Hi, I'm Bhavya
Mechanical Engineering @ UC Berkeley
I'm deeply interested in the intersection of mechanical systems, embedded intelligence, and real-world impact. My interests span applied renewable energy, spacecraft and aircraft propulsion, safety-critical design, and sensor-driven autonomy. I am eager, determined, and hardworking, and when I put my mind to accomplishing something I put everything I have into it until I do.
Projects
CAD Saab JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Jet
Modeled the Saab JAS 39 Gripen in SolidWorks using advanced surface techniques and iterative design methods like lofts, sketches, mirroring, and split lines. Applied decals and appearances to replicate the aircraft’s profile. Ran a static FEA to simulate wing lift and evaluate structural response.
- SOLIDWORKS
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Solar Activity Monitoring with a Raspberry Pi Camera System
Assembled an RPI camera to attach to a Coronado telescope to observe the sun’s chromosphere. Project made for NASA California Space Grant Consortium program.
- Python
Florida State University
Student Intern
Learn + perform mathematical MATLAB data analysis + coding tasks for development of dynamics of internal waves in the ocean (specifically the Loop Current at the Yucatan Channel) under Dr. Hiron + Dr. Raja. Delivered culminating presentation to the COAPS (Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) faculty in May 2024.
- MATLAB
3D Printed Wind Turbine Design and Testing
Associated with UC Berkeley
Designed and tested a 3D-printed wind turbine to optimize power output, structural stability, and weight efficiency. Developed a rotor blade and generator housing within strict design constraints, achieving a peak power output of 0.8041 W and a tower stiffness of 18.0 N/m (evaluated through linear regression analysis of applied load vs. displacement). Applied iterative CAD modeling and performance testing, ensuring compliance with project guidelines while refining key engineering metrics.
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- SOLIDWORKS
- Data Analysis
- 3D Printing >
Night Phone Holder – Adjustable Rotating Stand
Associated with UC Berkeley
Developed a phone clamp system with upper and lower jaws, dual railings, and adjustable arms for a secure fit. Engineered ball and socket joints for rotational flexibility, incorporating knurled surfaces and sticky coatings to enhance grip. Manufactured components using resin for durability and flexibility, preventing breakage compared to PLA alternatives. Designed a base clamp with interference fit, ensuring stability on various surfaces. Drafted fully dimensioned detail and assembly drawings with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), applying tolerances using ANSI B4.1 Standard Limits and Fits to ensure intended function. Conducted performance testing, refining the design for ease of use and accessibility.
- GD&T
- Design for Manufacturing
- Manufacturing Process Improvement
- 3D Prototyping
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Machining
- Working Drawings
MATLAB Asymmetrical Bending Analysis Tool
Associated with UC Berkeley
Developed a MATLAB suite to model stress distributions in femur cross-sections under asymmetrical bending with and without implants. Computed stress distributions, neutral axis orientation, and centroid locations using BMD-weighted Young’s modulus maps derived from medical image data. Evaluated stress normalization metrics and visualized results via custom contour plots.
- Mechanical Engineering
- MATLAB
- Solid Mechanics
Berkeley Sensor & Actuator Center
Student Researcher
Designing gadgets to use in nanolab.
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- 3D Prototyping
- Machining
Professional Experience
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Applied Engineering and Research Intern
Conducted probabilistic risk assessments using advanced statistical modeling to evaluate system vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. Assisted in research on risk-informed decision-making frameworks, contributing to reports used by industry stakeholders. Synthesized technical findings into clear, structured insights for internal team and external partners. Collaborated with researchers on national security and energy resilience projects, developing a deeper understanding of regulatory challenges in high-risk sectors.
- Fault Tree Analysis
- Hydrogen Storage
- Reliability Analysis
- Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA)
Six Sigma Microelectronics
Automation Engineering Intern
Automating processes for semiconductor manufacturing.
- Electromechanical Design
- SOLIDWORKS
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Mechanism Design
American River College Math Learning Center
Student Tutor
Tutored college students in mastery-based math (Math 300, Math 333), collaborated with faculty for diverse learners, achieved 25% grade increase.
University of Washington
Student Intern @ Sauro Lab
Developed and implemented Python scripts to extract and process coordinates from Escher metabolic models, storing data in CSV format with categorization of metabolites and reactions. Leveraged this data to generate various formats, including SVG, GraphML, and SBML, contributing to the preparation of a preprint for community dissemination. Work conducted under guidance from Dr. Herbert Sauro in the Sauro Lab.
- Python
UC Davis ACRES Lab
Research Intern
Assisting in research regarding sustainable materials for industrial use; mycelium research at UC Davis - Advanced Composites Research Engineering & Science (ACRES) Laboratory. Verified antimicrobial properties of balsa wood to explore its compatibility with Reishi mycelium (G. lucidum) as a bio-degradable substitute for conventional plywood and particle boards for ACRES' mycelium-based wind turbines. Working under Professor La Saponara.
- 3D Printing
Reteena
Co-Founder
Co-Founder of Reteena, a verified 503(c)(3) research nonprofit under a fiscal sponsorship from Hack Club. We aim to reduce healthcare diagnosis costs by utilizing AI models. Currently working on using AI models to inference for Alzheimer's using low-resolution MRI scans.
- TensorFlow
- Python
Clubs and Activities
Hydrogen Grand Prix Racing Hydrogen Team
Co-Captain
Designed, engineered, and raced remote-controlled fuel cell electric vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Space Technologies At California (STAC)
LEAPFROG - Mechanical Engineer
As a member of Space Technologies at California, I led the development of a custom testing rig for our hopper system. The compression phase of the hopper is constrained by the bending strength of carbon fiber rods, allowing a maximum vertical contraction of 40% before risking fracture. Each carbon fiber rod experiences approximately 10N of force in a short burst, generating a high impulse that enables substantial propulsion despite the hopper’s small size. I also assisted in refining the compression-based jumping mechanism, utilizing carbon fiber rods to achieve a projected jump height of 14 meters on the moon.
- SOLIDWORKS
- Design for Manufacturing
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Society of Women Engineers
Startup Spring Officer
Led a 5-person team to organize startup events, including high-turnout sessions with Waymo and SkyDeck; streamlined outreach and logistics, boosting student engagement with Bay Area startups.
UC Berkeley Solar Vehicle Team, CalSol
Mechanical Design Engineer + GenXI Occupant Cell Project Lead
Designing CalSol's 11th generation solar car, Generation 11, for intercollegiate racing competitions. Designed roll cage and chassis components for optimal safety and lightweight structure, using SolidWorks and ANSYs simulation and CAD software to run FEA for design validation. Modeled vehicle structure deflection in FEA to simulate crumple zones and utilized hand calculations to analyze force-displacement curves and energy absorption metrics.
- Project Management
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Problem Solving
- Manufacturing
- SOLIDWORKS
- Mechanism Design
Skills
- Algorithms (Java, Python)
- Project Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Machine Learning (Python)
- Data Analytics (MATLAB)
- Logic Design (Verilog)
- Embedded Systems (Raspberry Pi)
- Mechanical CAD & Simulation (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, ANSYS)
- Scientific Research & Technical Writing
- Full Stack Development (HTML, CSS)
- Prototyping & Fabrication (3D Printing, Laser Cutting, Shop Tools)