Welcome. I’m Yaj.

Feel free to look around and catch a glimpse of my work here. If you would like to hear more about any of these projects or discuss other opportunities, consider connecting with me on LinkedIn!

Work Experience

  • Flight Systems Intern at NASA JSC

    June 2023 – May 2024

    Supporting the development of advanced exercise equipment software and other health & human performance initiatives as part of the ER3 Flight Systems Branch. Maintaining hardware currently on the International Space Station and developing new systems to launch with future missions to the moon and beyond as part of the Artemis program.

  • Research Assistant at IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering

    January 2022 – December 2023

    Assessing the use of kinematic shape sensing algorithms for 2D applications and performing experiments to validate the kinematic reconstructions.

  • Industrial Engineering Intern at Collins Aerospace

    May 2022 - July 2022

    Designed PCB fixture parts and respective engineering drawings for Mission Systems contracts using SolidWorks. Also increased AOI and workflow efficiency by updating fixture files for operators.

  • Mechanical Engineering Intern at Mortenson

    May 2021 – August 2021

    Compiled a budget forecast of $1.15 billion for a 1.1 GW Solar Project. Produced ArcGIS maps to optimize workflow of material distribution, and regulated quality inspections of solar components.

  • Resident Assistant at the University of Iowa

    August 2020 - May 2023

    Implemented community-building events and one-on-one interactions. Also mediated conflicts and assisted residents in obtaining academic and mental health resources as needed.

Awards & Recognitions

  • University of Iowa President’s List (2021, 2023)

  • University of Iowa Dean’s List (2019, 2021-2023)

  • Venkatachalam Planjery Memorial Award (2023)

  • NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate Fellow (2022)

  • Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates Award (2022)

  • John and Marilyn McKercher Engineering Scholarship (2022)

  • Roy J. Carver Scholarship (2021-2022)

  • Iowa Flagship Award (2019-2022)

  • Cedar Valley Engineering Scholarship (2021)

  • Frederic G. Higbee Award (2021)

  • Sturdevant Engineering Scholarship (2020)