Engineering Portfolio — University at Buffalo
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering — Class of 2029
Dual-major engineering student with an interest in aircraft design and mechanical systems. I enjoy applying hands-on problem-solving skills to complex design challenges and thrive in collaborative, project-focused environments.
I'm Alexander Ruggiero, an engineering student at the University at Buffalo pursuing dual majors in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. My focus is where aircraft design meets mechanical systems — building things that perform under real-world constraints.
My engineering experience includes an internship with GHD, where I collaborated on the development of a water filtration system with electrical controls and presented project outcomes to a board of engineers. I'm also a member of UB SEDS, where I'm part of the High-Power Rocketry team designing, building, and testing a rocket toward earning my Level 1 High Power Rocketry (L1 HPR) certification.
Graduating in 2029, I'm building a strong foundation through rigorous coursework and hands-on projects — with the goal of contributing to innovative solutions that improve the efficiency, safety, and performance of modern engineering systems.
"Engineering is not just about what you can design — it's about what you can actually build, test, and improve."
Building, testing, and launching my own high-power rocket with the goal of earning my Level 1 High Power Rocketry (L1 HPR) certification. Hands-on project that incorporates engineering design, propulsion, and flight dynamics.
Designed and built an end-to-end AI tutoring application for Calculus I, II, and III that runs completely offline on consumer hardware. The system pairs a locally hosted LLM with a symbolic math engine to provide Socratic guidance — diagnosing student misconceptions, walking through solutions step by step, and generating real-time visualizations. Features include a custom GUI with live token streaming, automatic expression parsing, 2D/3D plot generation, and support for derivatives, integrals, series convergence, multivariable calculus, and vector theorems.
For a mechanical design course at the University at Buffalo, designed and assembled a fully functional oscillating desk fan in SolidWorks. Modeled five individual components from scratch — a base, neck, mount bracket, dual speed control buttons, and a propeller blade — and integrated them into a complete assembly with two moving mechanisms: a rotating propeller and an oscillating head. Produced a full set of engineering drawings at 1:20 scale, including an assembled view and exploded view with a numbered bill of materials formatted to standard drafting conventions.
Collaborated with a four-person team to design and optimize a boat prototype with the goal of increasing overall velocity and reducing crossing time. Analyzed seven key design factors informed by physics-based equations to evaluate their impact on performance. Served as team facilitator — coordinating collaboration, guiding discussions, and ensuring progress toward milestones. Used Microsoft Excel for data collection and analysis, and presented findings to a formal review board, explaining data-driven conclusions and identifying which design changes were effective and why.
Whether you're looking for an engineering intern, a collaborator on a project, or just want to connect — reach out. I'm actively seeking internship opportunities for 2026–2027 in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
Available for internship applications — 2026 & 2027
Note: This is a general cover letter intended to introduce me to any organization and is not tailored to a specific company. A version tailored to a particular role will be provided directly when I apply.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in opportunities within your organization. As an Aerospace Engineering student at the University at Buffalo, I have developed a strong foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving, and teamwork while gaining valuable professional experience in both technical and leadership roles.
Most recently, I have served as a Sales Shift Leader at Best Buy, where I developed leadership, communication, and customer-focused problem-solving skills while training new employees and coordinating daily operations. Alongside my coursework, I am also a member of UB SEDS, where I work with the High-Power Rocketry team on propulsion, flight dynamics, and structures as I work toward my Level 1 High Power Rocketry (L1 HPR) certification.
My engineering experience includes an internship with GHD, where I collaborated on the development of a water filtration system with electrical controls and presented project outcomes to a board of engineers. Additionally, through my coursework and projects, I have worked with Python, MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, and data-driven design processes, including a team-based boat velocity optimization project.
I am eager to apply my technical knowledge, leadership experience, and strong work ethic in a professional environment where I can continue learning and contribute to meaningful projects. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background and skills align with your team's needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Alexander Ruggiero