About
I have always had a passion for the sciences, but also for the arts. I chose to study engineering because it allows me to be creative whilst also pursuing my love for knowledge and drive to make a positive impact on the world.
I plan to develop my career through innovative research & design projects. Currently pursuing mechatronics-related interests.
Where I've Worked
Mechanical Engineering Intern, Pacific Fusion - Mechatronics Project, Remotely Actuated Cam for Vacuum Sealing of Small Fusion Target Chamber
June 2024 - September 2024
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Led design, manufacturing, implementation and testing of a critical electromechanical & control system for Version 1 prototype of mini target chamber that would load into larger fusion chamber
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Designed drive train with gears, stepper motor, bearing, and fasteners
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Wrote manual containing electrical schematics, software instructions, testing takeaways and recommendations
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Wrote program for actuation of the cam sealing the chamber using Arduino Uno R3
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Evaluated atmospheric pressure loading on hermetically sealed areas being put under vacuum conditions, tested seals with vacuum pump
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Achieved hermetic seal and desired high-vac environment (low Torr)
Mechanical Engineering Design & Test Intern, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory - High Shock Data Acquisition System
June 2023 - September 2023
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Ensured survivability, accessibility, and time triggering options for sensor data within a test environment
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Technical Skills: DFMA, FMEA, design reviews, material & bolt selection & analysis, SolidWorks, MathCAD, 3D printing
Teachers Aide for MATLAB, Machine Shop, Energy & Sustainability, Cabrillo Community College
August 2021 - May 2022
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Developed instructional documents, piloted assignments and exams, assisted students with assignments, and analyzed and validated their procedures and solutions
Engineering Projects
Explore my engineering projects below. Scroll down to view my work, starting with the most recent. If underlined, click on to read more.
Buoy Holder Plate
Timeline: May 2026.
Description: Designed and machined using CNC and hand held router. Used to hold 8 buoy's on CDIP's custom "ferris wheel" periodic wave buoy calibration machine
Timeline: 2023-2025. Description: Building an aerial drone that is waterproofed and has a detachable buoyancy container to control depth underwater.
Animatronic Mermaid
Timeline: January 2025 - March 2025. Description: Waterproofed robotic mermaid with tail and hip actuation.
Frequency Generator
Timeline: November 2023
Description: Assembly program that runs as customizable frequency generator with UI from keypad. Builds waveforms in the shape of squarere, triangle, and sinusoidal, sending small voltage steps utilizing an interrupt. Oscilloscope used to display output.
Timeline: Fall 2022. Description: Moisture sensing system designed to release water inside hidden compartment depending on soil moisture percentage.
Timeline: Spring 2022. Description: Designed and built a 100 Watt solar panel system that is equipped with 4 12V DC batteries and a 120 Volt AC outlet. The system is visually accessible for demo use.
Capacitive Touch Piano
Timeline: Fall 2021.
Description: Interactive capacitance-driven electric piano using Arduino. Aluminum strips are each programmed to play a different note if touched.
Timeline: 2019-2020. Description: Project site in Providencia De Dota, Costa Rica. Implemented a water filtration process using a settling filter and bioswale for local trout farmer. This project secured my passion for engineering.
Timeline: Fall 2019. Description: Partnered with the art department to bring a client's screen-printing art setup to local events via his method of transportation, a bike. This was built with zero-cost, it was optimized to be lightweight, and detachable.
Contact:
Email: aliawolken14@gmail.com
Linkedin: Alia Wolken