who am I?

I like to build stuff - collecting ideas, making drawings, machining parts, testing, modifying, breaking, revising. I like vehicles because they're fun to control. Despite being a practitioner of technology, I have deep reservations about its effects on people and society. I can't stand it when people obsess over getting the latest gadget. I'm not sure how to reconcile that.

projects

Reef Explorer - A small submarine, capable of autonomous behavior or remote control. Live video can be streamed back over a radio link. Complete mechanical design, including the thrusters, a winch, a float, and the frame. Toyota Pickup front suspension - Coil-over conversion for the front axle. Involved CAD design, purchasing of hardware, cutting & welding frame rails and axle, machining components, and testing and assembly. Nissan Pickup front suspension - Similar to the Toyota suspension, but for my brother's truck. He did most of the design and fabrication, I just helped with some of the CAD drawings. Prototype heliostat - A high-precision solar concentrator. Designed to near the optical limit of light concentration. Complete mechanical design, assembly, and testing. Included a test setup for measuring light distribution at the focus (not easy when most things at the target burst into flames). Honda CRX / Acura Integra Hybridization - Disassembly of both cars, then merging the best of both. Engine rebuild, adapting power steering, rear axle, and transmission.

activities

I've managed to meet some people. I like to play with vehicles. I've also held down a few jobs.

current possessions

pickup truck (in storage), motorcycle, helmet, bicycle, computer, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, 2 pillows, 2 boxes of clothing, shoes, textbooks, camera, cell phone, 1 bag of tools, GPS, tent, water filter, camping stove, toiletries, electric razor, 1 box of sentimental items