Project Portfolio

Michael Aksen

Ever since I was little, my grandpa would show me all the different inventions he had sketched out. From something small like a tool to pick up dog poop, to a revolutionary idea for an air-powered vehicle, he was always inventing things, and I was always helping him. He was a mechanical engineer in the Soviet Union, but because of the language barrier he had to forego his engineering pursuits when he moved to America to support my mom. I hope that his engineering dreams can be fulfilled vicariously through my accomplishments.
Studying at RPI opened my mind to all the different engineering opportunities available to me. What drew me to manufacturing was seeing how much the field can still grow. I always thought it was cool to build stuff, to see the latest advancements in technology, and to experience the magic of electricity, but once I came to RPI I saw how those areas of interest could mesh. Now that I've graduated, I plan to leverage my unique background and experiences in engineering to drive change and develop creative solutions to challenging problems. I care about innovation and the future of manufacturing, and I hope to apply my skills to feed the fires of progress. For example, I envision a prototyping shop with CNC machines all interconnected through the cloud. They would be controlled by a master algorithm that determines how to make any part and sends instructions to the automated machines through an assembly-line format whereby any design that can be thought of could be made automatically.
In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors. I recently completed the Devil's Path hike and the Presidential Traverse, two of the most difficult hikes on the East Coast. I hope to continue pushing myself physically as well as mentally through my extracurricular pursuits. I love to ski and play basketball. Finding new challenges to tackle and pushing myself to excel drives me to be better at these sports and be a better person as a whole. I am also passionate about adventure and exploring the world. One of my favorite pastimes is appreciating the autumn beauty of the New England woodlands. Other than outdoorsy pursuits, I also love to spend time indoors and either play boardgames with my friends, watch a movie, or play one of my endless strategical Rome: Total War campaigns.

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Technical Skills

Programming

Java, Python, MATLAB, Arduino C

Software

NX, NX Nastran, SolidWorks, PLC Ladder Logic, Simulink, Ansys FEA

Manufacturing

Manual Machining, 3D Printing, MIG Welding, Value-stream mapping, Design for Manufacturing

Other Skills

Russian Language (fluent), Getting lost in the woods, Making up fictional stories like the time I met Obama

Certifications & Awards

CSWA-Mechanical Design

FE Certified

'21 Gene Haas Manufacturing Award Recipient

'20 RPI Elevator Pitch Competition 3rd Place

Download Resume

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