This page highlights my work with the University of Pittsburgh FSAE team, where I contributed to the design and development of a competition off-road vehicle. My role focused on ergonomics and brake system support, combining hands-on fabrication experience with real-world engineering design and teamwork.

Featured projects: PR-038

Information

My Role

I worked as a member of both the ergonomics and brakes sub-teams, contributing to the design, development, and assembly of the vehicle.

My responsibilities included:

  • Supporting driver cockpit layout and comfort considerations (ergonomics)
  • Assisting in brake system design, testing, and integration
  • Collaborating with teammates during fabrication and assembly phases
  • Learning hands-on engineering processes used in motorsports development

This role gave me exposure to both human-centered design and critical mechanical safety systems.

Design Work

Ergonomics Sub-Team

  • Assisted in designing driver seating position within chassis constraints
  • Considered driver reach, visibility, and control accessibility
  • Helped evaluate comfort vs. performance trade-offs in a confined cockpit
  • Participated in iterative adjustments based on team feedback and physical mockups

Brakes Sub-Team

  • Supported the development of a reliable braking system for road conditions
  • Learned fundamentals of hydraulic brake systems and safety redundancy
  • Assisted during the assembly and integration of braking components into the vehicle

Throughout both sub-teams, I worked in an iterative design environment where feedback from testing and fabrication directly influenced improvements.

Outcome

Through this experience, I gained hands-on exposure to real-world engineering design and manufacturing. I developed a stronger understanding of:

  • Mechanical system integration under constraints
  • Safety-critical design (especially braking systems)
  • Team-based engineering workflows
  • Translating theoretical concepts into physical prototypes

Most importantly, I learned how engineering decisions directly impact performance, safety, and usability in a competitive environment.

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