Elsa Schleicher

I am currently an undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon University in the Mechanical Engineering Department. I am advised by Prof. Taylor (Microsystems and Mechanobiology Lab). My research objective is to automate the creation of DNA molecular models using the CAD system Onshape's FeatureScript program. I will expand on student Caleigh Goodwin-Shchoen's research regarding 3D printing molecular models for educational applications by using FeatureScript to generate the models directly from molecular data. I expect to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from CMU in 2024.

Current Projects

  1. Automating the creation of molecular models by using OnShape’s programming language, FeatureScript, to write code that can generate the models faster than manual CAD work.
  2. Determining what data can be uploaded directly to OnShape for use in creating models, and the efficacy of this method.

Previous Projects

Engineering Design I Course Highlights Fall 2022

  • Airlock Linkage System: Worked in teams to craft a 4-bar Grashof crank-rocker linkage to optimize the time it presses a button and minimizes weight. Involved a full implementation of the design cycle from ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration, and further testing.

  • Astronaut’s Coat Hanger: completed a partial design cycle to brainstorm, prototype, and test a hanger meant to hold 40 pounds while minimizing weight and avoiding given geometric constraints. Required SolidWorks for modeling and FEA Analysis.

  • Hand Mixer Frame: completed a full design cycle process and working prototype for a device which enables users with hand/wrist tendonitis to operate a hand mixer. Created a full-size prototype of a frame with adjustable straps and a moving platform that could mimic the motion capabilities of a typical hand mixer, while still interfacing with a vaiety of mixer brands and sizes.

Carnegie Mellon Rocket Command (CMRC) Fall 2021

  • Part of the structures sub-team: constructed the rocket from body-tubes, bulkheads, couplers, fins, etc. Used SolidWorks to design parts for full-scale and sub-scale assemblies.

Fundamentals of MechE Course Highlights Spring 2021

  • Truss Design: Constructed models of trusses in SolidWorks to maximize weight-bearing capacity while minimizing truss weight.

  • Arduino Smart Car Robot: Used an Arduino Elegoo Uno R3 Smart Robot Car Kit to program the car with motion, counting, stopping, and line-detection functions.

Certifications and Awards

  • Tau Beta Pi (Engineering Honor Society), Nov 2022
  • Pi Tau Sigma (Mechanical Engineering Honor Society), Nov 2022

Contact Information

  • Please contact me by email: eschleic@andrew.cmu.edu