Hello, I'm
Avaneesh Rao
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student with a passion for building innovative solutions that make a tangible difference.
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student with a passion for building innovative solutions that make a tangible difference.
Get to know me better
I'm a mechanical and aerospace engineering student with a strong foundation in manufacturability-focused design, computational analysis, and design for manufacturing. My experience ranges from designing vacuum systems for thermoelectric material testing to developing steering components for CWRU Motorsports and manufacturing them.
My engineering journey has been fueled by a passion for problem-solving and innovation, leading me to work on interdisciplinary projects that blend mechanical systems with software solutions. I've contributed to research and hands-on projects in structural design, precision manufacturing, and automation.
I grasp concepts quickly and am fully engaged when challenged to pick up a new skill. This helps me thrive in environments that challenge me to learn material I've never explored before. In addition to my extracurriculars, I have maintained strong academic excellence with a near flawless GPA.
In my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities with friends, such as hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, and tennis. I also spend substantial time at the gym, playing poker, and playing video games. My interests include watching college and professional football, fitness, and motorsports.
Technical proficiencies I've developed
Proficient in SolidWorks and Siemens NX with extensive experience in mechanical design, parametric modeling, and assembly creation for various engineering applications.
Skilled in manual machine manufacturing techniques including milling, turning, and fabrication processes with a focus on precision and production efficiency.
Learner in ANSYS for engineering simulation and analysis, along with programming skills in Java, Python, and HTML for various engineering and automation applications.
My professional journey
In a role supporting major aerospace companies like Boeing and Honeywell, I led multifaceted projects to optimize and qualify advanced coating processes for critical hot-section jet engine components. My responsibilities included hands-on design, where I engineered specialized HVPA furnace mounts to reduce material creep strain at 2000°F and created custom fixtures in Siemens NX that cut braze setup times by 60%. I also drove process improvement by overseeing Statistical Process Control (SPC) for coating operations, which decreased process variance by 20%, and led New Product Implementation (NPI) qualifications, presenting my findings on material integrity to senior leadership.
As a Baja Engineer at Case, my main task is integrating design with hands-on manufacturing to streamline production processes and collaborate effectively in a fast-paced engineering environment. My work includes 3D modeling in SolidWorks and Siemens NX, conducting structural analysis in ANSYS, and manufacturing components using CNC and manual machining techniques to ensure safety and performance standards are met.
Contribute to the design and manufacturing of the braking system. Working on the rear brake rotor this year. More detailed in projects section below
Focused on improving vehicle maneuverability and reducing steering resistance. Optimized rack housing geometry and bearing selection,
As a research assistant in the Daltorio Biorobotics Lab, I am helping develop a novel robotic worm for underground electrical conduit installation as part of a high-profile project funded by ARPA-E and the Department of Energy. My primary responsibilities involve designing the core hydraulic circuit and drill head mechanism, specified to produce over 200 Nm of torque and achieve hours of continuous runtime. I am also leading the future integration of the PLC control system and collaborating with industry engineers to specify components, create the bill of materials, and build hydraulic test setups to validate performance.
As a ThinkEnergy Fellow, I am working with an entrepreneurial group focused on clean and renewable energy solutions. I serve as the design lead on a small-scale dual-rotor wind turbine project (~800W), optimizing it for deployment in off-grid locations. My responsibilities include SolidWorks modeling, precision manufacturing, and computational analysis using ANSYS for FEA and CFD simulations to assess power generation efficiency. This experience has strengthened my ability to combine engineering design with real-world applications while also enhancing my networking and project management skills through pitch competitions and collaboration with industry professionals.
Worked with Professor Alp Sehirlioglu in the Materials Science and Engineering Department to develop a specialized vacuum chamber for thermoelectric materials research. The project focused on investigating metal oxides with improved thermoelectric conversion efficiency. This experience honed my skills in engineering design, precision fabrication, and experimental setup for scientific research.
Assisted with basic automotive repairs, oil changes, and New York State inspection procedures. Developed hands-on experience in diagnostics, mechanical repair, and customer service. This role provided me with a deeper understanding of practical engineering applications in the automotive industry.
Conducted flow cytometry data analysis using FlowJo to examine immune responses in High-Grade Glioblastoma cells treated with immunotherapy. Mentored under Professor Jinan Behnan, I gained exposure to biomedical data processing, statistical analysis, and interdisciplinary research methodologies.
Managed order fulfillment with a focus on accuracy and efficiency, ensuring customer satisfaction by selecting high-quality products and maintaining workflow efficiency within the store environment.
Showcasing my best work
In the process of designing this year's brake rotor for our team's car. Goal for this year is to improve heat dissipation and "resting" resistance by floating it against the output yoke. Testing and packaging with adjacent parts prove to be the main challenges.
SolidWorks, Siemens NX, ANSYS, Teamwork
Designing Hydraulic circuit w/ Daltorio Lab, biorobotics lab focused on building novel robotic worm to intall electrical conduits. Aiming for final circuit to have PLC system, produce 200 Nm of torque, and have hours of continuour runtime. Currently testing simple hydraulic power packs with commercial motors. Funded by ARPA-E and DOE.
