Jacob York

Currently MechE student @ South Dakota State University

about

Hello! I'm Jacob, a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student at South Dakota State University. I'm currently working at the Tarafder Lab, working on healing tissues and bones through collagen scaffolds.

skills

Solidworks

KiCad

FreeCad

Python

Javascript

Fusion

CNC machining

3D printing (FDM + SLA)

Manual Mill

Manual Lathe

work

1:1 Film Camera Solidworks Model

I modeled a Kodak 35 mm film camera as an assignment for an intro to engineering technology class. Got to improve my Solidworks skills for modeling real world objects

Current Sense Transformer PCB Test Setup

As part of my internship at Wurth Elektronik, I designed and built a test setup to perform temp rise, phase shift, and accuracy tests on a new series of line frequency current sense transformers. Designed a modular PCB setup using KiCad so that precise variable resistances could be used in our test setup in order to test the transformers under varying output resistances. Designed to handle up to 45 amps of input current.

Poke-Plant Project

Made a system allowing users to text Poke, an AI email assistant from the Interaction company, to trigger watering actions through a motor-controlled pump, and discuss sensor data from I2C humidity, light, and soil moisture sensors, connected to a Raspberry Pi with a breakout board designed using KiCad

Declutter AI

An AI-powered desktop app that organizes messy downloads folders using Google’s Gemini API. Users provide sorting preferences, and the app uses natural language understanding and file metadata to categorize files into relevant folders. It also detects duplicates using file hashing. Built with Python, Tkinter (custom GUI with pixel art), and Google Generative AI. Won “Best Use of Gemini API” at MLH AI Hackfest (450+ participants, 70+ projects).

Custom Music Box

I made a customized music box of a niche song that me and my friend like by 3D printing a new drum that I made using Solidworks and some knowledge of music theory.

Eggshell ~ Collagen Scaffold

Working on a research project to create a novel, eggshell based, collagen scaffold for stem cell delivery and bone regeneration.

Manual Machining Meat Tenderizer

Used manual machining techniques, mill, lathe, band-saw, to make a custom meat tenderizer for use in the kitchen

Rattleback & Mold Project

Used Solidworks & HSMworks to create a mold and toolpaths for a rattleback, a type of top that can only spin one way. Used a Tormach CNC mill to mill the mold out of a wax block. Poured the rattleback out of epoxy resin.

Strum Buddy

This was one of my first engineering projects I've done. A student at our school was in one of our music classes, which has a unit on the basics of playing the ukulele. However, she only had one fully functional arm. I was in an intro to engineering class and the teacher reached out to me and asked if we could try to build an attachment to help her play the ukulele. The attachment is strummed down when the user taps their foot down, and is pulled up by a spring when the user raises their foot.