Flynn Cruse | Undergraduate Experience

StairBa Robot – Senior Design & Entrepreneurial Project

August 2021 – May 2022

• Conceptualized, designed, built, wired, and programmed a robot capable of climbing and vacuuming stairs.
• Utilized laser cutters, 3D-printers, CNC mills, and a lathe, paired with my SOLIDWORKS designs to create the robot.

Thermocycle - Heat Recycling Project for Desktop Computers, via TEG

January 2021 – May 2021

• Performed FEA, current-density, stress, and thermodynamic analyses on self-made CAD models within SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS.
• Proposed design changes that resulted in a 700% boost in energy output from prototype.
• Final prototype successfully reclaimed 7% of thermal energy output from the CPU, and 5% from the GPU.

Flipper Bot - In House Battle Bots Competition

May 2021

• Placed first in a battle-bots competition hosted by NC State University's student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
• Utilized SOLIDWORKS to conceptualize robot design, then 3-D printed and assembled robot.

SAE BAJA - Off-Road Vehicle Racing Team

2018 - 2020

Played an active role in designing, building, and racing an off-road vehicle as part of NC State's BAJA SAE team. Contributed to the vehicle's development and represented the university in national competitions.

• Personally raced in the "Louisville Midnight Mayhem" competition in September 2019
• Collaborated with team members on design improvements and vehicle preparation
• Gained hands-on experience with off-road vehicle mechanics, fabrication, and racing techniques

SEDS (Students for Exploration and Development of Space)

2020 - 2022

Served as a dedicated member and project team lead within SEDS, focusing on space exploration and development initiatives. Led a team in designing innovative space technology for NASA competitions.

• Led the project team designing a human-powered micro-gravity anchoring device for NASA's Micro-g-NEXT competition
• Traveled to Houston to represent NC State at "Space Vision" conference, connecting with industry professionals and fellow space enthusiasts
• Coordinated team efforts, managed project timelines, and oversaw technical development of the anchoring system

Entrepreneurship Ambassador & Scholar

2019 - 2022

Recognized for entrepreneurial potential and awarded a scholarship to promote entrepreneurship at NC State. Served as an ambassador to increase awareness and participation in entrepreneurial activities across campus.

• Earned competitive Entrepreneurship Scholarship based on entrepreneurial potential and academic excellence
• Promoted entrepreneurial thinking and opportunities to fellow students
• Participated in workshops, speaker events, and networking opportunities focused on innovation and business development

Athletic Involvement

Maintained an active lifestyle throughout university by participating in various athletic programs:

• Club Gymnastics - Developed strength, flexibility and precision through gymnastic training
• Club Boxing - Practiced disciplined combat sports techniques and conditioning
• Intramural Soccer - Engaged in team sports and competitive soccer matches