Nicholas J. LaMacchia

What I’ve Done

Projects

Day in and day out, I’m constantly taking on new and interesting projects that help me build my personal brand. From industry-related tasks to unusual and sporadic opportunities, each experience I’ve had has turned me into who I am today. 

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The following is an overview of three of the many collaborative and solo projects I completed while attending Merrmack College. Powerpoint presentations can be viewed by clicking on the links below.

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3D Printed Prosthetic Skiing Leg

September 2016 - May 2017

This 3D printed prosthetic skiing leg was a year-long, collaborative project completed during my senior year at Merrimack College.  This project won first place for Outstanding Senior Design Project.

Objectives

• Design a product with a team utilizing all the skills acquired during  our undergraduate engineering education

• Execute engineering ethics while producing a product that falls within reasonable constraints

• Display evidence of consideration of design aspects including effectiveness, material selection, safety, cost, environmental effects, ethics, production, etc.

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Design specifications

• Suitable for a beginner skier with a height of 5'10" and weight of approximately 200 pounds

• Cost efficient

• Lightweight yet as strong as possible

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Athletic prosthesis for above the knee applications can cost over $70,000. By creating a new design of a prosthesis that would be 3D printed, we are able to substantially reduce this cost. For the prototype we researched how total knee replacements function, as this would best replicate the movement  of a knee for our design.

Skee Ball Machine

December 2016

The Skee Ball Machine was a collaborative project.  We needed to design and construct a fully functional skee-ball machine that possessed all of the qualities of the popular arcade game.  Some of the main focus points of the machine included the ball return system as well as the scoreboard that keeps track of the points scored by each player.

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Electronic/Robotic Aspect

• The electrical circuit was applied to the underside of the pocket board

• A phototransistor was applied to the back of each pocket; each with a jumper cable attached connecting them to the beadboard

• The phototransistors detect when a ball is scored into the pocket and sends a signal to the scoreboard to record a score

• A scoreboard with a LED light display is connected to the pocket board to show the score each time a ball is deposited into a pocket

• Each pocket has a different point value

• The correct number of points are added to the score

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Major Components

• Return System

• Basket

• Support System

• Pocket Board

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Improvements for Future Design

• Improve code and develop way for phototransistors to detect the ball when a specific player tosses the ball

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We were able to construct a low cost, functional, stable, and marketable skee-ball machine using wood, PVC, and other household materials resulting in an old-fashioned game feel.

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Mini Piezoelectric Sonar

May 2017

​For this project we wanted to create sonar with the use of three different piezoelectric crystals of different geometriics (circle, cube, and rectangular plate). We needed to find a way to waterproof and insulate the piezooelectric buzzers. To proceed with our experiment, we sent an electrical pulse at different frequencies through a piezo buzzer underwater, and were able to read the signal through another crystal underwater with  an oscilloscope. We tested each crystal and collected data from running tests at multiple distances. Finally, we analyzed and plotted our data and presented our findings to classmates.

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Scope

• Research the development of piezoelectric crystals and how they were implemented in sonar

• Fabricate miniature piezoelectric sonar and record data using an oscilloscope and frequency generator

• Organize data using Microsoft Excel

• Plot on graph

• Present project

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What I’ve Done

Work Experience

DiFoggio Electric, Electrical Apprentice

July 2012 - Present

DiFoggio Electric is a full service electrical contracting firm specializing in surge suppression systems, generators, lighting and smart home technology.

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I began working at DiFoggio Electric during high school as part of the co-op program.  I was fortunate to continue my employment while attending college and as I search for employment in the engineering field.  In addition to gaining valuable skills, I have also developed lasting relationships.

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Responsibilities

• Lead projects and report progress to Project Manager

• Perform tasks which require evaluating, problem solving, troubleshooting, debugging, and maintenance of existing electrical systems

• Research and analyze causes of electrical system failures, and provide feedback for system improvements

• Assemble, install, and maintain electrical and electronic wiring, equipment, and fixtures following blueprints and schematics

• Program lighting systems to be remote controlled wirelessly

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My Schooling

Educational History

BSME, Mathematics Minor
Merrimack College

September 2013 - May 2017

Merrimack College provided me with a well-rounded, challenging education.  In addition to academics, attending Merrimack taught me many important life lessons and provided opportunities for me to foster new and lasting relationships.

