A Alexander Aerospace Engineering Student

Selected Work

Projects in structures, simulation, code, writing, and hands-on work.

A selection of coursework, team projects, and personal work.

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Scroll for project cards, clips, and source material.

MATLAB black hole photon simulation

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Browse by skill area.

The work spans analysis, communication, coding, and hands-on execution.

Aerospace | Student spacecraft

UCI CubeSat Structures

Structural analysis work that reflects how I like to approach engineering problems: understand the part, check the behavior, and keep the design tied to real hardware constraints.

  • Applied: static and frequency analysis on a structural component
  • Supported: interface-aware design thinking around part integration
  • Tools shown: FEA workflow, engineering judgment, and technical communication
Static clip Frequency clip Overview PDF
Photon path simulation output from MATLAB

Simulation | MATLAB

Photon Paths Near a Black Hole

A computational physics project that models a difficult concept through simulation and visualization.

  • Built: a MATLAB model for photon capture, escape, and the critical path
  • Used: the Paczynski-Wiita potential and a clear plotted output
  • Focus: numerical thinking, scientific communication, and readable visual presentation
MATLAB script Image

Design | Technical proposal

ExtrakPak SAR Drone Concept

A technical proposal for a heavy-lift recovery drone shaped around system requirements, risk, and operational practicality.

  • Covered: airframe layout, grappling system, remote command unit, and compliance considerations
  • Framed: payload targets, environment limits, and user-risk management
  • Focus: concept development, structured thinking, and engineering writing
Proposal Presentation

Materials + impact analysis

Lunar Micrometeoroid Protection

A project that combined experimental thinking with quick-impact modeling to evaluate reinforced ice concepts for lunar protection.

  • Compared: different reinforcement approaches and damage behavior
  • Estimated: the scale challenge involved in stopping a high-speed iron micrometeoroid
  • Focus: tradeoff analysis, experiment framing, and technical presentation
Presentation

MATLAB | Data and visualization

Periodic Table Database

A MATLAB project that combines element lookup with periodic trend plots.

  • Built: a tool that graphs core periodic trends and returns element details by symbol
  • Displayed: mass, electronegativity, ionization energy, radius, and electron affinity
  • Focus: data handling, plotting, and user-oriented MATLAB scripting
Project report

Python notebooks | Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics Notebook Set

Three Python notebooks focused on state-property calculations, plotted sweeps, and cycle behavior.

  • Modeled: adiabatic mixing, Rankine cycle behavior, turbine power, and isothermal expansion
  • Used: CoolProp, NumPy, and Matplotlib for engineering calculations and plots
  • Focus: Python workflow, plotting, and thermodynamics problem solving
Mixing + Rankine Gas + turbine Isothermal plots

Technical writing | Policy analysis

Internet Policy Writing

Policy work that shows I can analyze technical issues, frame tradeoffs, and write clear recommendations for different audiences.

  • Topics: data caps, throttling, net neutrality, H.R. 1870, and BEAD
  • Formats: memos, presentations, stakeholder positioning, and recommendation writing
  • Focus: research synthesis, argument structure, and technical communication
H.R. 1870 memo H.R. 1870 deck Data caps deck

Hands-on engineering

Hands-On Mechanical Project Logs

Documented work across two personal vehicle platforms that shows practical troubleshooting, installation discipline, and follow-through on physical engineering tasks.

  • Covered: suspension, braking, lighting, trim, exhaust, tuning, and intake-related upgrades
  • Documented: the work with short clips and stills that show real execution rather than theory only
  • Focus: mechanical comfort, problem solving, and consistency working directly with parts and tools
Coilover clip Tail light clip Overview

Selected Visuals

Project media that adds context fast.

Clips and stills are here to support the work, not replace the explanation.

Photon simulation still
MATLAB output from the photon path simulation.
CubeSat structural analysis clip.
Frequency response view for the same component.
One clip from the hands-on build logs showing install-focused mechanical work.

Portfolio Strengths

The work stays fairly balanced across analysis and execution.

  • Analytical first. The work consistently starts from behavior, constraints, and tradeoffs rather than surface-level polish.
  • Clear communication. Proposals, reports, decks, and memos show the ability to explain technical decisions to different audiences.
  • Software plus hardware. Simulation and coding work sit next to direct mechanical execution instead of living in separate silos.
  • Direct format. Each project includes a short summary and source material.

Structures

Student spacecraft work with analysis tied to real part behavior.

Simulation

MATLAB and engineering modeling used for readable, decision-useful outputs.

Technical writing

Proposal work, reports, and policy memos with clear recommendations.

Hands-on execution

Mechanical projects that show practical comfort with tools, parts, and implementation.