Veronika Zam Email & Phone Number

Palo Alto, Ca, Us

Manage the development, designs, SolidWorks CAD models, timelines, rules compliance, and system integration of all of the mechanical engineering systems comprising Columbia’s Formula SAE Electric Vehicles competing in 2025 and 2026 years’ competitions.

Led the design, development, integration, manufacturing and assembly of the Suspension, Steering, Hubs & Uprights, and Brakes systems of the Columbia’s Formula SAE 2024 Electric Vehicle. Integrated anti-dive slugs into suspension hardware design, modified the layout of the steering column to improve ergonomics and tune bumpsteer behavior, standardized hardware, optimized component design for reliability and weight, and integrated an anti-roll bar into the front suspension of the vehicle.

Identified the key areas for improvement to ensure reliable performance of the system and formulated design strategies that resolved the outlined performance issues as well as allowed for weight reduction and component standardization. Organized a team to implement those strategies in CAD and later manufactured a significant percentage of the parts for the system.

Supervise workspace activities to ensure user safety and correct equipment use; troubleshoot and perform maintenance on the FDM and SLS 3D-printers, laser cutter, and waterjet; set up and post-process weekly nylon print batches. To this date, conducted over 200 hours (and counting) of instructional training on safe and proper use of the available machines and tools, and performed initial assembly and setup of 7 FDM 3D-printers.

New York, United States

Drafted a Request for Proposal for replacing corroded support structures at the East River water intake site, developed a traffic management plan to improve the safety of pedestrian and vehicle traffic, administered transfer of water samples of the plant’s circulating water system to an off-site laboratory for analysis, and led the transition to a paperless practice by implementing an electronic check-in system.

Designed, maintained, and improved demonstrations for Columbia’s undergraduate physics courses aimed to enhance students' understanding of physical concepts covered. Implemented upgrades such as replacing a slipping pulley and belt system with gears and adding an electrical actuation mechanism for better control of experiments. Performed equipment setup and takedown.

Developed and managed a budget, streamlined the purchasing process, and coordinated communication between the team and the financial department of the university's mechanical engineering division.

Led the design, development, and assembly of the Hubs & Uprights system for Columbia's Formula SAE 2023 Electric vehicle. Designed rear uprights for tight clearances to integrate suspension and brakes systems, conducted FEA simulations to verify the structural integrity of the part, created engineering drawings, and managed the logistics of outsourcing the manufacturing process.

Designed and manufactured wheel speed sensor mounts, chain guard, and steering cover for Columbia's Formula SAE 2022 Internal Combustion vehicle.

Designed, manufactured, and assembled a servo-driven 2-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator for a robot competing in the MATE ROV underwater competition. The manipulator featured a 360-degree rotary claw capable of handling game pieces of various shapes and sizes, optimizing the robot's versatility and control.