Odey Hariri
Odey Hariri
November 2022 - Current
Sail Talks is an interactive web-based tool designed to enhance sailing instruction by replacing traditional whiteboard chalk talks with a dynamic virtual whiteboard. Instructors can drag and drop boats and marks, control movement playback, and create engaging, fast-paced lessons in an interactive format.
Developed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, Sail Talks helped me refine my web development skills while also gaining entrepreneurial experience in launching and promoting the platform. The software has gained traction among Midwest college sailing teams, and a partnership with US Sailing is in progress.
Sail Talks is a full-stack platform with user accounts and a database for storing lessons. Users can create, save, and share lessons with the community, fostering a collaborative learning environment. To expand its reach, I built a social media presence to drive engagement and adoption.
Explore it at sailtalks.com.
August 2023 - Current
Power Braking is an advanced brake light system designed to visually indicate braking intensity, reducing rear-end collisions and improving driver awareness. By displaying deceleration levels, it helps following drivers react faster, especially at night, reducing mental fatigue and improving traffic flow.
The system consists of a three-light yellow LED array, an accelerometer, and a microcontroller mounted on a custom-designed PCB. It attaches to the vehicle’s rear window and dynamically responds to braking force:
August 2024 - December 2024
Rank This is a daily puzzle game similar to Wordle or Connections, where each day presents a new challenge. The objective is to rank six words from highest to lowest within a given category.
For example, with words like "Sophisticated, Elaborate, Intricate, Complex, Moderate, Simple," the category would be "complexity," and the correct order is the one that ranks the words from most to least complex. You have three attempts, with feedback after each try to indicate whether any words are in the correct position.
I built Rank This using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, with a backend powered by YAML to generate a fresh puzzle every day. In addition, I handled the networking to promote the site, and it has since gained 1.7k users.
Explore the game at rank-this.com.
January 2024 - February 2024
Despite the fact that around 40% of the country still lacks Text-to-911 service due to integration challenges, this project aims to improve integration and ease of use for emergency call centers. It is crucial for all states and counties to enable Text-to-911 for individuals with disabilities or in situations where making a voice call is not possible. Text-to-911 is a chatbot software that receives outbound SMS texts and connects to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) via standard routing software. Once the call is received, the text message is converted to speech for PSAP personnel to hear. PSAP can then respond verbally, with the software converting the speech back into text and sending it to the user. This process continues until the necessary help is provided.
Key benefits of the software include:
• Ease of Use: PSAP can answer the call like any other emergency call.
• Simple Integration: Easy integration into PSAP systems without requiring major changes.
• Incentives for PSAPs: Encouraging adoption for areas without Text-to-911.
• Effective Communication: Enables ongoing communication through text and voice.
• Location Sharing: Users can send location pins via text.
• No Additional Equipment: PSAP can manage with their existing infrastructure, requiring no extra monitors or websites.
November 2019 - June 2020
Lock Combo Breaker is a 3D-printed automated system that unlocks combination locks using a stepper motor and servo. The system is controlled by an Arduino, powered by a 12V battery, and wired through a breadboard.
The user inputs the lock combination, and the stepper motor precisely rotates the dial using an encoder to align the correct sequence. Once in position, the servo lifts the shackle to unlock the lock.
This project deepened my knowledge of iterative design, as I 3D-printed over 10 part revisions to ensure precise alignment. Additionally, I expanded my skills in C++ programming while coding the Arduino control system.
All parts were CAD-designed in Autodesk Inventor.
May 2021 - August 2021
Motorized Lightsaber is a fully CAD-designed, 3D-printed prototype that uses a DC motor to extend and retract its blade rapidly—offering a motorized alternative to traditional spring-based designs.
The system operates by spinning a tape measure roll to deploy the blade at high speed, then retract it just as quickly. A polarity switch controls the motor’s direction, driving a series of spur gears to extend or retract the blade.
The prototype incorporates bearings, axles, motors, custom 3D-printed gears, and a chassis. I refined my 3D printing optimization skills to ensure proper part alignment and smooth functionality. While the design continues to evolve through iterations, the project has significantly advanced my understanding of **mechanical systems and prototyping**.
All parts were CAD-designed in Autodesk Inventor.
December 2021 - January 2021
Piston Skateboard is a conceptual design for a skateboard powered by a foot-activated piston. When pressed, the piston engages a mechanism that rotates the rear axle, generating forward motion.
This project was primarily an exercise in CAD assembly and mechanical design, allowing me to refine my 3D modeling and component integration skills.
Most parts were CAD-designed in Autodesk Inventor.
July 2023 - September 2023
Welcome to my second website portfolio! My first portfolio can still be found at https://odeyhariri.github.io/. The journey from my initial portfolio to this one has been a huge learning experience. I’ve significantly improved the design and structure to better showcase my accomplishments and projects. My first website was also my introduction to web development, where I learned the fundamentals of coding using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This experience paved the way for my growth in website design and development.
May 2021 - August 2021
This project, still in the design phase, envisions a remote-controlled Laser sailboat powered by two stepper motors. These motors will control both the rudder (steering) and the sail (force) via ropes and pulleys.
The primary goal of this project was to refine my CAD skills, particularly in creating assemblies and translating designs into real-world applications. To share my work, I uploaded the CAD files, including the pulleys and sailboat model, on GrabCAD, enabling others to benefit from and build upon my designs.
