Jacob V. Shankel

Jacob V. Shankel

Mechanical Engineer

Recent Mechanical Engineering graduate from the University of Dayton with a strong interest in mechanical design, manufacturing, and electromechanical systems. Experienced in CAD, prototyping, and hands-on engineering projects ranging from product development to automation.

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Portfolio


Capstone Projects


Saturn Strap Housing
Saturn Strap Assembly

Capstone Project 1 — Saturn Strap

Worked with a multidisciplinary team to design and prototype the Saturn Strap — an innovative football helmet chin strap developed for startup Saturn Sports. The device measures strap tension and alerts players when the strap is too loose, improving helmet safety.

I focused on mechanical design, CAD modeling, and prototype fabrication, ensuring proper sensor integration, comfort, and manufacturability. The final prototype combined mechanical and electrical systems to demonstrate real-time tension feedback.

Calibration Cart Prototype
Calibration Cart Testing

Capstone Project 2 — Dayton Photonics Calibration Cart

Worked with a team at Dayton Photonics to design and build a calibration cart for the company’s Theia optical testing unit. The cart was designed to precisely pan and tilt while supporting up to 70 pounds, allowing for accurate and repeatable calibration positioning.

I contributed to the mechanical design, CAD modeling, and structural validation of the system, ensuring stability and usability through physical testing. The completed prototype demonstrated smooth operation and robust performance under load.

School Projects


School Project — Autonomous Plant-Watering and Weed-Killing Robot

Solo project using Arduino, IR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and servos to design a robot capable of following a line and performing automated plant watering and weed removal along its path.

Handled wiring, coding, and control logic independently, resulting in a fully functional autonomous prototype demonstrating real-world automation principles.

School Project — Golf Ball Path Optimization

Solo analytical project focused on determining the optimal path for a golf ball to reach the hole by analyzing slope, friction, and ball dynamics.

Applied physics-based modeling, vector analysis, and MATLAB simulation to compare trajectories and optimize performance under realistic conditions.

Research


Research Project

Research Project — Recycling Plastic Waste into 3D Printing Filament

Worked with a faculty advisor to develop a process for recycling used plastic dining hall silverware into usable 3D printer filament. The project focused on evaluating material properties, processing methods, and consistency of recycled plastics for additive manufacturing applications.

My role included material preparation and shredding.. The project demonstrated the feasibility of repurposing campus waste into functional manufacturing material while promoting sustainable engineering practices.

Resume


Download my full resume below or explore key highlights of my skills and experience.

Technical Skills


  • CAD & Design: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD
  • Simulation & Analysis: MATLAB
  • Programming & Control: Arduino IDE, Python
  • Fabrication & Prototyping: 3D Printing, CNC Machining
  • Testing & Measurement: Oscilloscopes, Load Testing, Data Acquisition
  • Other Tools: Microsoft Office, GD&T, Project Documentation

Education


  • University of Dayton — Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • University of Bologna — Italian Design Summer School (Industrial Design)

Contact Me


Feel free to reach out — I'm always open to discussing mechanical design, robotics, and engineering opportunities.