Research & Leadership

AI Steel Structure Studio

Streamlit-based project website for conceptual steel building generation

A browser-based concept generator that turns plain-English building prompts into a configurable steel structure package with 3D preview, conceptual drawings, BOM exports, and editable section catalogs.

• Generates a 3D browser preview with primary steel, rafters, purlins, girts, cladding surfaces, bracing, visible connection elements, and slab geometry.
• Exports STL, OBJ, DXF, SVG, BOM CSV, and JSON packages to support review, downstream development, and client-facing concept work.
• Supports free built-in prompt parsing plus optional Ollama, OpenAI, and Gemini extraction backends for richer prompt handling.
• Uses editable steel, purlin, brace, and roofing catalogs so the project can keep growing into a deeper CAD and estimating workflow.

McAlpine Research Group and Parr Research Group, University of Minnesota

Research Assistant — 3D Printed Spinal Cord

• Pioneered 3D bioprinting techniques for neural, dorsal, ventral, and induced pluripotent stem cells and artificial spinal cord segments.
• Optimized large-scale scaffold printing with an ML-based error-correction algorithm, increasing production efficiency and precision by more than 62 percent.
• Improved scaffold performance through designed experiments that balanced structural behavior with biological compatibility.
• Developed standardized protocols for stem cell printing and extrusion to improve reproducibility across experimental runs.

McAlpine Research Group, University of Minnesota

Lead — 3D Printed Spinal Cord Imaging Device

• Led CAD efforts for a novel implantable spinal window tailored for in vivo spinal cord imaging.
• Directed 3D-print fabrication as the primary point person for rapid prototyping and troubleshooting of the frame, window, and implantation methodology.
• Selected cost-effective biocompatible materials for rapid printing while ensuring safety and implantation feasibility.
• Performed targeted material analysis for compatibility with surgical drugs, anatomical constraints, and imaging requirements.
• Used ANSYS finite element analysis to validate structural integrity against physiological muscle loads.

McAlpine Research Group, University of Minnesota

Research Assistant — 3D Printed Microfluidic Channels

• Implemented and optimized processes for large-scale integration of microfluidic channels using advanced 3D-printing techniques.
• Designed and conducted experiments to improve the precision and efficiency of 3D-printed microfluidic chips for imaging, sorting, and cancer diagnostics.
• Developed protocols to improve reproducibility and scalability of microfluidic manufacturing.
• Prepared technical reports and presented findings to research, academic, and industry audiences.

Earl Bakken Medical Device Center, University of Minnesota

Research Assistant — Novel Spinal Suturing Device

• Collaborated on the development and testing of a new medical device responding to needs identified by a surgical industry professional.
• Conducted tensile tests on 3D-printed materials, developed in vivo simulation methods, and researched custom polymer compositions for injection molding.
• Authored consumer and product requirement documentation summarizing testing for market realization.
• Served as primary point of contact for follow-on experimentation supporting marketing materials and funding applications.
• Oversaw capital-table planning discussions for future product strategy and funding allocation.

Engineers Without Borders, University of Minnesota Chapter

President (April 2024 to April 2025)

• Provided high-level project management and strategic direction for three cross-functional teams delivering international water and sanitation infrastructure projects.
• Managed project budgets totaling $340,000 and presented to donors, Rotary Clubs, and external stakeholders.
• Mentored project leads, resolved engineering and logistical problems, and coordinated communication across NGO partners, mentors, and student teams.

Project Lead, East Africa (January 2022 to April 2024)

• Led the East Africa group in supporting rural villages with water access and improved sanitation infrastructure.
• Worked with international partners to draft contractual documents between the chapter and partnered NGOs.
• Coordinated fundraising and finance allocations to develop a full project budget and lifecycle plan.

Science and Engineering Student Board, University of Minnesota

Director of Academic Affairs Committee (April 2023 to April 2024)

• Advocated for students in the College of Science and Engineering through surveys and policy implementation.
• Created opportunities for students to engage with professionals through panels and events.

Director of Sustainability Committee (April 2022 to April 2023)

• Led a team of students advocating for environmental improvement within the university community.
• Collaborated with the Minnesota Student Association to enforce campus waste-reduction policies.
• Advocated with dean's offices to amplify student and faculty voices and drive institutional change.

College of Science and Engineering STEM Mentor

Cancer and Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Minnesota

• Tutored high school students from underserved communities on STEM experiences and career pathways.
• Inspired students through hands-on lab sessions, creating a more immersive STEM experience.

Plumb Bob, University of Minnesota

Officer

• Coordinated events for College of Science and Engineering Week.
• Determined events to be executed within available funds and resources.
• Oversaw media and marketing for the college-wide annual event.