Hello,

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I'm a Mechanical Engineer with a minor in Biomedical Engineering and a focus in Technology & Innovation. I'm interested in building technology that works with people. Below are projects I've built over my last four years at university. It's beautiful to have your passion and work be one and the same, don't you think?

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Explore my work

Skills

Projects

Cartesian Maze Platform

A 2.5 DOF Cartesian maze system combining two rotational axes and a linear Z-axis with joystick control. Built with SolidWorks, laser-cut finger-joint construction, and Arduino Mega integration.

Task

Design and build a 2.5 DOF Cartesian maze system to control and manipulate a physical maze platform through joystick actuation.

  • Two rotational axes to tilt the maze plus a linear Z-axis for vertical motion
  • Compact mechanical integration with repeatable, joystick-driven motion
  • Laser-cut structural system for rapid prototyping and clean assembly
  • Arduino Mega control for stepper motors and coordinated multi-axis movement
Cartesian maze platform build

Process

  • Designed maze chassis in SolidWorks with finger-joint laser-cut construction
  • Modeled outer frame, internal supports, and maze mounting for rigid enclosure
  • Iterated slot clearances, structural dimensions, and part geometry across prototypes
  • Wired and coded Arduino Mega: stepper integration, pin mapping, Z-axis positioning
Laser-cut maze chassis and motion system

Results

  • Delivered compact interactive prototype with clean electromechanical integration
  • Repeatable Z-axis positioning and joystick actuation via Arduino IDE control logic
  • Reliable motor and control operation through wiring troubleshooting and refinement
  • Final build balanced precision, manufacturability, and multi-axis motion packaging

Autonomous Line-Following Car

A sophisticated autonomous vehicle demonstrating advanced sensor integration, PID control systems, and precision engineering for optimal line-following performance.

Task

Design and build an autonomous line-following car for a course, meeting client requirements.

  • Accurate path detection using multiple IR sensors
  • Obstacle detection and touchless activation
  • Under 1 min 30 sec completion time
  • 250g load capacity, cost under $200
Autonomous car prototype with exposed wiring

Process

  • Component selection & integration
  • Programming in Arduino IDE with PID control
  • CAD modeling in OnShape & 3D printing
  • Circuitry building & testing
  • Iterative testing & refinement
CAD model and circuit diagram

Results

  • Successfully completed designated course
  • Consistent path tracking & obstacle avoidance
  • Smooth steering & reliable weight handling
  • Robust, cost-effective final product
Final autonomous car with GHO branding

DanCER - Coding Tool

An iOS application for biomechanical movement analysis, developed during an internship at the University of Sydney. Features real-time dance movement difficulty calculation and video management.

Task

Led the development of DanCER, an iOS app for biomechanical movement analysis, during an internship at the University of Sydney.

  • Design movement coding tool in Excel
  • Develop Swift-based algorithms for intensity calculation
  • Build SwiftUI interface for video management
  • Integrate persistent storage and data flow
Excel movement coding tool interface

Process

  • Categorized dance steps and assigned difficulty modifiers
  • Implemented intensity calculation algorithms
  • Built video upload and clipping interface
  • Integrated persistent storage for clip management
  • Conducted iterative testing with researchers
iOS app screenshots showing video player and interface

Results

  • Functional prototype for real-time difficulty calculation
  • Clean, intuitive UI with pink-themed branding
  • Scoring breakdown system with exact modifiers
  • Efficient video clip management and organization
Final DanCER app interface and functionality

Motorized Cart Transport & Stability

Designed, simulated, and built a motorized cart in SolidWorks and Arduino to transport a vertical bar over 5–10 feet without toppling, from CAD and motion analysis through belt-driven prototyping.

Task

Design a motorized cart to transport a 1-foot vertical prismatic bar over 5–10 feet and back without toppling, with smooth acceleration and deceleration.

  • Stable, low-profile platform with center-mounted vertical bar
  • SolidWorks CAD from preliminary sketches through final assembly
  • Motion simulation to determine minimum travel time at stable acceleration
  • Physical prototype with Arduino-based speed control
3D CAD design of motorized cart in SolidWorks

Process

  • SolidWorks Motion study: max allowable acceleration before toppling of 45.5 in/s²
  • Belt-driven drivetrain: 2GT-200 belt, 12mm pulleys, 81.15mm center-to-center
  • 3D-printed wheels, motor mount, and axle supports modeled in SolidWorks
  • Laser-cut chassis for rapid iteration; Arduino PWM acceleration/deceleration profiles
Physical prototype of motorized cart with Arduino and laser-cut chassis

Results

  • Analytical stability conditions validated simulation and physical prototype
  • Tuned control code through repeated trials for fastest stable run
  • Refined belt tension, wheel alignment, and motor mount geometry in SolidWorks
  • Resolved inconsistent motor behavior and improved dynamic stability iteratively
Final motorized cart prototype during testing

Temperature Sensing Device

A portable temperature-sensing device with real-time readings, visual and audio alerts, and custom 3D-printed components for environmental monitoring.

Task

Create a portable temperature-sensing device that displays real-time readings and alerts users when temperature falls outside 18-30°C.

  • Visual LED and audio alerts for accessibility
  • Design and 3D-print custom battery holder
  • Ensure easy operation and durability
  • Suitable for varied environments
CAD design and 3D rendering of temperature device

Process

  • Integrated existing components into compact layout
  • 3D-printed custom battery holder for 9V battery
  • Assembled Arduino, LCD, TMP36 sensor, LEDs, buzzer
  • Developed C++ code for temperature monitoring
  • Applied circuit design with KVL and Ohm's law
Assembly process and technical drawings

Results

  • Fully functional temperature monitor with accurate readings
  • Integrated audio and visual alerts in portable unit
  • Differentiated features: on/off switch and custom audio
  • Gained hands-on experience in electronics and programming
Final assembled temperature sensing device

Truss Design & Analysis

A MATLAB program for modeling truss structures, calculating member forces, identifying critical members, and predicting failure loads with physical validation.

Task

Develop a MATLAB program capable of modeling any truss design, calculating member forces, identifying critical members, and predicting failure loads.

  • Model arbitrary truss geometries and configurations
  • Calculate member forces and identify critical members
  • Predict failure loads with buckling analysis
  • Validate program with physical truss testing
Truss design specifications and diagram

Process

  • Coded functions for matrix creation and unit vector calculations
  • Incorporated buckling equations and uncertainty estimates
  • Input joint coordinates and connectivity for force analysis
  • Constructed acrylic truss per model specifications
  • Measured member lengths and load-tested for accuracy
MATLAB code and simulation results

Results

  • MATLAB program successfully identified critical member
  • Predicted failure load within ±1.54 oz of experimental results
  • Physical truss reached 44.75 oz maximum load
  • Developed tool adaptable for future truss optimization
Simulation results and analysis output
Carina Orcutt

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