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 a strong academic record.
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 - Introduction to microeconomic theory exploring how individuals and businesses allocate scarce resources in competitive markets | 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 - Uses calculus to analyze consumer theory, firm theory, market equilibrium, market failures, and government intervention | 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 - Introduction to abstract mathematics techniques, including mathematical reasoning, deduction, induction, sets, relations, algorithms, and graphs | 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 - Study of data representations, searching, sorting, hashing, recursion, abstract data types, and basic asymptotic analysis | 4 | A | Fall 2024 |
| EMAE 160 | Mechanical Manufacturing - Introduction to manufacturing processes, materials, manual machining, metal fabrication, and mechanical engineering graphics with CAD | 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 - Study of classical dynamics, including particle kinematics, rigid body kinetics, momentum, energy, and elementary vibrations | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| CSDS 310 | Algorithms - Fundamentals of algorithm design, analyzing recurrence relations, sorting, divide and conquer, dynamic programming, and graphs | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 350 | Mechanical Engineering Analysis - Application of mathematical methods for formulating problems, modeling systems, and solving boundary value engineering equations | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| EMAE 251 | Thermodynamics - Analysis of thermodynamic concepts, pure substance properties, energy laws, entropy, power cycles, and chemical equilibrium | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| ECON 307 | Macroeconomic Theory - Analysis of aggregate economic indicators by developing macroeconomic models to explain historical real world trends | 3 | A | Spring 2025 |
| ECON 329 | Game Theory - Introduction to game theory concepts and tools for modeling strategic interactions among individuals and firms | 3 | B | Spring 2025 |
| Fall 2025 | ||||
| EMAE 285 | Mechanical Engineering Measurements Laboratory - Experimental techniques, statistical analysis, uncertainty propagation, data acquisition, and report writing for mechanical engineering measurements | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| ECIV 310 | Strength of Materials - Mechanical behavior of materials under stress and deformation | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| EMAE 252 | Fluid Mechanics - Study of fluid properties, hydrostatics, dynamics, kinematics, control volume analysis, boundary layers, lift, and drag | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| EMAE 260 | Design and Manufacturing I - Integration of creative engineering design methodologies, project management, manufacturing practices, economic analysis, and CAD/CAM/CAE tools | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| EMAE 250 | Computers in Mechanical Engineering - Application of numerical methods, error analysis, algebraic equation solving, curve fitting, integration, and computational differentiation | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| ENGR 399 | Impact of Engineering on Society - Exploring engineering’s ethical, social, environmental impacts | 3 | A | Fall 2025 |
| Spring 2026 (In Progress) | ||||
| EMAE 353 | Heat Transfer - Analysis of steady-state and transient conduction, convection, radiation, mass transfer, and heat exchanger design principles | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2026 |
| EMAE 359 | Aero/Gas Dynamics - Study of conservation equations, subsonic and supersonic airfoil theory, potential flow, and shock wave phenomena | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2026 |
| EMAE 376 | Aerostructures - Mechanics of thin-walled aerospace structures, including shear flow, load analysis, pressure vessels, and finite elements | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2026 |
| EMAE 351 | Control of Mechanical Systems - Automatic control theory focusing on mathematical modeling, stability analysis, and designing closed-loop electromechanical feedback systems | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2026 |
| EMAE 370 | Design of Mechanical Elements - Application of solid mechanics to size and select machine components like gears, bearings, and fasteners | 3 | In Progress | Spring 2026 |
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.