CMU Projects

Aug 2024 - May 2025 (Senior Design Project)

In a team of seven, I created an adjustable, compressible head stabilization device with an IMU for monitoring patients with TBIs during the emergency transport process.

I sketched the initial stability concept, developed structural components in SOLIDWORKS, designed textile components, and assembled the final prototype with integrated electrical and mechanical systems. I also helped my team to complete market research, investigate existing solutions, and conducted user testing.

My team's project received Honorable Mention at Techspark's Fall 2024 Engineering Exposition. This project was sponsored by HeadStrait Labs. Guidance provided by Mary Squire, Alyssa Theroux, Dr. Rachelle Palchesko, and Dr. Conrad Zapanta. (Thanks!)

Aug 2023 - Dec 2023 (Junior Design Project)

In a team of five, I designed and built a gyroscopic toothbrush holder that mitigates hand tremors to improve the toothbrushing experience for individuals with motor deficits. I applied knowledge of machining, 3D printing, electronics, and SOLIDWORKS to ideate through multiple prototypes.

My team and I pitched our final prototype and product design to an audience of ~100 people. Our presentation outlined the design process, manufacturing and material choices, stress analysis, cost analysis, and gyroscopic stabilization concept.

April 2023 - June 2023 (Research with CMU Neuromechatronics Lab)

In a team of two, I designed and built a randomized, motorized obstacle for a mouse to jump over while it runs on the KineMouse wheel I built earlier in the year with the Neuromechatronics Lab at CMU. The obstacle design is inspired by the obstacle described in the paper "A rapid whisker-based decision underlying skilled locomotion in mice."

Designing the obstacle involved choosing a system to drive the motorized platform, creating a CAD assembly of the main parts of the model, machining parts for the assembly, and creating the Arduino set up to drive the motors.

Feb 2023 - June 2023 (Research with CMU Neuromechatronics Lab)

During my time as a research intern in the Neuromechatronics Lab at CMU, I built the KineMouse wheel developed by Dr. Richard Warren at Columbia University and used in the paper "A rapid whisker-based decision underlying skilled locomotion in mice." I also developed a head fixation system inspired by Dr. Isaac Weaver's "An open-source head-fixation and implant-protection system for mice" to pair with the KineMouse wheel. The wheel and the head fixation system were part of a larger set-up for studying gait in mice who had experienced stroke. 

Key skills used in this project included SOLIDWORKS, 3D printing, and laser cutting.

Feb 2023 - March 2023 (Sophomore Design Class)

In a team of three, I designed a bike crank for a child's bike that would break at midway when a 12N is applied to the drive wheel. Through FEA analysis, hand calculations, and prototyping with acrylic and PLA, my team and I created a final product that prioritized torsional stress minimization and low mass.