Most parts were CAD-designed in Autodesk Inventor. (2021)
December 2021 - May 2021
As part of the EPCS class at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, we developed an image capture device to help visually impaired students document their work on a whiteboard. The device allows users to capture images, apply color filters, and save their notes.
I was a member of the mechanical team, where I was responsible for designing and CAD modeling the XY table—a movable whiteboard platform that enabled easy zooming into specific areas of the board. Over the course of one semester, we developed a working prototype, which I helped CAD, manufacture, and assemble.
My contributions included 3D printing parts, laser cutting acrylic components, and assembling the final prototype. This project taught me valuable skills in collaborative CAD design, rapid prototyping, and laser cutting.
September 2020 - November 2020
The Electric Vehicle Event Infrastructure project, completed in the EPCS class, involved creating a stationary bike capable of generating electricity while being ridden.
As part of the design and mechanics team, I contributed to manufacturing 3D printed parts and assembling the bike and generator system using plywood. The prototype featured a generator and belt system that powered a light tower equipped with LED strips.
Over the course of one semester, we successfully developed this prototype. You can view a video demonstrating how the bike generates power to light the LED tower while being ridden.
In addition to the mechanical work, I programmed an Arduino to control the light patterns on the tower. I also created a comprehensive CAD assembly of the entire system, with the image above showing the orthographic view of the prototype in Autodesk Inventor.
Mechanical Engineer
June 2024 - Current
As a Full-Time Mechanical Engineer at Autonodyne, a software-driven drone company focused on autonomous vehicle missions, I contributed to several innovative projects:
- Designed and prototyped a 20-chamber "dragon egg" ignition system for Category 2 drones, utilizing a needle injection system to initiate a chemical reaction that ignites fireballs. This system, featuring two magazines, is mounted on the drone’s underbelly.
- Fabricated and tested 3D-printed fixed wings for flight tests. Built a 3D print farm using ASA Aero material to assemble the wings, optimizing them for performance.
- Conducted autonomous drone and fixed wing flight tests, focusing on enhancing camera vision for better surveillance capabilities.
- Engineered a web-based drone logger interface, allowing seamless retrieval and cloud upload of mission-critical flight logs via tablet integration with the mission computer.
- Developed software to convert map tiles for integration with the company’s autonomous drone software.
- Designed and tested a camera mast for a USV, enhancing its camera vision for improved navigation.
Systems Engineer Intern
May 2023 - August 2023
During my internship at Autonodyne, I gained valuable hands-on experience in drone systems and the aerospace industry. My contributions included:
- Designing and developing a grenade dropper system, featuring a revolver-style magazine capable of launching six M40 grenades sequentially.
- Working on the development of an autonomous RC fixed-wing drone, contributing to both the design and build processes.
- Designing a compact drone to be deployed from a larger drone mid-flight, contributing to the innovation of drone capabilities.
- Collaborating on a swarming drone project, allowing one user to control up to 15 drones simultaneously using advanced software. This project was tested at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, where I had the opportunity to travel with the team for a week to assist in the testing and development.
Wing Department Inspire Program
June 2024
I completed a one-week internship with the Wing Department at the NY 2024 Sail GP. During this time, I contributed to the assembly of the wings for the F50 foiling boats. Working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, effective communication was crucial for success. The role involved extensive hands-on work, including long days of physical labor. Additionally, I participated in on-water activities, performing on-deck repairs and conducting pre-race checks to ensure the boats were race-ready.
Mechanical Engineer Intern
May 2022 - April 2023
At my internship at BWXT I was working in the Non-Destructive Evaluation Group with a DOE-L Security Clearance. I focused on Ultrasonic Immersion Testing (UT), where I helped design transducer probe mounts and build a portable UT scanner system. I invented and patented an ultrasonic testing aid that reduced crack marking time by ~50% and improved accuracy. This innovation is described in U.S. Patent application US20240142412A1 (pending).
Engineer Intern
July 2019 - August 2019
At NUWC I worked on a competition-based project to design an underwater ROV capable of grabbing tennis balls in a deep tank. With a set budget for materials, my team built the system from scratch and won the competition, earning each of us a Raspberry Pi.
Sailing Instructor
June 2021 - August 2021
I worked as an instructor at Greenwich Bay Sailing Association, teaching children ages 10-16 how to sail small dinghy boats. I earned my Level One Instructor license and conducted both classroom lessons and on-water practice drills using a powerboat.
Undergraduate Student
August 2020 - May 2024
Purdue University
Highschool Student
September 2016 - July 2020
North Kingstown Highschool
Advanced Coursework
December 2018 - April 2020
New England Institute of Technology
Completed coursework in Engineering, Game Development, Marine Technology, and Computer Aided Design
Skills
Sailing
Sailing has been a passion of mine for over a decade. I began learning at age eight and started teaching at 17. I currently own a Laser dinghy and servd as the practice coordinator for the Purdue Sailing team. My competitive sailing experience includes numerous regattas, and in 2023, the team qualified for Nationals for the first time in Purdue's history. Sailing has deeply influenced many aspects of my life, and it's also the inspiration behind Sail Talks.
Motivation
Motivation is key to producing quality work. For me, it comes from doing what makes me happy and connecting with others. Finding what excites you can be a journey, but it's rewarding to discover activities that make you lose track of time. Building meaningful relationships, supporting loved ones, and helping others are also strong motivators. Right now, I find joy in creating, designing, and problem-solving, and I aim to turn that passion into a career. Making my family proud and contributing to others' lives fuels my drive to succeed. I believe motivations evolve, but once you identify them, you can approach each day with confidence and purpose.