Seismic Design involves designing and constructing a 5-foot tall tower entirely out of balsa wood, which will be tested through two earthquake simulations to assess its structural integrity and performance. The objective is to design a tower that not only withstands seismic activity but also demonstrates an efficient use of materials and architectural ingenuity. As part of this role of Design Lead, my teammates and I must thoroughly understand the competition's rules and design specifications to qualify for the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) competition. After ensuring the specifications are clear, I use AutoCAD to design the tower's structural components, including beams, bracings, and columns. I focus on creating precise measurements and strategically placing bracings to maximize the tower’s resilience against both seismic and dead loads. This careful planning is crucial to ensuring the structure’s success in the high-stakes competition against 40+ teams from across the nation and internationally.

Design and construction of a 5-foot balsa wood tower that is tested under 2 earthquake simulations. Competed against 30+ schools across the nation and internationally at the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI). As a Design Jr. Lead, it is my responsibility to learn and develop my skills in structural engineering and seismic design. It is my responsibility to understand how to design a tower that not only meets the competition’s rigorous standards but also optimizes material use and stability. Through research and under the mentoring of the Design Lead, I can ensure that the tower will adhere to rules and guidelines necessary for competition. Collaboration with teammates, utilize tools like AutoCAD to draft the structural layout, and oversee the placement of key elements such as beams, bracings, and columns to enhance the overall performance of the tower during earthquake simulations.

COSMOS is a four-week STEM residential program designed for High School students who have a strong interest in STEM. As an Instructor Assistant for COSMOS at UCSD, I worked closely with high school students, helping them understand advanced topics related to structural engineering through hands-on projects, labs, and problem-solving activities. Additionally, I helped manage lab setups, troubleshoot technical issues, and created a positive, engaging learning environment that encouraged students to develop critical thinking, collaboration, and research skills.