Experience
Hello! Welcome to my jobs page! This page covers the positions I've held over the last couple of years.
01 - Research Assistant
Human Instrumentation and Robotics Laboratory
This project focuses on developing a digital twin for the Acrome 8-inch Hexapod using MATLAB Simulink Simscape. The digital twin, a virtual representation of the physical hexapod, will facilitate simulation, analysis, and control. The project also entails creating a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI) with MATLAB guide, enabling precise control of individual actuator positions and input of parameters like x, y, z, roll, pitch, and yaw. The objectives include accurate Simscape modeling, GUI implementation, position control, parameter dictation, and thorough simulation and analysis. The expected outcomes encompass a functional digital twin, an interactive GUI, accurate representation of hexapod movements, and comprehensive documentation. This project aimed to provide a virtual testing environment, visualization of hexapod behavior, and ease of parameter tuning for specific applications. The deliverables include a Simscape model, functional GUI, simulation results, and a comprehensive project report.
02 - Research Assistant
Human Instrumentation and Robotics Laboratory
I have been a part for the Human Instrumentation and Robotics Laboratory at the University of Iowa since 2021. As an undergraduate research assistant, I have assisted data analysis and other studies. Most recently, me and another undergraduate student have been conducting a pilot study to look at the relationship between poor posture and muscle activation in the upper back. The study involves having individuals perform a 60 second typing test in different postures with or without biofeedback. The biofeedback is a simple haptic system that alerts the individual when they have exited the angle bounds set at the back, neck, or both. This is a preliminary study to look at whether there are significant results to continue a further study on medical professionals. The end objective is to create a wearable product with a biofeedback system that would alert medical professionals when they have been in poor posture for too long.
03 - Research Assistant
Robotics and Assistive Devices Laboratory
The main objective of my work with the Robotics and Assistive Devices Laboratory has been to upgrade Dr. Totah's Stiffness Measurement Apparatus (SMApp). She originally designed the device at the University of Michigan during her postdoctoral and wanted to build another at the University of Iowa. The SMApp is intended to measure the stiffness of Assistive Foot Orthosis (AFO) devices through mimicking the movement of the foot. My role was to recreate the device with some upgrades. I redesigned the clamping system to secure the AFO to the framing, contacted manufacturers about suitable loadcells, and reconstructed the device.
04 - P3 Mechanical Engineering Designer
University of Iowa Physics Department
I joined the University of Iowa Physics department in early 2022 as a P3 mechanical engineer designer. My main responsibility has been to design a closing mechanism for an ion analyzer, and to modify the previous analyzer for a lunar purpose. The purpose of the cover is to create a cover that would protect the ion analyzer for harmful lunar dust and other debris upon landing. We have designed two different spring-loaded mechanisms that releases after a Frangibolt breaks the fastener holding the cover down. One design uses a torsion spring to open a clamp shell cover, and the other design uses compression springs to lift the cover. Each design was 3D printed to test the actuation mechanism.
05 - Resident Assistant
Burge Residence Hall
I joined the resident education team as a resident assistant in 2021. I am responsible for coordinating with a team to plan events, hold students accountable, and perform building rounds. My primary responsibility is to be a resource for incoming students at the University of Iowa.
