derby Finish Gate

An automated race timing system requiring micro-second precision and custom sensor alignment.

System Architecture: Independently designed, wired, and programmed a multi-lane finish gate.
Fabrication: Designed and 3D printed alignment mechanisms to hold laser gates in line.
Logic: Utilized an ESP32 to process signals from laser receivers and drive a real-time display output.

Tech Stack: ESP32 Arduino 3D Printing Laser Sensors Wiring Harness Design

Binder Jet Printer Electronics

Research prototype development.

Designed and documented the complete electronics system for a custom Binder Jet 3D printer prototype at U of M Dearborn. Focus was placed on clean cable management, EMI reduction, and accessible documentation for future researchers.

Tech Stack: Electronics Design Soldering Wire Harnessing

🖥️ Infrastructure, Compute & Automation

HPC Lab Infrastructure (Systems Admin)

Building the digital backbone for engineering research.

As the Lab Systems Administrator at U of M Dearborn, I solely designed and deployed the lab's GPU-accelerated compute and storage infrastructure from the ground up.

Compute: Deployed Proxmox VE clusters managing NVIDIA L40S GPUs for simulation and AI workloads. Leading procurement for next-gen RTX PRO 6000 servers.
Storage: Architected a TrueNAS core for high-speed, fault-tolerant data storage (NFS/SMB) linked via 50GbE.
Orchestration: Deployed and currently manage a k3s Kubernetes cluster (Zero-to-JupyterHub) to serve MBSE course environments.

Tech Stack: Proxmox Kubernetes (k3s) TrueNAS Linux NVIDIA HPC Docker

Home Lab & Automation

Placeholder: Photo of your server rack or Home Assistant dashboard

A personal testbed for networking, IoT, and virtualization.

Infrastructure: Maintain a custom Proxmox virtualization cluster and a TP-Link Omada network architecture.
Automation: Run a self-hosted Home Assistant instance to automate and connect my home environment.
Custom Hardware: Design and solder custom ESP32 sensors (PIR presence detection, WLED lighting) that integrate via MQTT/REST.

3D Printer Engineering (FLSUN Build)

Deep-dive into firmware and motion kinematics.

Build: Assembled an barebones FLSUN i3 kit from component level, then designed and fabricated upgrades to enhance the printer.
Optimization: Self-taught Marlin firmware compiling to enable advanced thermal protection and motion features.
Remote Management: Deployed OctoPrint for telemetry and remote control.

⚙️ Precision Fabrication & Manufacturing

Bolt Action Pen

Placeholder: Close-up macro shot of the pen mechanism

Manual machining and mechanism design.

Designed a custom pen body and bolt-actuation mechanism to fit a standard Pilot G2 refill.

Fabrication: Manufactured the body and internal mechanism from stainless steel and brass using a manual lathe and drill press.
Design: Modeled in SolidWorks with tight tolerances to ensure smooth actuation without binding.

Jet Fuel Nozzle Adapter

Rapid prototyping and material validation.

Challenge: Adapt a standard duckbill jet fuel nozzle to fit a custom helicycle fuel tank geometry.
Validation: Designed and 3D printed the adapter in PLA. Validated material compatibility by soaking test coupons in kerosene for 72+ hours to ensure structural integrity before field use.

Industrial Casting (Becker GmbH - Germany)

Large-scale manufacturing and quality assurance.

During my rotation as a Manufacturing Engineer in a German aluminum foundry, I gained full-lifecycle experience with automotive cylinder heads:

Digital: Simulation via Magnasoft and CAD via NX.
Physical: Operated SLM 280HL (Metal Printing) and sand core pressing/blowing machinery.
Validation: Verified critical engine components using CT Scanning and CMM (Coordinate Measuring Machine), as well as destructive tensile testing.

📽️ Creative & Media

Technical Director (Fairlane Alliance Church)

Complete AVL Architecture Overhaul.

Led the transition from analog systems to a fully integrated digital broadcast environment.

Video: Integrated ATEM Mini switchers and Bitfocus Companion for automated stream management.
Audio: Deployed Behringer Wing console.
Lighting: Programmed ONYX console for dynamic stage lighting.

Custom sACN LED Fixtures

Engineering meets Stage Design.

To reduce costs while maintaining professional features, I engineered custom LED lighting tubes.

Hardware: ESP32 microcontrollers driving WS2812b LED strips inside diffused housings.
Protocol: Implemented sACN (Streaming ACN) via WLED, allowing the DIY fixtures to be controlled directly by the professional ONYX lighting console alongside commercial fixtures.

Tech Stack: WLED sACN ESP32 ONYX Stage Lighting