Mechanical Engineering · Purdue '29
Elena Xu
I design, build, and test hardware — from closed-loop Arduino control systems to parametric CAD assemblies and data-driven analysis tools.
Sophomore in Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University (GPA 3.88/4.00), looking for a Summer 2027 internship where I can do hands-on mechanical design, prototyping, and testing.
01
Projects
Environmental Control System
Jun – Jul 2026
ArduinoMechatronicsSensorsClosed-loop control
- Designed and built an Arduino-based environmental monitoring and cooling system integrating temperature/humidity sensors, a DC fan, and a display module into a closed-loop control system.
- Programmed threshold-based automatic fan control so the system regulates temperature without manual intervention; performed iterative hands-on testing and troubleshooting.
Tensile Test Analysis Tool
Jul – Aug 2026
PythonNumPyMatplotlibMaterials testing
- Developed a Python tool that automates extraction of elastic modulus, 0.2% offset yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and toughness from raw stress–strain data.
- Implemented adaptive linear regression to identify the elastic region and generated annotated plots marking yield and ultimate-strength points.
Vehicle Dynamics Analysis
Mar – May 2026
MATLABData analysisModeling
- Built a modular MATLAB program analyzing 5,000+ speed–time data points across 9 vehicle/tire combinations and 45 trials.
- Estimated acceleration start time, initial/final velocities, and first-order time constants; validated the model using percent error and sum of squared errors.
CAD Modeling — SolidWorks
Jun – Aug 2026
SolidWorksParametric modelingAssemblies
- Created parametric 3D models and assemblies of mechanical components, including planetary gear sets, screwdrivers, and robotic arm parts.
- Applied feature-based modeling, dimensioning, and assembly constraints to produce manufacturable geometry and functional component interfaces.
02
Experience
- Collaborated with a 6–10 member team to evaluate dust-mitigation concepts for a lunar excavation robot.
- Participated in mechanical design reviews and presented hardware concepts and trade-offs to the team.
Tutored high school students in mathematics 4–10 hours per week, adapting explanations to individual learning needs.
03
Skills
CAD / PLM
SolidWorks
Siemens NX
Teamcenter PLM
Programming & Analysis
Python (NumPy, Matplotlib)
MATLAB
Excel
Hardware & Testing
Arduino
Sensor Integration
Mechanical Testing
04
Education
GPA: 3.88/4.00. Relevant coursework: Thermodynamics I, Basic Mechanics I, CAD & Graphical Communication, Differential Equations, Data Science for Mechanical Engineers.