The Remarkable Journey of Christopher Aksland: A Mechanical Engineering Innovator
Christopher Aksland, a name that resonates in the field of Mechanical Engineering, has garnered recognition for his significant contributions in product design, control systems, and heat transfer. His academic journey and professional experiences have made him an influential figure, with a reputation for applying complex scientific principles to real-world challenges. From his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to his groundbreaking research in collaboration with CU Aerospace and Alleyne Research Group, Aksland has carved out a career that inspires students, researchers, and professionals alike.
Early Life and Educational Background
Christopher Aksland grew up in Libertyville, Illinois, and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His passion for engineering was evident early on as he enrolled in various courses related to control systems, thermodynamics, and product design. Aksland’s academic journey at UIUC was characterized by a deep interest in mechanical systems, especially in understanding the dynamics of compressors and the intricacies of heat transfer.
As a senior in Mechanical Engineering, Aksland focused on creating a physics-based model to simulate the outlet enthalpy of a compressor, a project that would eventually lead to his collaboration with CU Aerospace and the Alleyne Research Group. His academic rigor and enthusiasm for innovation positioned him as a standout student, excelling both in his coursework and research.
Undergraduate Research Assistant at CU Aerospace and Alleyne Research Group
One of the most formative experiences for Christopher Aksland was his role as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at CU Aerospace and the Alleyne Research Group. Starting in June 2016, Aksland began working on research projects that would influence his future career. In this role, he not only improved his problem-solving abilities but also developed technical skills that would define his professional trajectory.
His most notable work during this period was the development of a model to predict the value and trends of outlet enthalpy in compressors. Aksland’s research in this area involved understanding the fundamental thermodynamic processes that influence compressor performance. The insights gained from this research were highly valuable in advancing the field of thermal management, particularly in areas involving aerospace applications.
Additionally, Aksland worked on creating an error management function for the Thermosys MATLAB toolbox. This innovative project helped to address the issue of error handling in complex thermodynamic simulations. Prior to his work, users of the Thermosys toolbox faced difficulties debugging issues, but the error management function he developed provided real-time feedback, alerting users about parameter boundaries and allowing them to debug their simulations efficiently.
These experiences not only enhanced Aksland’s technical expertise but also demonstrated his ability to identify problems and propose effective solutions. His role at CU Aerospace and the Alleyne Research Group gave him exposure to cutting-edge research and allowed him to contribute meaningfully to ongoing projects in aerospace engineering and thermodynamics.
Contributions to Product Design and Innovation
Beyond his academic research, Christopher Aksland also demonstrated his design skills through various projects, including a highly successful class project where he and his team designed and fabricated a walking robot. The robot, which was able to walk 30 feet in approximately 80 seconds, was a testament to Aksland’s ability to blend design principles with practical engineering skills. The innovative, closed-body design of the robot was both compact and robust, allowing it to meet strict design constraints while performing flawlessly.
This project exemplified Aksland’s knack for combining creativity with engineering, and it earned recognition among his peers and professors. The robot’s success highlighted his deep understanding of mechanical systems and his ability to work within the constraints of real-world engineering challenges.
Professional Experience: Shaping the Future of Mechanical Engineering
Christopher Aksland’s professional journey began during his time as a summer intern at Nexteer Automotive, where he gained hands-on experience in manufacturing quality engineering. Working at Nexteer, Aksland contributed to improving production processes and inspecting completed parts. One of his key projects involved implementing a control plan to improve the marking of parts that had gone through heat treatment. This simplified the process and increased the effectiveness of the marking system, showing his ability to streamline operations and make them more user-friendly.
Another project during his internship was the design and fabrication of a go-kart made entirely from scrap parts. This experience allowed Aksland to apply his theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, further fueling his passion for product design and innovation. It also reinforced his desire to work on hands-on projects that could have practical, real-world applications.
Aksland’s career also included stints at GE Appliances, where he worked as a Product Quality Engineer. In this role, he analyzed service call data to identify recurring issues with microwave ovens. He wrote an Excel macro that automated the data analysis process, which helped the team focus on more critical issues. Aksland’s ability to identify inefficiencies and implement effective solutions helped to improve the product quality and overall customer experience.
Aspiring for Graduate Studies
After completing his undergraduate degree in 2017, Aksland set his sights on furthering his education by pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. His long-term goal was to specialize in control systems, a field that had captivated his interest during his time at UIUC. By pursuing graduate studies, Aksland hoped to expand his knowledge base and develop new skills that could be applied to both professional projects and personal endeavors.
Aksland’s commitment to advancing his education and skills highlights his dedication to the field of Mechanical Engineering. His academic achievements and professional experiences have equipped him with the tools to make significant contributions to the industry, particularly in control systems and product design.
Honors and Achievements
Throughout his academic career, Christopher Aksland earned numerous accolades, including recognition on the Dean’s List at UIUC and being named an Engineering Visionary Scholar. These honors reflect Aksland’s dedication to his studies and his desire to push the boundaries of what is possible in Mechanical Engineering.
His work has been widely acknowledged within the academic community, with publications in various journals and conferences. His research on compressor outlet enthalpy modeling and error management for MATLAB toolboxes has made a lasting impact on the fields of thermodynamics and control systems.
Conclusion
Christopher Aksland’s journey from a curious undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to a budding engineer specializing in mechanical systems and control systems is nothing short of inspiring. His passion for solving real-world problems, coupled with his academic and professional experiences, has positioned him as a key figure in the engineering community. Aksland’s work continues to influence the fields of aerospace engineering, product design, and control systems, and his future is filled with boundless potential.
His research, innovations, and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset to any engineering team, and his journey serves as an inspiration to future generations of mechanical engineers who aspire to make their mark in the world.
