Ayan Ali

Conducted a rigorous feasibility analysis proving that continuous, theoretically infinite solar flight for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is physically possible, practically viable, and economically feasible using current technology. The research developed a comprehensive parametric mathematical model based on first principles physics, establishing both mechanical constraints (aerodynamics, propulsion systems) and energetic requirements (solar power collection, energy storage, consumption). The project progressed through systematic creation of individual component models for critical systems including battery mass, wing area, and avionics power consumption, culminating in a unified "master model" that interfaced all subsystems. Analysis using parameters from widely available (non-research-grade) technologies conclusively demonstrated the viability of perpetual solar flight across variable mission criteria, providing a foundational framework for future UAV designs capable of extended or indefinite mission durations.

Developed and evaluated a comprehensive 3D modeling curriculum for secondary education that integrates technical skills development with design thinking principles. The research included comparative analysis of various teaching methodologies across 11 schools or approximately 2700 eligible students, with quantitative assessment of student outcomes and engagement metrics. Key findings demonstrate significantly improved spatial reasoning abilities and increased STEM interest among participating students. The curriculum incorporates progressive skill building through scaffolded projects, peer evaluation frameworks, and integration with additive manufacturing technologies.

Conducted systematic analysis of hydrophobic and hydrophilic material combinations for optimizing atmospheric water harvesting in arid environments. The research examined various surface geometries, texture patterns, and material composition factors that influence dew formation and collection efficiency. Laboratory testing under controlled humidity and temperature conditions demonstrated up to 37% improved collection rates with biomimetic surface patterns inspired by desert beetle exoskeletons. Findings include quantitative performance data across material types and recommendations for scalable, low-cost implementation in water-scarce regions.

Designed and implemented a modular mobile communication device with an emphasis on repairability, customization, and educational value. The BreadPhone uses a breadboard-inspired architecture where functional blocks (processor, memory, radio, display, etc.) can be easily swapped or upgraded. The core system is built around a low-power ARM microcontroller with a custom operating system that abstracts hardware interfaces through a unified API. Communication capabilities include 4G LTE connectivity implemented with a modular radio module, Voice over IP, and SMS messaging. The project features a 3D-printed chassis with snap-fit component mounts, power management circuitry supporting both battery and USB operation, and a touchscreen interface with gesture recognition for navigating a minimalist user interface.

Designed and implemented a comprehensive home server environment using virtualization technologies and open-source software stacks. The system runs on custom-built hardware with redundant storage configured in ZFS RAID-Z2 providing 24TB of usable space with data integrity verification. The server hosts multiple virtualized services including media streaming with transcoding capabilities, automated backup systems for household devices, a private cloud storage solution, and home automation control. Network security features include VLAN segmentation, intrusion detection systems, automated vulnerability scanning, and a VPN solution for secure remote access. The project incorporates detailed power consumption monitoring and optimization, achieving 93% uptime while maintaining low operational costs through intelligent service scheduling and hardware power management.

Designed and built a fully functional 16-bit computer architecture implemented entirely with discrete logic components on breadboards. The system features a custom instruction set with 24 operations, 4KB of addressable memory, and hardware-implemented stack operations. Key components include an arithmetic logic unit with 8 functions, a program counter with branch prediction capabilities, and a custom assembler developed to translate assembly code into machine instructions. The project demonstrates core computer architecture principles while achieving clock speeds of 2MHz and successfully running several benchmark programs including a simple text editor and calculator application.

Designed and built a hardware monitoring system that uses physical analog gauges to display computer performance metrics. The system connects to a PC via USB and displays real-time CPU core loads, CPU temperatures, GPU load, GPU temperature, power consumption, and memory usage through custom-built analog gauge clusters. The project combines software components (Python with OpenHardwareMonitor integration) and hardware elements (Arduino-controlled analog gauges with RGB status indicators). Key features include modular gauge clusters that can be added without frame modifications, customizable gauge functions through a user-friendly interface, and visual alerts through color-changing backlights. The system supports both AMD and Intel CPUs as well as AMD and NVIDIA GPUs, with automatic detection and configuration. The companion Windows application provides a clean interface for customizing COM ports, baud rates, and reading intervals.

Designed and constructed a small-scale electric vehicle with emphasis on drivetrain efficiency and battery management. The project implemented a custom-designed motor controller with regenerative braking capabilities, achieving 91% power conversion efficiency. Battery management incorporates a 24-cell lithium-ion pack with active thermal regulation and cell balancing, controlled by a custom BMS (Battery Management System) that optimizes charge/discharge cycles and monitors cell health. The vehicle features a lightweight aluminum chassis with strategic reinforcement, offering a favorable power-to-weight ratio while maintaining structural integrity. Performance testing demonstrated a range of 42km on a single charge and acceleration of 0-30km/h in 4.2 seconds.

