Projects
OncoMagnetics
At Biotex Inc, I contribute to the mechanical development and testing of an investigational wearable device designed to deliver oscillating magnetic fields as a potential non-invasive treatment for glioblastoma. The system uses high-speed rotating permanent magnets integrated into a helmet-based platform, creating a demanding mechanical environment where vibration, acoustic noise, balance, structural integrity, and patient comfort must all be carefully considered.
My work includes mechanical design support, prototype fabrication, component integration, tolerance analysis, and benchtop testing. I have helped evaluate the behavior of rotating assemblies, identify sources of vibration and sound, and support iterative design improvements intended to increase reliability and improve the overall user experience. This project has given me valuable experience working on a complex medical-device platform that combines precision mechanical design, high-speed motion, experimental testing, and human-centered engineering considerations.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,cg:true)
A Soft Robotic Sleeve for Colonoscopy Procedures
At Boston University’s Material Robotics Lab, I contributed to the development of a soft robotic sleeve designed to improve the safety and comfort of colonoscopy procedures. The disposable device attaches directly to a conventional colonoscope and uses embedded soft optical sensors to monitor its shape and estimate contact forces applied to surrounding tissue. When excessive force is detected, integrated pneumatic actuators inflate to redistribute pressure across a larger area.
My work focused on the hands-on fabrication, testing, and refinement of the soft robotic platform. The sleeve was manufactured using a multi-step silicone molding process and incorporated soft optical waveguides, pneumatic channels, fabric reinforcement, optical fibers, and a protective end cap. I helped fabricate complete devices and perform experimental characterization and calibration to evaluate sensing performance and support continued design improvements.
I also contributed to the design and assembly of the supporting optical circuitry and portable control box. The system uses LEDs and phototransistors to measure changes in light transmission through the embedded waveguides, allowing the sleeve to distinguish between bending and externally applied forces. A graphical interface displays force estimates and actuator status alongside the endoscope camera feed, providing real-time feedback during operation.
To evaluate the platform under clinically relevant conditions, I participated in ex-vivo testing using bovine colon tissue and a colonoscopy simulator. These experiments assessed whether the device could integrate into a typical procedure without significantly disrupting navigation or increasing user workload. The project was later validated through in-vivo studies and published in npj Robotics.Our team is made up of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions that exceed their expectations.
.jpg/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,h:1612,cg:true)
Stacked Balloon Actuators (SBA's)
During my time at Boston University’s Morphable Biorobotics Lab, I worked on the development and fabrication of stacked balloon actuators for soft robotic systems. These pneumatic actuators are built by heat-pressing thin layers of thermoplastic polyurethane into compact, collapsible structures that expand when pressurized. Their lightweight design and ability to produce large deformations make them well suited for soft robots that must adapt to complex environments.
A major focus of my work was improving the actuator design through fiber reinforcement. I helped fabricate reinforced actuators using nylon mesh and heat-sealable nylon taffeta to increase structural strength, reduce buckling, and improve performance under both compression and vacuum-driven retraction. This process required careful material preparation, laser-cutting, layer alignment, and iterative heat-pressing to create reliable airtight bonds while maintaining the flexibility of the actuator.
I also assisted with experimental testing and performance evaluation using an Instron tensile testing system, MATLAB-based analysis, and trials conducted both above and below water. The reinforced actuators were later integrated into a soft robotic platform to demonstrate weight-bearing locomotion and shape-morphing through constrained spaces. This work contributed to the publication of “Soft, Fiber-Reinforced Bellow Actuators” in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters.
Redpoint
As a mechanical engineer at Biotex, I supported the development of Redpoint, an ultra-sensitive laboratory instrument designed for nanoscale chemical and biochemical analysis. The compact benchtop system used laser-based optical detection and capillary separation techniques to analyze small-volume samples without requiring molecular labeling.
My work focused on mechanical design support, prototyping, and experimental refinement of the optical platform. A significant portion of my effort involved improving the capillary interface and developing components that helped position the capillary consistently within the system. One of these designs used a compact snap-fit feature that simplified assembly while maintaining a secure mechanical connection. This work required balancing fit, manufacturability, repeatability, and ease of use.
I also supported benchtop testing and troubleshooting by helping evaluate how alignment, tolerances, and component geometry affected optical performance. Working on Redpoint gave me practical experience applying mechanical-engineering fundamentals to a precision instrumentation system, where small design changes could meaningfully affect usability and experimental consistency.
Cable-Driven Soft Glove for Hand Therapy
As part of a graduate medical robotics project at Boston University, I developed a soft robotic glove with a team to support hand rehabilitation for individuals with impaired mobility. The wearable system combined a molded elastomeric glove with cable-driven actuation to assist finger flexion while remaining lightweight, compliant, and adaptable to different hand sizes.
