Evan Allen Email and Phone Number

Project Goal: Incorporate a biomimetic robotic thumb into Utah’s Anatomically-Correct Robotic Testbed (UART) Designed, modeled, and created biomimetic tendon-driven thumb using SolidWorksIntegrated motors, encoders, controllers, and force sensors and created codes to actuate the robotic thumbDesigned and completed a study focused on FDS Opponensplasty Surgery for validation of UARTTested surgery performance metrics of biological tissue using an adapted mechatronic testbed and VICON motion capture system Developing computational model of the thumb using OpenSim

Worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering under Dr. Michael MaughanProject Goal: Study the indentation size effect in metalsDesigned and performed an experiment to determine how load function selection could help mitigate the indentation size effect for various metals using nanoindentationPublished July 2021 (See link in Publications Section)

Worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering under Dr. Michael MaughanProject Goal: Study and measure plastic zone size in an Alloy 709 Stainless Steel fatigue crack growth (FCG) specimenDesigned an experiment using nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine plastic zone size and residual stresses in FCG specimenTested the specimen using nanoindentation and looked at hardness variability along specimenPresented findings at ICUR (Idaho Conference of Undergraduate Research) 2020

Worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering under Dr. Michael MaughanProject Goal: Design a frame and drive system to 3D print a wood composite materialModeled and designed the system in SolidWorks and performed engineering analysis to determine proper materials and dimensions to meet load requirements with the desired factor of safetyCreated a final portfolio which included part drawings, renderings, and bill of materials

Mentored and welcomed new studentsVisited high schools to teach the younger generation about fundamental engineering conceptsParticipated in panels for students and parents to ask questions about engineering and collegeDesigned and collaborated on making new interactive projects for K-12 students

Operated GIS and mapping equipment to update the city of Twin Falls’ storm water system map Received hands-on experience in maintaining the wastewater system Observed how the city’s wastewater system operates and learned how it can be improved