Developed an interactive simulation platform for digital logic circuit design and verification with real-time signal propagation visualization. The application supports hierarchical component design from basic gates to complex integrated circuits, with a library of over 75 predefined components. Key features include variable propagation delay modeling, race condition detection, timing diagrams, state analysis, and export capabilities for FPGA implementation. The simulator employs an event-driven architecture for efficient computation, allowing complex circuits with thousands of components to be simulated with minimal performance degradation. The project includes a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and seamless zooming across multiple levels of circuit abstraction.

Engineered a versatile control interface system with modular I/O capabilities for laboratory and prototyping applications. The control box features hot-swappable interface modules for analog, digital, and communication protocols including SPI, I2C, UART, and CAN. Core components include a 32-bit microcontroller running a real-time operating system, integrated data logging to microSD storage, and wireless connectivity options (WiFi/Bluetooth) for remote monitoring and control. The enclosure design incorporates effective EMI shielding, robust industrial connectors, and a high-contrast display showing real-time system status and measurements. Custom firmware provides a scriptable interface for automated test sequences and interfaces with common lab equipment through standard protocols.

Created a versatile timing and control system centered around the classic 555 timer integrated circuit, demonstrating its remarkable flexibility in modern applications. The project explores multiple circuit configurations including astable, monostable, and bistable modes with precision timing from microseconds to hours. Advanced implementations include a cascaded timer design for sequential process control, PWM generation for motor speed control, and voltage-controlled oscillator circuits. The system features opto-isolated outputs for controlling high-voltage equipment, digital input triggering with debounce circuitry, and analog voltage threshold detection with hysteresis for noise immunity. The complete package includes a PCB design with socketed components for educational purposes, detailed documentation of timing calculations, and example applications in process control, lighting sequencing, and musical instrument development.

Designed and manufactured a water collection system to support vulnerable individuals affected by climate change, particularly subsistence farmers in arid regions. The project began with extensive research including interviews with affected individuals to establish clear design requirements. After evaluating six potential climate change solutions (including flood barriers, water purification, and climate shelters), a water catcher was selected as having the highest potential impact. The manufacturing process involved 3D printing, laser cutting, soldering, woodworking, and acrylic bending techniques. The final modular design features collapsible components for easy transportation and assembly, with specialized surfaces to maximize water collection efficiency. User testing validated the effectiveness of the system in meeting the needs of the target population, achieving a score of 33/46 despite material and tooling restrictions during development.

Designed and constructed a custom cantilever-style 3D printer that addresses limitations in conventional Cartesian and Delta printer designs. The unique mechanical architecture features a rigid aluminum extrusion frame with an extended build volume of 300x300x400mm while maintaining a compact footprint. Innovations include a custom-designed gantry system with linear rails and recirculating ball bearings that minimize wobble at extended reach positions, dual Z-axis stepper motors with synchronized belt drive, and an integrated direct-drive extruder with all-metal hotend capable of temperatures up to 300°C for specialty materials. The printer incorporates custom firmware modifications based on Marlin with advanced features like mesh bed leveling, resonance compensation, and filament runout detection. Print quality testing demonstrated excellent dimensional accuracy (±0.1mm) and significantly reduced vibration artifacts compared to conventional designs.

Designed and built a versatile EEPROM programming device supporting multiple memory chip families (including 28C series, 24C series, and 25 series flash chips) for use in embedded systems development. The programmer features a ZIF socket for easy chip installation, level-shifting circuitry to accommodate both 3.3V and 5V devices, and hardware write protection to prevent accidental data corruption. The control system uses an Arduino-compatible microcontroller with a custom shield providing proper buffering and timing control for reliable programming operations. Accompanying software includes a cross-platform GUI application for data editing, binary/hex file handling, batch operations, and verification routines. The programmer supports advanced features like block protection bypassing, sector-based programming, and read-while-write functionality for certain chip families, making it a valuable tool for retrocomputing projects and custom digital electronics development.

Designed and constructed a small-scale solar desalination system that efficiently converts saltwater to freshwater using only renewable energy sources. The unit employs a multi-stage distillation approach with a parabolic reflector concentrating solar energy onto a primary evaporation chamber. Key innovations include a heat recovery system that captures condensation energy to preheat incoming water, increasing overall efficiency by approximately 35% compared to simple solar still designs. The materials selection focused on durability in marine environments while minimizing cost, with UV-resistant plastics and corrosion-resistant fasteners throughout. Performance testing demonstrated production capacity of up to 4 liters of potable water per day from a 0.5 square meter collection area, with output water quality meeting WHO drinking water standards. The design includes detailed construction plans suitable for implementation in coastal regions with limited access to fresh water and electrical infrastructure.