I contributed to the mechanical design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of the prototype. The system used 3D-printed molds and supporting structures, embedded low-friction cable guides, servo-driven spools, and a wrist-mounted actuation platform. We also developed a pressure-based therapy exercise that combined assisted grasping with a measurable method for tracking rehabilitation progress.
Soft Robotic "Starfish"
As part of Boston University’s Soft Robotics course, I developed with a team a bio-inspired soft robotic starfish with a team for an intercollegiate competition inspired by the RoboSoft challenge format. The robot used pneumatically actuated silicone legs, inflatable bellows, and a granular-jamming grasper to achieve compliant locomotion and object manipulation without rigid joints.
I led much of the mechanical design, fabrication, and final integration. My work included designing the body and leg molds in SolidWorks, casting and bonding the silicone components, integrating strain-limiting layers, routing and sealing the pneumatic system, and refining the leg geometry. I also helped improve locomotion through directional-friction materials and iterative gait testing.
The final robot could crawl, grasp objects of varying sizes, and withstand drops from heights of up to two meters.
COCOBot
As part of a graduate robotics project at Boston University, I contributed to the development of CocoBot, a prototype agricultural robot designed to automate the detection and harvesting of coconuts from tall trees. The system combined a YOLOv5 computer-vision model, an Intel RealSense depth camera, and a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to identify coconuts, determine their 3D position, and move the arm toward the selected target.
My work supported the integration and testing of the full robotic system, including object detection, depth sensing, coordinate transformation, inverse kinematics, and robotic-arm control. The project demonstrated how computer vision and robotic manipulation could help reduce the safety risks and labor demands associated with traditional coconut harvesting while also highlighting the practical challenges of sensor accuracy, mechanical precision, and real-world deployment.
"FETCH"
As part of a Boston University cyber-physical systems project, I helped develop an autonomous mobile robot capable of locating, retrieving, and returning a ball. The system used onboard vision for color detection, LiDAR for obstacle avoidance, and a state-machine-based controller to guide the robot through exploration, target alignment, retrieval, and return-to-base behaviors.
I worked on the hardware team, focusing on the ball-retrieval mechanism. My contributions included developing CAD concepts for mechanical scooping systems, evaluating actuator options, and prototyping an electromagnet-based pickup solution for integration with the mobile platform. The project provided practical experience in robotic hardware design, sensor-driven autonomy, rapid prototyping, and multidisciplinary system integration.
Epson Robotic Arm
As part of a University of Hartford automation project, I helped develop an industrial pick-and-place workcell integrating an Epson T3 SCARA robot with a dual-conveyor system. The robot used vacuum end-of-arm tooling to transfer and palletize parts while coordinating with the conveyor through a CLICK PLC and custom I/O circuitry.
My work included system integration, PLC ladder-logic development, HMI programming, electrical wiring, robot point teaching, and SPEL programming. The completed system synchronized the conveyors, sensors, and robotic arm to perform a repeatable automated material-handling sequence, providing hands-on experience with industrial robotics, controls, and manufacturing automation.
HARQ (Human Assistive Robotic Quadruped)
For my senior capstone project at the University of Hartford, I helped redesign and develop HARQ, a remotely operated quadruped robot intended to transport food and medicine to isolated hospital patients. The goal was to reduce unnecessary exposure for healthcare workers while creating a low-cost platform capable of carrying a payload across varied indoor surfaces.
My work focused primarily on the robot’s mechanical redesign and integration. I created a new frame model in SolidWorks, helped modify the aluminum structure and motor orientation, developed and tested 3D-printed joints and feet, and supported assembly and stability testing. Through repeated mechanical and motion-control iterations, the team transformed an initially unstable platform into a battery-powered robot capable of stable walking while carrying its intended payload.
Color Detection with OpenCV
As part of an independent study at the University of Hartford, I developed a real-time computer-vision system that detected yellow objects moving through a small-scale conveyor setup. The system used a Logitech webcam, Raspberry Pi 4B, and OpenCV to process the camera feed and trigger an LED when the target color was identified.
My work included modifying and tuning the detection code, integrating the Raspberry Pi’s GPIO output with the indicator circuit, and designing a custom camera bracket in SolidWorks for 3D printing. I also refined the bracket height and camera positioning through testing to improve the system’s field of view and detection reliability.
Torque Tester
During my 2022 engineering internship with Kaman, I designed a custom torque-testing fixture for the KRP product line. I developed the mechanical assembly in Siemens NX, selected and ordered commercial components, and created detailed manufacturing drawings for the custom parts. I also supported fabrication, assembly, and troubleshooting, gaining hands-on experience with mill and lathe operations. The project gave me practical exposure to the complete mechanical design process, from initial concept and component selection through manufacturing and implementation.