Aleksei Calhoun
Hi! I'm Aleksei, but I usually go with just Alek. I'm a mechanical engineering student passionate about learning and applying technology. I've taught myself CAD/CAM software, 3D printing, circuit design, programming, soldering, and more. I plan to transition into the professional world of engineering and work on the cutting edge of technology and innovation.
Just as a heads up, this site is only semi-frequently updated, so there may be instances where projects are a few months (or more) behind their current progress. There's also some photos from projects without their own pages in the gallery. Thanks for understanding!
Personal Projects
A significant portion of my projects have been done independently from any institution or group. Through the years, I've worked on a multitude of projects that covered a variety of disciplines, with my involvement in each covering project choice, design, 3D modeling, component & hardware selection, prototyping, machining, assembly, and more. To learn more, click any of the projects titles here, or visit the Projects section!
Cold Gas Thrusters & Reaction Control System
2023 - PresentOngoing project to design, build, and test cold gas thrusters alongside a reaction control system utilizing said thrusters
Other Projects
Project lead for the ongoing development of an education focused, open-source SROV
Education
Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of Central Florida
EXCEL Program
2023 - Present
Associate in Arts, Engineering Pre-Bacc
St. Petersburg College
Magna Cum Laude
2019 - 2023
Relevant Courses: Intro to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, Physics I & II, Calculus I - III, Differential Equations, Technical Writing, Speech/Communications, Intro to CAD, Principles of Electrical Engineering, Statics, Probability and Statistics for Engineers, Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Solid Mechanics, Structures and Properties of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Modeling Methods, Machine Design, Design and Analysis of Aero Structures, Heat Transfer I, Vibrations and Controls, Engineering Measurements
Key skills and experience
Nearly everything I've learned how to do has been on my own, for use in personal projects and to satisfy my curiosity. I've taught myself how to use Fusion360 for modeling components and parts, how to code with Arduino, how to solder and design circuits, and how to operate a CNC machine and 3D printer. I also have experience with Solidworks, Ansys Mechanical/Fluent, LS-Dyna, and LabVIEW
Programming
Python, Arduino/C++, MATLAB
CAD/CAM
AutoCAD, Fusion360, Ansys Fluent/Mechanical, LS-Dyna, Solidworks, LabVIEW
Manufacturing
3D Printing, CNC Machining, Rapid Prototyping
Electronics
Component Selection, Circuit Design, Soldering
An Engineer Since Day One
While I may have been a bit confused on which kind of engineer I wanted to be, I'm sure you get the point.
My desire to lean and my curiosity in the technology of our world works has been a driving force in my life for as long as I can remember. I've always loved to tinker, and found much joy in taking things apart as a child to figure out how they work, even if I didn't know how to put them back together (Sorry, Dad). I'm always in the pursuit of knowledge, and I'm proud to have graduated from my community college with Magna Cum Laude honors before transferring to the University of Central Florida for my Bachelors.
My Tools and Equipment: Dedication to learning through experience
At my community college, the opportunities to apply what we learned were few and far between. My campus did not have a machine lab, nor did it have any engineering-related clubs or projects to join.
So what was I to do?
I decided to invest in myself and sought out ways to get hands on experience as an engineer. I started to build up a collection of tools, equipment and components that I thought were interesting or useful, and found problems that I thought could use a well designed solution. Some projects were done for family and friends, and some were just of my own volition.
To be fair, my motives weren't entirely career-based, and at first I wasn't thinking about how I could use my projects on my resume —I mostly did it because, well, it just seemed like a ton of fun.
So here's some of the tools and equipment that I've taught myself how to operate and work with!
The point of this section isn't to show off my collection of tools and components. Rather, it's a way for me to show that engineering is something that I've always loved to do, and is something that I have invested a significant portion of my time and money into pursuing beyond attending school. I know that engineering is what I'm meant for, and I know that I will be an extremely valuable asset to your company.
Getting in touch
alekseicalhoun@gmail.com
Feel free to reach out at any time! I can provide my school email if requested.
+1 (727) 744-5738
Give me a call or send me a text anytime!
Orlando, FL 32825
If you need a more exact location, please reach out for more information.
© 2024 Aleksei Calhoun