I took a risk in enrolling in a computer-aided design course during our COVID “online-only” spring. With the class being conducted completely remote, we got the opportunity to use SolidWorks 3DExperience cloud-based software and expand upon the CAD skills I acquired throughout my undergrad, gaining the expertise of one who has their SolidWorks Professional - Academic certification.

Due to the unique circumstances of being switched to remote, we were shipped Ender-3 3D printers for the project portion of the class. This made Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing extremely important when designing the components because of the inherent inconsistency of 3D printers. As such, when designing the club tooth escapement mechanism, the encoder, and module system that would hold our chronometer, I had to great take tolerancing into consideration.

As the project manager of my group, I was responsible for keeping us on track to complete the project in the intended timeframe. I overseed group meetings, peer-editing of designs, and ensure there was constant communication between members. As a result, we were able to design a chronometer that ran for 1 minute and 27 seconds as well as win the award for having the “most risky, cutting edge, and out the box design innovations.”