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Relevant coursework includes the following:

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• Engineering

  • Dynamics and Vibrations​

  • Energy Systems

  • Fluid Mechanics

  • Heat and Mass Transfer

  • Instrumentation/Robotics

  • Machine Design

  • Manufacturing Process

  • Mechanics I, II and Advanced Mechanics/FEM

  • Problem Solving with Programming

  • Thermodynamics I and II

• Mathematics

  • Calculus I, II, and III​

  • Differential Equations and

  • Probability and Statistics

• Science

  • Chemistry for Engineers​

  • Material Science and Advanced Materials

  • Physics I and II

HS Dipolma, Electrical Concentration
Shawhsheen Valley Technical High School

September 2009 - June 2013

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​I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend Shawsheen Tech.  In addition to providing a well-rounded education, and experience in the trades, it taught me the importance of accountability and professionalism.

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During my first year at Shawsheen I had the opportunity to explore many vocations including autobody, automotive, carpentry, electrical, electronics, graphic arts, HVAC, internet technology, machine  shop, masonry, metal fabrication and plumbing.   I concentrated in the electrical field.  Relevant skills and honors are as follows:

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• OSHA 10 Hour Safety Certificate

• Honor Roll

• Electrical Skills

  • rough wiring​

  • troubleshooting electrical systems

  • services

  • relays

  • generators

  • transformers

  • lighting control systems

  • wiring schematics and diagrams

  • testing equipment and tool usage

  • NM, MC, FMC, EMT, RMC, SMR, PVC

  • reading blueprints

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

2013 - Present

Giving back and being an active member of my community is important to me.  I am always willing to lend a hand where needed.  The following list includes my involvement with some formal programs.

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• E-NABLE Merrimack 3D Printing and fabrication team

  • Designed, 3D printed, and fabricated a free prosthetic hand for recipients in need​

• Habitat for Humanity

  • Prepared area for new donations and assisted in the completion of a home for a family in need of affordable housing

• Lawrence Math & Science Partnership

  • Participated in the after-school program to engage middle school students with hands-on enrichment activities and workshops at Greater Lawrence Boys & Girls Club

  • Provided academic support for at risk middle school students as a math and science tutor

  • Tutored math and science students preparing for MCAS

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

  • Suicide Walk team member that raised awareness and funding for suicide prevention programs​

• Austin Scholars

  • Prepared and catered food at Pine Street Inn

  • Sorted clothing for distribution as well as interacted with the homeless

• Mack Gives Back

  • Participated in numerous community involvement projects to make the local community more livable and enjoyable

  • Projects include Habitat for Humanity,Restore, and construction projects

• American Cancer Society

  • Relay for Life team member that participated in a 24 hour relay to raise funds for cancer research and treatment

Skills

I’m always looking for new and useful skills that will help me do better work. Whether I’m working on a new collaboration or doing something on my own, there is always room for improvement and new things to learn. Have a look at my skillset and let me know if you need additional information.

Core and Analytical/Software Competencies

Core Competencies

• Adaptability

• Collaboration

• Communication

• Decision Making

• Initiative

• Integrity

• Leadership

• Motivation

• Organization

• Problem Solving

• Reliability

• Teamwork

• Work Standards

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Laboratory

• Robotics

• Finite Element Analysis

• Manufacturing Processes

• Solar Panel Design and Analysis

• Wind Turbine Analysis

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Software

• Autodesk Inventor

• AutoCAD

• Solidworks

• MicroStation

• C++ Programming

• Pbasic Programming

• MATLAB

• System Advisor Model

• Microsoft Office

  • Microsoft Excel

  • Microsoft Word

  • Microsoft Power Point

Tools and Equipment

• 3D Printer

• Belt Sander

• Drill Press

• Fasteners

  • heat gun​

  • impact gun

  • ​nail gun​

• Frequency Generator

• Grinder

• Hand Tools

• Laithe

• Oscilloscope

• Saws

  • band saw​

  • chop saw

  • circular saw

  • jig saw

  • sable saw

  • sawsall

• Soldering Iron

• Voltage Tester

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Theodore Roosevelt

"Believe you can and you're halfway there"

Contact

Thank you for reviewing my General CV. Please get in touch to find out more.

Billerica, MA 01862
Middlesex County 
USA

978-995-5864