Who I Am

I dis-like hearing that something is not possible because my passion for innovation drives me to explore every avenue. As a Mechanical Engineer with a Master's degree, I specialize in computer-aided design, prototyping, and robotics. I'm committed to projects that enhance operational efficiency and address real-world engineering challenges — from bio-inspired robots and supersonic wind tunnels to utility reliability systems.

Where I've Worked

Reliability Engineer
PSEG Long Island — Hicksville, NY  |  Dec 2023 – Present
  • Utilized Oracle SQL Developer, MS Access, Excel, PI Processbook and ARCGIS Maps to conduct root cause and statistical analysis of the distribution and transmission systems on Long Island — identifying and rectifying critical design flaws to improve overall utility reliability.
  • Created optimizations and internal tools to increase efficiency of project identification and completion.
  • Performed daily analysis of outages and substation events to identify patterns and inefficiencies.
  • Performed routine patrols and surveys to inspect existing field equipment conditions.
  • Created automated reports and collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance design processes.
  • Specialized in Transmission System Analysis and aided in large Capital Expense Projects for PSEG Long Island and LIPA.
Laboratory Technician / Mechanical Design Engineer
New York Institute of Technology — Old Westbury, NY  |  Jun 2022 – Dec 2023
  • Designed and built bio-inspired robots utilizing SolidWorks, Fusion360, KiCad and 3D printing to analyze evolutionary features and gauge their benefits on kinematics and efficiency.
  • Designed and built various testing hardware for animal analysis utilizing CAD, microcontrollers and custom software — reducing study time by 30%.
  • Calibrated and maintained industrial FDM and SLA equipment (Markforged, Formlabs) resulting in nearly 100% uptime.
  • Offered design talents to faculty and students through creative, modular, and dynamic prototyping designs and project management — reducing costs for proprietary equipment by over 70%.
  • Completed technical writing, engineering drawings as well as presentations for related projects and work.
  • Trained new associates in laboratory procedures and standards.
Server / Computer Technician
GalaxyGate — Staten Island, NY  |  Jan 2018 – Feb 2021
  • Performed installation, maintenance and repair for servers and networking equipment.
  • Supplied 24/7 technical support utilizing community channels, reducing downtime and delivering same-day solutions.
  • Optimized power usage and thermals per rack through data analysis of power consumption and FLIR thermal imaging — reducing power consumption by 10%.

Academic Background

M.S. Master of Mechanical Engineering
New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY  |  Aerospace Concentration · GPA: 3.6 · Sep 2021 – May 2022
B.S. Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY  |  Aerospace Concentration, Mathematics Minor · Sep 2017 – May 2021

Technical Toolkit

Design & CAD/CAM
SolidWorks 4+ yrs 2D/3D/Assembly FEA/CFD GD&T Simulation Fusion 360 2+ yrs AutoCAD Inventor KiCad PCB 1+ yrs Ansys Workbench 1+ yrs CNC & CAM Rapid Prototyping
Fabrication
3D Printing FDM & SLA 5+ yrs Markforged Formlabs Cura / Eiger / Preform Soldering & Wiring 4+ yrs Sheet Metal & Machining Prototyping 4+ yrs
Software & Programming
Python 3+ yrs MATLAB 6+ yrs C++ 3+ yrs ROS 2+ yrs SQL 3+ yrs HTML/CSS Control Systems 4+ yrs Microcontrollers 5+ yrs
Analysis & Tools
Oracle SQL Developer PI Processbook ARCGIS Maps MS Access & Excel Minitab FLIR Thermal Imaging Automation 4+ yrs
Soft Skills
Problem Solving Creativity Attention to Detail Adaptable Project Management Hands-on Skills Technical Writing

Credentials

FE Exam Badge CSWP Badge Six Sigma Green Belt Badge
Six Sigma Green Belt
CSWP — SolidWorks Certified Professional
SQL Intermediate Certification
FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) Exam — Passed Oct 2022

Projects

Robotics · May 2021
Senior Design — Fire Rescue Robot
Remotely operated first-responder robot with articulated arm, advanced cameras, and multi-sensor suite for emergency operations.
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Mechanical
MVP — Modular Vehicle Platform
Versatile, modular vehicle framework capable of carrying 600+ lb payloads and traversing challenging terrain.
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Bio-Inspired · May 2021 – Oct 2023
Tilibot — Bio-Inspired Robotics
Scaled robotic model replicating blue tongue skink kinematics to study evolutionary physiology and metabolic efficiency.
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Bio-Inspired · May 2021 – Oct 2023
ParrotBot — Continuum Climbing Robot
Continuum-style robot inspired by parrot physiology, studying the beak as an appendage and tail as a spring mechanism for climbing.
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Electromagnetic
Hovercraft / Hyperloop
Lightweight frame harnessing spinning neodymium magnets to induce eddy currents for lift and controlled translational movement.
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Aerospace · Masters Design — May 2022
Intermittent Indraft Supersonic Wind Tunnel
Supersonic wind tunnel with dedicated test volume for university-level airflow research and evaluation.
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Electronics
Accelerometer PCB — ESP32
Compact, wireless accelerometer data collection board for robotic and animal kinematics analysis.
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Lab Instrument
Bird Box — Avian Metabolic Runway System
Modular airtight runway system for assessing avian metabolic rates via rope speed control and environmental monitoring.
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Embedded
Pi GoPro Accelerometer Enclosure
Compact enclosure housing Raspberry Pi Zero, USB accelerometer board, and battery for uninterrupted animal kinematics testing.
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RC
Quad Track — SN1300 RC Full Assembly
Interactive 3D model of a quad-tread RC vehicle assembly.
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Research & Papers

2023
A functional framework for interpreting phalangeal form
Dickinson E, Young MW, Flaim ND, Sawiec A, Granatosky MC.
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
2020
Squamate Locomotion
Gagliano P, Sawiec A, Gibbons D, Granatosky M.
Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior
2020
Caudata Locomotion
Sawiec A, Gibbons D, Gagliano P, Granatosky M.
Encyclopedia of Animal Cognition and Behavior

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