During my summer 2025 internship at Caterpillar, I worked on the Power Electronics Inverters Team, contributing to the design, testing, and validation of high-power inverter systems for heavy machinery. I supported gate driver board development, automated double pulse test analysis in MATLAB, simulated fault conditions to diagnose hardware issues, and analyzed competitor inverter designs—gaining hands-on experience with real-world power electronics design and validation. 

A key challenge in inverter development is minimizing voltage and current overshoot during IGBT switching. To evaluate this, we conducted high-voltage double pulse tests using Infineon and Fuji IGBTs with custom in-house gate driver boards. The existing workflow relied on manual Excel-based data analysis, which was error-prone and inefficient, hindering both internal review and supplier discussions. To address this, I developed a MATLAB script that processes raw oscilloscope exports, generates time-aligned plots of Vge, Vce, and Ice, and calculates switching energy losses. The tool enabled fast, accurate test result interpretation and produced clean outputs directly comparable to supplier datasheets. This automation significantly improved team efficiency, freed up engineering time for design work, and enhanced the clarity of technical communication with stakeholders.

To ensure reliable IGBT switching behavior, I collaborated with the team to design and optimize a gate driver board tailored to stakeholder requirements. I was responsible for validating all protection and control features, including gate drive functionality, overcurrent, overvoltage, low voltage dropout, and desaturation. Using the circuit schematic, precision power supplies, and a Fluke multimeter, I developed test fixtures to isolate and trigger individual faults. This included methods like shorting collector-emitter terminals to prevent premature desaturation trips. All test results were consolidated in a structured Excel document, and upon successful validation, the board was immediately integrated into double pulse testing. 

To ensure reliable operation in cold conditions, we performed thermal chamber testing with a focus on interface board drive and feedback signal behavior. I led the setup, using a function generator and oscilloscope to monitor signal performance across a range of temperatures. At –40°C, I identified a delayed feedback signal that failed to switch quickly enough, causing the machine to misinterpret the inverter state and trigger a fault. Root cause analysis traced the issue to stray inductance from an overly long PCB trace routed near multiple signal vias. We resolved the issue by working with the software team to increase debounce time, restoring reliable system operation in cold-start environments.

As an Electrical Engineering Intern at Lockheed Martin, I collaborated with a multidisciplinary team of engineers to design innovative solutions to some of the Department of Defense's toughest challenges. My responsibilities included utilizing block diagrams to select and procure appropriate components for designs, ensuring optimal system performance. Additionally, I gained valuable hands-on experience in the repair shop, where I troubleshot and repaired older, dysfunctional modules, restoring them to operational standards. 

As part of a team of electrical engineers, I contributed to the initial design phase of a new Navy project. My role involved sourcing and selecting components that aligned with the system-level block diagram to meet design requirements. Through this process, I gained valuable experience in circuit analysis and design, collaborating with customers to ensure all expectations were met, and coordinating with vendors to balance technical needs and pricing. Specifically, I worked on rotary switches, seven-segment displays, fiber optic communications, and LCDs. 

Through my time with Nittany Motorsports, I’ve grown from a hands-on electronics member to leading major hardware initiatives as Hardware Project Manager. I’ve developed skills in team leadership, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration while helping design and deliver key electrical systems for our electric race car. This experience has challenged me to think critically, communicate clearly, and manage complex projects under tight deadlines. 

For my Eagle Scout project, I collaborated with Veterans Moving Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to training service dogs to rehabilitate veterans recovering from physical and mental trauma. At the time, the organization lacked specialized training obstacles for their service dogs, which were crucial for their development.

To address this need, I took on the challenge of designing, prototyping, manufacturing, and installing three unique obstacles, each serving a critical role in the dogs' training regimen. I am grateful for the support I received from my troop, which made the completion of this project possible.