Hydraulics, PLCs
Designed and aided in manufacturing CWRU Motorsports' custom steering rack housing, eqipped with linear bearings for reduced steering resistance and new tabs to lower the roll center. Machined on in-house CNC mill.
SolidWorks, Siemens NX
In the process of designing and testing the efficacy of a dual rotor wind turbine, leveraging the higher relative speed of the generator walls during counterrotation. Possibly working towards a patent (undecided).
SolidWorks, ANSYS
Details protected under NDA.
Used Siemens NX to design and manufacture custom turbine vane masks and molds to shape pre-sintered plates for brazing.
CAD, Thermal Analysis, Pneumatic Systems
Designed, assembled, and tuned high-performance racing drone by integrating electronics (ESCs, flight controllers, sensors) with custom frames, soldering and wiring components, and troubleshooting control systems in Betaflight. Stopped because it was very expensive.
Electrical Component Assembly, BetaFlight
My educational achievements
| Course Code | Course | Credits | Grade | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | ||||
| CHEM 111 | Chemistry for Engineers - Fundamentals of chemistry with applications in engineering | 4 | A | Fall 2023 |
| PHYS 121 | Physics I: Mechanics - Core principles of classical mechanics and applications | 4 | A | Fall 2023 |
| ECON 102 | Principles of Microeconomics - Analysis of markets, consumer behavior, and firm decisions | 3 | A | Fall 2023 |
| AIQS 100 | Academic Inquiry Seminar - Research methods and academic writing fundamentals | 3 | A | Fall 2023 |
| MATH 223 | Calculus III for Science & Engineering - Multivariable calculus and vector analysis | 3 | A | Fall 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | ||||
| ECON 309 | Intermediate Microeconomics - Advanced market theory using calculus-based methods | 3 | A | Spring 2024 |
| PHYS 122 | Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism - Electromagnetic theory and applications | 4 | A | Spring 2024 |
| ENGR 130 | Foundation Engineering & Programming - Intro to engineering principles and programming | 3 | A | Spring 2024 |
| ENGR 145 | Chemistry of Materials - Properties and applications of engineering materials | 4 | A | Spring 2024 |
| CSDS 302 | Discrete Mathematics - Mathematical foundations for computer science | 3 | A | Spring 2024 |
| EMSE 125 | First Year Research in Materials - Hands-on materials science research experience | 1 | P | Spring 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | ||||
| PHYS 221 | Modern Physics - Quantum mechanics, relativity, and contemporary physics | 3 | A | Fall 2024 |
| CSDS 233 | Data Structures - Implementation and analysis of fundamental data structures | 4 | A | Fall 2024 |
| EMAE 160 | Mechanical Manufacturing - Manufacturing processes and techniques for mechanical systems | 3 | A | Fall 2024 |
| ENGR 200 | Statics & Strength of Materials - Force analysis and material behavior under load | 3 | A | Fall 2024 |
| ENGR 210 | Circuits and Instruments - Electrical circuit analysis and laboratory instrumentation | 4 | A | Fall 2024 |
| ENGL 257B | Reading Poetry - Critical analysis and interpretation of poetic forms and traditions | 3 | A | Fall 2024 |
| NTRN 200S | Case Cooks: Sports & Performance - Nutrition principles for athletic performance | 1 | A | Fall 2024 |
| Spring 2025 (In Progress) | ||||
| EMAE 181 | Dynamics - Analysis of mechanical systems in motion and applied forces | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| CSDS 310 | Algorithms - Design, analysis, and implementation of advanced algorithms | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 350 | Mechanical Engineering Analysis - Advanced mathematical methods for mechanical systems | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 251 | Thermodynamics - Energy transformation principles and engineering applications | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| ECON 307 | Macroeconomic Theory - Analysis of aggregate economic activity and policy | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| ECON 329 | Game Theory - Strategic decision-making models and economic applications | 3 | B | Spring 2025 |
| Spring 2025 (In Progress) | ||||
| EMAE 285 | Mechanical Engineering Measurements Laboratory - Experimental measurement techniques; uncertainty, calibration, data acquisition | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
| ECIV 310 | Strength of Materials - Mechanical behavior of materials under stress and deformation | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 252 | Fluid Mechanics - Fluid flow theory: continuity, momentum, energy, dimensional analysis | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 260 | Design and Manufacturing I - Engineering design processes, project management, manufacturing fundamentals | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 250 | Computers in Mechanical Engineering - Numerical methods and programming for mechanical engineering analysis | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
| ENGR 399 | Impact of Engineering on Society - Exploring engineering’s ethical, social, environmental impacts | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2025 |
Sports and fitness are an integral part of my journey.
Played for high school and college team, placing top 5 in New York State
Specialized in Mid-Distance events during the winter season. View my profile.
Played throughout middle and high school - continued as a hobby in college. View my profile.
Consistent near-daily training in the gym since high school.