HerbTop – Hydroponic Tower System (2025–Present)
My friend and I are developing HerbTop, a compact, design-focused hydroponic tower system for growing herbs indoors. The goal is to create an all-in-one unit that’s aesthetically clean, space-efficient, and fully automated, combining function and form in a way that makes hydroponic growing simple for everyday users.
So far, we’ve designed a detailed CAD model that captures our vision for the final product - including the vertical frame, modular plant pods, and integrated electronics housing. We’ve also been test-fitting electrical components such as pumps, LEDs, and sensors to refine placement, wiring, and accessibility within the tower.
This project has been an exciting way to apply both mechanical and electrical design skills, combining CAD modeling with real-world component testing. As development continues, we plan to integrate Arduino-based automation for pump control, lighting, and water-level sensing, and transition to a custom PCB for cleaner, more reliable circuit design.
Garden Plant Shelf (2025–Present)
When I moved into my new place at the beginning of my junior year, I had an empty front patio and wanted to turn it into something functional. I decided to build a simple plant shelf using three planks of wood and basic woodworking techniques. Using common power tools, I measured, cut, assembled, and finished the shelf to fit the space and support multiple potted plants.
What started as a small setup for growing green onions quickly expanded into a larger collection of plants. Through this project, I discovered how much I enjoy gardening and the process of caring for living systems over time. Unlike many fast-paced projects, gardening requires patience and consistency, which helped me develop a better appreciation for long-term thinking, maintenance, and incremental improvement.
This project reflects how I naturally approach engineering problems in everyday life. I identified an unused space, defined a simple need, and built a practical solution using accessible materials and tools. While the shelf itself is straightforward, it represents the mindset that drives many of my personal projects, using hands-on fabrication and simple design choices to improve functionality and quality of life.
Extension Cord Organizer (2025)
I designed this project to solve a small but persistent everyday problem. I had an extension cord block sitting on the floor next to my desk, which I was constantly stepping on or rolling over with my chair. It was unorganized, inconvenient, and easy to damage.
To fix this, I spent about 15 minutes creating a simple CAD model for a wall-mounted organizer that attaches directly to my shelf. I focused on a compact design that securely holds the extension cord while keeping all outlets easily accessible. After designing the part, I fabricated it using rapid prototyping and installed it in my workspace.
As a small added feature, I integrated a shallow slot into the design to hold items like chapstick, making it easy to grab at night. While this project is intentionally simple, it reflects how I approach engineering problems, identifying minor inefficiencies and designing practical, user-focused solutions that improve daily life.