Projects
XL Excavator PID Tuning
Caterpillar
​The primary project I worked on during my Summer 2025 internship at Caterpillar involved tuning the swing circuit of extra-large excavators to achieve more precise control, particularly in fine-control scenarios. To accomplish this, I implemented a PID controller that regulated the pressure difference between the two swing motors to align the actual pressure response more closely with the desired signal. Controller tuning was performed through on-machine testing with multiple XL excavators, where I adjusted control parameters and took data using Vector CANape. This process required continuous iteration and refinement as I sought to optimize system performance. By the project's conclusion, my tuning efforts had successfully reduced the average signal error by approximately 44%, resulting in considerably smoother and more accurate swing control. This new tuning will be released on every new Caterpillar XL excavator from this time forward.
Trash Compactor
Sophomore Design Project
During the Fall 2024 semester, I completed ME 270, a sophomore-level course focused on a semester-long design project. My team and I developed a trash compactor, progressing through the design process, including project charter creation, QFD, cost analysis, design reviews, ECNs, and testing. I led the manufacturing of the compactor while also contributing to design and project management activities. This experience strengthened my technical skills and deepened my understanding of the complete product development cycle.
Standardized Cart Deisgn
Vactor Manufacturing
As a Summer intern, I redesigned transportation carts used to move boom tube assemblies across the shop floor. The original system required four separate cart designs for similar boom tube variants. I consolidated these into a standardized cart that could accommodate all variants, streamlining production and improving material handling efficiency. The new design was created in Autodesk Inventor and emphasized simple manufacturing - utilizing laser-cut sheet metal and steel tubing to enable quick weldment assembly. The design consisted of a steel tubing base weldment, with a riser weldment where the boom turret was supported and pinned into place. This project simplified internal logistics and reduced the need for multiple custom builds.
Reverse-engineered fixture
Vactor Manufacturing
During my internship with Vactor Manufacturing over the Summer of 2024, I reverse-engineered a fixture model used to manufacture a filter housing. I took dimensions from the physical fixture and outdated AutoCAD drawings and used those to create a 3D model of the fixture in Inventor. This new model reflected any design updates and simplified future revisions.
Notecard Dispenser
Personal Project
As a fun side project, I made this little notecard dispenser. I designed it to hold about 100 notecards, and focused on a cheap, simple design. I made a complete CAD model in Inventor before 3D printing the white pieces out of PLA. I stole the springs from an old notebook I had and glued the box together.
Wordle App
Video quality is better in fullscreen
AP Computer Science Principles
As a part of my AP Computer Science Principles class as a high school senior, I had to develop a program for a final project. I decided to make an app that functioned identically to the popular New York Times Wordle game. I developed the app in JavaScript on the Code.org interface, as required by the class.
Robot End Effector
First Robotics Team 4143
During my senior year of high school, I led the prototyping, design, and manufacturing of a mechanical claw used to manipulate game pieces in the 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition. My subteam and I designed the claw in Onshape, with the components either sourced off the shelf or fabricated using a CNC router, CNC mill, or 3D printing.
Robot Chassis
FIRST Robotics Team 4143
During my junior year of high school, I manufactured this frame for our 2022 robot as part of my involvement with the FIRST Robotics team. I used Fusion 360 to generate G-code for the frame rails, drive module components, and gusset plates, and then fabricated all of these parts using a band saw and a 3-axis CNC mill.