Email: ethanc11@illinois.edu
Phone: (818)-445-3518
I am a Systems Engineering student at UIUC focused on robotics, fluid thermal systems, and advanced manufacturing, supported by strong business insight and analytical thinking. I lead mechanical design and research and development initiatives across competitive robotics and industry sponsored projects, integrating CAD, CFD, and DOE to develop performance driven, manufacturable solutions. With experience in financial modeling, strategic planning, and data driven decision making, I also approach engineering challenges through both a technical and business lens, optimizing for performance, cost, scalability, and long term impact.
Undergraduate Senior @ University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Systems Engineering and Design Major and Business Accounting Minor (4 years)
Treasurer & Design Lead @ Illini VEX Robotics (4 years)
Research Assistant @ Tamkang University
Assurance Associate @ BDO (Upcoming Fall)
Accounts Payable Specialist & Data System Analyst @ Relevant Group (2 years)
Pathways Robotics Intern @ NASA Johnson Space Center (ER9) (Summer)
Machine Shop Assistant @ Siebel Center of Design at UIUC
VEXU Push-Back
2025-2026
(Work in Progress)
I have strong proficiency in CAD using SolidWorks and Fusion 360, with experience in parametric modeling, assemblies, detailed drawings, and design for manufacturing. I have applied CAD in aerospace robotics, advanced manufacturing, and competitive robotics projects, developing components optimized for performance, tolerancing, and iterative prototyping. My workflow emphasizes clean modeling practices, configuration management, and translating design intent into manufacturable, real-world hardware.
I am fluent in the following software for CAD
Solidworks (CSWA)
Fusion 360
Ansys Discovery
I have experience applying CFD and FEA to evaluate fluid flow, heat transfer, and structural performance in engineered systems. I use simulation tools to analyze pressure drop, turbulence behavior, thermal distribution, stress concentrations, and deformation under load, supporting data driven design decisions before physical prototyping.
I use the following for FEA and CFD
Fusion 360
Ansys Fluent
I have hands-on experience with both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, multi-axis milling, composite fabrication, and 3D printing for rapid prototyping and functional components. I apply design-for-manufacturing principles to ensure parts are optimized for tolerances, material selection, and assembly efficiency.
I have experience with the following manufacturing methods
CNC Milling
3D printing
All Table-top Saws & Drills
Handtools
Drum Sander
Experience building parametric cost models, cash flow simulations, depreciation schedules, and data driven financial analyses using Excel, Python, and structured datasets to support strategic decision making.
Designed and implemented automated financial workflows using Excel, Python, and structured accounting datasets to streamline reporting, reconciliation, and cost modeling. Focused on reducing manual processing time, improving data integrity, and enabling faster, more accurate decision making.
I prioritize clear, structured documentation across both engineering and business workflows to ensure systems are transparent, reproducible, and scalable. In engineering, I document design decisions, modeling assumptions, simulation setups, and validation results to support collaboration and iterative development. In financial and operational contexts, I maintain detailed records of model logic, data sources, controls, and reporting frameworks to ensure audit readiness, accountability, and informed decision making.