Education
Stanford University
2017 – Present
M.S Mechanical Engineering
University of Illinois
2011-2015
B.Sc Mechanical Engineering
Victoria Junior College
2007-2008
G.C.E “A” Levels
Research Experience
Collaborative Haptic and Robotics in Medicine (CHARM) Lab
Graduate Research Assistant
Sep 2017 – Present
My work at CHARM focuses primarily on medical robotics. In particular I am interested in how to improve surgeon skill and decision making in Robot-assisted Minimally Invasive Surgery (RMIS). I am exploring the use of haptics and augmented reality (AR) as novel feedback modalities.
Human Dynamics and Control Lab
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Aug 2014 – Mar 2015
As an undergraduate research assistant, I assisted in analyzing data from gait studies done in the lab. This required me to engage in mechanical design, microcontroller programming, motion capture and kinematic analysis. I also aided in the design of sensors for biomechanical measurements. These devices were utilized in the study of a portable pneumatic ankle-foot orthoses and an improved loftstrand crutch.
Work Experience
Yaskawa America
Product Engineer
Jun 2015 – Jun 2017
As a product engineer, I design of power electronics enclosures to meet thermal and electrical clearance requirements through use of CFD and FE analysis. I interface with eCAD data, realizing the ideas of the electrical engineering team in 3D. I also design of add-on kits for UL/NEMA Type 4 and 12 enclosure qualification.
Yaskawa America
Product Design Engineering Intern
Feb 2014 – Jul 2014
In my semester internship at Yaskawa, I assisted in the custom modification of existing variable frequency drive products from Japan. I also assisted in-house design projects in support of the testing, research and manufacturing departments. Prior to the launch of a new product line, I was tasked with assisting with the UL qualification of the drives.
Lightcraft Private Limited
Mechanical Design Intern
May 2013 – Aug 2013
During this summer internship, I assisted in the mechanical design and drafting of various lighting fixtures. I also communicated with manufacturers in China to ensure that the designs were correctly interpreted for the production of first articles. I also had the opportunity to perform factory visits and partake in the Guangzhou International Lighting Fair.
Singapore Armed Forces
Platoon Commander, Motorized Infantry
Jan 2010 – Nov 2010
In Singapore, military service is compulsory for all males. While there I was selected for Officer Cadet School and was trained in the weapons and tactics for an armored infantry platoon. I was then posted to the 2nd Singapore Infantry Regiment where I served a platoon commander in the Motorized Support Company which provides armored support for infantry. It was here that I learned how to shoulder the responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing and safety of those under my purview. I also honed my planning and logistical skills, to the point where I could plan and organize a training for 400 men.
Activities
Design for America
President
Aug 2013 – Mar 2015
As the president of the local chapter of Design for America, I lead a multidisciplinary, student run design studio that uses human-centered design to solve problems in the Champaign-Urbana community. As part of the organization’s core mission of developing leaders of innovation, I also coach the individual student teams and run design thinking workshops on campus. To help start new projects I develop relationships with external community organizations such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, an elderly daycare, the local walking school bus program and the John St Watershed Steering Committee.
Haiti Clean Stove Project
President
Aug 2011 – Mar 2013
As a president of the Haiti Clean Stove Project I led a group of engineers in the research, design and testing of clean, affordable and eco-friendly stoves for Haiti. As part of the research, I led a group of 5 undergraduates on a 2 week long trip to Haiti that I planned and executed myself using much of the experience I gained in the military. After the 2 weeks, I stayed for another 2 to help teach artisans in the community how to construct rocket stoves. I then assisted in writing a successful EPA grant application for $15,000 to develop our ideas. These ideas were field tested in Haiti and presented at the National Sustainable Design Conference in Washington D.C in 2013
Field Hockey
School Team Captain
Jan 2007 – Nov 2008
My involvement in hockey extends past my captaincy of my high school team. Due to the fact that we failed to secure a coach for one semester, I had to also take on coaching duties. This involved me planning and running thrice weekly training sessions. Outside of school I was selected to represent Singapore in the regional schools tournament where I got international exposure to teams from, among others, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand. I was also a 1st team player for the Singapore Cricket Club in the Premier League, the country’s highest domestic league.
