During my Summer 2026 Internship I...
Worked at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel 9 in White Oak, MD. This is a unique, historic facility that has been at the forefront of hypersonic testing since the late 70's, and is capable of generating high Reynolds number flow at Mach 7-18 for run times not seen anywhere else in the country.
As an intern working in the aero-optical research lab, I was tasked with designing control system hardware and software to begin operation of a small adjustable nozzle Mach 5-7 pulsed wind tunnel for the purpose of cost-effective validation of non-intrusive optical diagnostics prior to implementation in Tunnel 9. I wrote extensive LabVIEW code to send trigger signals to fast-acting solenoid and poppet valves, implement safety interlocks, read and respond to pressure transducer data, and monitor other aspects of cyclic millisecond-long runs.
I also designed and built hardware to distribute power + trigger signals to the fast-acting valves, set up N2 high-pressure piping & infrastructure, designed stands & mounts, planned and acquired materials for future pebble-bed heater integration, made all 3D CAD models + managed large assemblies for the entire system (pictures shown below), and designed an active nozzle modification to automate Mach number adjustments for future implementation.
Air Force HiFEX vehicle geometry readying for test at Tunnel 9. Novel airframe/engine integration combine with advanced test and evaluation techniques in a world-unique test environment to gain the very first data sets for this international US-German cooperative program as scientists and engineers look to the future of space access. (arnold.af.mil)
Full Assembly
Close-up of Active Nozzle Modification
Sectional View of Nozzle and Test Cell
Who am I?
I'm Zach, a senior at Duke University studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. I am driven by a desire to understand everything, and to create cutting-edge technology that pushes humanity forward.
I thrive best in fast-paced, iterative team-based environments where ambitious ownership is balanced by system-level awareness. I have experience leading teams, and running design reviews on a professional level.
Duke Combat Robotics
After serving as VP of DCR and building the club's first-ever 3lb combat robot, this year as President I am leading an initiative to expand again to 12 lbs.​
Additionally, I will lead/advise several other 1lb teams within the club, training members on technical skills, weapon physics, chassis design, material selection, manufacturing techniques, and electronic components + packaging.
A Look at My First Combat Robot:
Technical Skills
3D Printing; Design for Additive Manufacturing
3D CAD (e.g. SolidWorks); Large Assemblies
Composites
Electronic Packaging
Structures Design
Milling; CNC Milling
LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB
DAQ, Sensors & Instrumentation
Mechanical System Integration
Wind Tunnel Testing
Nozzle Design
Material Selection
Education
2023-present
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering; Master's 4 + 1 Candidate
Duke University
While studying at Duke, I have refined my passion for engineering through involvement in clubs like Duke Aero (Structures Team), Combat Robotics (President), Stargazing/Astronomy, Duke Electric Vehicles (Aerodynamics/Structures), and also through academic success utilizing the resources of the Pratt School of Engineering.
GPA: 3.93/4.00.