Capstone · Systems
Converting coal plants to SMR power for AI data centers
URI Capstone · Sponsor: PPL Electric Utilities
2024–2025
Developing a replicable process to convert existing coal power plants into nuclear plants using
small modular reactors (SMRs). Work includes infrastructure reuse, safety and decarbonization
analysis, and exploring how SMRs can reliably power AI data centers with high and variable demand.
SMR technology
Power systems
Safety analysis
Capstone reports ↗
Special Problems · Robotics
Radiation-detecting robot
Detection & mapping
2025
Designing a robot capable of detecting multiple radiation sources or spills within a lab
environment. Focus on sensor integration, mapping, and ensuring reliable detection while
keeping operators at a safe distance.
Sensing
Robotics
Safety-critical
RDR final report ↗
Research
Microplastics separation with surface acoustic waves
Microfluidics & Microsystems Lab
2024
Contributed to research on a microfluidic device that uses surface traveling acoustic waves
(STAW) to separate microplastics from blood. Supported experimental design and analysis to
understand separation efficiency and device behavior. My role as a mechanical engineer was
to create new tool fixtures and templates for different geometries of drug capsules.
Microfluidics
STAW
Experimental work
Independent Research
Custom built robotic arm integrated with AI and ML
Creative design & intuitive engineering
2024–present
A special project: my friend and I spent 6 months developing a fully functional robotic arm from
scratch. We designed and 3D-printed housing components, integrated an AI model for voice control,
and continue iterating on performance and reliability.
Robotics
Design
Experimental work
Look into our robot ↗
Industry · Aerospace
Consumable tool optimization & NPI support
Manufacturing Engineer Intern – Barnes Aerospace
2024
Owned a consumable tool consolidation project to reduce the number of tools purchased and
increase machined parts per tool. Supported programmers and process engineers with control
plans, NPI documentation, and clear operator instructions. Also supported fluorescent penetrant
inspection, GD&T, and first-piece/final inspection.
Manufacturing
Process optimization
Aerospace
Industry · Defense
Engineering calculations & part tracking
Engineering & Design Intern – Electric Boat
2023–2024
Worked in the Common Missile Compartment group for Columbia-class submarines, performing
engineering calculations for forces and stresses, reviewing mechanical drawings and tolerances,
supporting change notices, and building spreadsheets for part tracking and reliability. Conducted
part inspections for access door seals for the missile tubes.
Structural calcs
GD&T
Defense systems
Leadership
URI Men’s Lacrosse – Captain & Exec Board
Social & Fundraising Chair
2021–2025
Led teammates on and off the field while managing fundraising, events, and team culture.
This role sharpened my communication, accountability, and ability to perform under pressure —
skills I bring directly into engineering projects. Our team made four straight national tournament
appearances from 2021–2025; in my final season I earned captain.
Leadership
High-performance teams
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
AIAA – Systems Engineer
Control systems
2023–2025
Designed rockets and launch systems with a team for a national competition. I designed the
ignition system with a 3D-printed housing and appropriate safety measures. As a group we
successfully launched a rocket to 30,000 ft with 2 L of fuel.
Propulsion
Fluid dynamics
Teamwork
Working abroad in Italy · Research
Research intern for waste-to-energy
Thermal Treatment · Waste-to-energy
2026–present
I will spend 6 months working as a research intern for Graded S.p.a in association with
Università Degli Studi di Napoli Parthenope in Naples, Italy. I’m working on the POTTERS project,
currently assisting with the preheating and ignition system of our burner.
Thermal systems
Waste-to-energy
Safety & testing
POTTERS ↗