Ride Engineering Competition 2025

The Ride Engineering Competition (REC) is a national annual event challenging students to design and build a unique themed entertainment attraction for scale riders. The 2025 prompt, Thrill Acceptance Testing Flat Ride Engineering Challenge, requires Starburst-scale riders to reach heights of 300mm from their initial loading position while also tilting at least 45 degrees in any direction and experiencing 2G of acceleration. To meet these requirements, our team developed a unique circular gondola attraction that dynamically tilts and spins, creating an exhilarating ride experience.

As a first-time REC participant with SLO CAPED, I began as an Associate Mechanical Engineer before earning the Head Mechanical Engineer title, stepping into a collaborative leadership role. Within the Arm subteam, I took on significant design and analysis responsibilities, collaborating closely with fellow mechanical and controls members to develop a cohesive, dynamic structure that met both competition requirements and the advanced electromechanical constraints of our ambitious ride concept. Additionally, I introduced and led the Shaft aspect of the ride, completing advanced machine design and sizing a pulley, bearings, machine key, retaining ring, and clamping collar for torque transmission from the drive motor.

Leveraging my experience in manufacturing engineering, design, and consulting, I helped bridge the gap between idealized CAD and manufacturable components. I was directly responsible for fabricating many of these parts, from 3D-printed prototypes for assembly validation to precisely machined shafts for rotational torque transmission. Additionally, I mentored underclassmen in machine tool operation, providing hands-on learning that complemented their academic engineering coursework.