This Skee-ball machine was designed and built in just two weeks with a strict budget of 250 dollars. The final cost of the project was $249.38. The goal was to create a durable, fully functional arcade style Skee-ball for a local church. 

Fist the Skee-Ball machine was built in Fusion 360 and Inventor for better planning and to ensure the budget would be maintained. Constructed primarily from construction-grade lumber during a time of high lumber prices, the build required careful planning and efficient use of materials. To improve portability, the machine is built in two separate sections that lock securely together, allowing it to be transported easily while remaining stable during gameplay.

Despite the limited budget, the machine includes a working ball return system, a built in bubble level, and leveling feet to ensure accurate play on any surface, and classic themed graphics for added character. The curved ramp was formed by cutting dados and steaming the plywood to create a smooth and consistent transition.

TrackCan Pro is a smart waste monitoring system designed to address inefficiencies in urban trash collection. The project was developed as my senior high school engineering capstone with the goal of replacing fixed service schedules with real-time, data-driven waste management.

Overflowing trash cans are often the result of inefficient monitoring rather than insufficient infrastructure. TrashCan Pro solves this problem by measuring fill levels in real time, transmitting that data to a centralized server, and optimizing service schedules based on usage patterns.

The system uses an ultrasonic sensor mounted inside the lid to measure the distance from the sensor to the trash surface. As waste accumulates, the measured distance decreases, allowing accurate calculation of fill level. This data is processed by an Arduino R4 WiFi microcontroller, which performs three primary functions:

Displays the current fill level on an external LED bar indicator. This LED light bar is diffused with laser-cut acrylic, and it has a clean fade from green to yellow to orange to red, and finally flashing red based on how full the trash can is.

The trashcan transmits real-time data to a web-based dashboard. The site enables remote communication between operators and the unit. The site can lock the trashcan and also send a friendly chirp to the trashcan to let the user know service is on its way.

The web dashboard tracks historical fill data for each individual trash can. Because trash receptacles in different locations fill at different rates, the system incorporates machine learning to analyze trends and determine the most efficient service schedule per unit. This allows municipalities to service only the cans that require attention, reducing labor costs, fuel consumption, and overflow incidents.

Additional features include an electronically controlled locking lid. When the trash can reaches capacity, the lid can automatically lock to prevent overstuffing. The locking mechanism can also be scheduled to restrict access during specific hours, reducing misuse and trash scattering. Operators can send a remote signal to the unit to confirm connectivity or indicate that a service worker is en route.

The prototype enclosure was fully designed in Fusion 360 using parametric modeling, allowing the lid diameter to be easily adjusted to fit various trash can geometries. The housing was manufactured using 3D printing, followed by sanding, automotive filler primer, and spray painting to achieve a finished metal appearance. The access doors were also 3D printed and finished with custom vinyl labeling. All electronics were prototyped, wired, and integrated internally.

Two product configurations were conceptualized for scalability:

TrashCan Pro – A fully integrated system including LED fill indicator, locking mechanism, and WiFi connectivity.

Track Lite – A retrofit version designed to mount underneath existing trash can lids. This version retains sensing and wireless communication capabilities but removes the external LED and lock indicator for reduced cost and simplified deployment.

The current prototype operates on battery power with approximately 2.5 weeks of runtime per charge. Future improvements include solar integration to extend operational lifespan and upgrading to an ESP32 with LoRa communication for long-range deployment in remote areas such as hiking trails and parks.

This project marked my first full integration of mechanical design, embedded systems, wireless communication, backend development, and data analysis into a single cohesive system. Beyond building a physical product, I developed a complete hardware-to-software infrastructure solution independently.

The Litho-LAntern is a modular, Wi-Fi enabled lithophane lighting system designed for adaptable dorm decor.

The Litho Lantern was created to solve a common problem in dorm living: limited space, limited time, and limited budget for seasonal decoration. Rather than purchasing new decorations throughout the year, I designed a single aesthetic lighting fixture that can be updated seasonally through interchangeable lithophane panes and customizable lighting effects.

The lantern uses 3D printed lithophane panels (printed at varying thicknesses) so that when illuminated from behind, detailed grayscale images appear based on how light passes through the material. Each pane slides into an integrated track system and can be swapped in under 15 seconds, allowing users to quickly update the lantern’s theme for different holidays or occasions.

Internally, the device is powered by an ESP32 microcontroller and a 16-bit NeoPixel ring, all powered via USB-C. A custom-designed internal diffuser prevents light bleed and ensures crisp, well-defined illumination, even during dynamic lighting effects such as spirals or color chases. Prototyping and testing were conducted to refine brightness, color separation, and projection clarity.

The Litho Lantern connects to Wi-Fi and hosts a mobile-accessible web interface, allowing users to

• Select dynamic effects (Aurora Borealis mode, fire simulation, a theme for each holiday, color chase, rainbow, and a color picker for solid colors)

• Set timers

• Adjust photoresistor sensitivity to control automatic activation based on room brightness

An embedded NFC tag enables instant pairing by tapping a phone to the front of the lantern, streamlining the setup process.

The entire enclosure was modeled in Autodesk Fusion 360 and fully 3D printed. The design emphasizes modularity, clean aesthetics, and dorm-friendly practicality while maintaining a modern, tech-forward appearance suitable for year-round use.

As an engineering student, I saw a fundamental problem: engineering notebooks can cost between $30 - $50 dolars.  This made me feel like every idea I wrote down needed to be worth it. This mentality undermines the purpose of an engineering notebook. I knew that engineering notebooks weren't any harder to manufacture than any other printed book. After doing research, I was able to start a non-profit and produce my own line of engineering notebooks at $5.68 for the consumer. This made engineering notebooks extremely accessible. This project was dedicated to aspiring engineering students everywhere. I wanted to make high-quality industry-level material more available for everyone. After working with manufactures I was able to get a variety of engineering notebooks published on Amazon. 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Preston-J-Gillis/author/B0GD8SCLZH?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8cce407b-a66d-418b-8fdb-af2137a9ad14

Some of the notebook's features include

• 100 Structured Pages: Each page includes space for titles, project details, data tables, sketches, dates, and signatures.

• Table of Contents: Easily track and reference every project entry.

• Signature & Date Fields: Keep your documentation legally recognized and competition-ready.

• Guidelines & Rules Section: Follow standard engineering notebook practices for accuracy and integrity.

• Professional Layout: Clean grid-style pages perfect for diagrams, formulas, and notes.

• Durable & Convenient: Sized at 8.5 x 11 inches, with a sturdy paperback cover made for labs, classrooms, and workshops. — proudly made in the USA.

Meets Academic & Competition Standards

This notebook aligns with industry and educational requirements for formal engineering documentation, helping you protect your ideas and demonstrate professional record-keeping.

Specifications:

• 100 structured pages

• Includes table of contents, date & signature lines

• 8.5” x 11” format

• Durable paperback binding

• Clean, modern design

• Made in the USA

As the project manager for a team-based Cardboard Sled Derby challenge, I led the development and construction of a full-scale cardboard X-Wing sled inspired by Star Wars. The project began with detailed 3D modeling in Autodesk Inventor, where I guided multiple design iterations to balance structural integrity, weight, and transport constraints. Building exclusively with cardboard presented significant challenges, requiring us to laminate layers for strength and use adhesive techniques combined with paper mâché reinforcement to ensure durability. I coordinated the modular design strategy, allowing the sled to be transported in sections and assembled on-site, including the careful integration of cantilevered wings under strict material limitations (no tape or non-cardboard supports). This was especially difficult because of the weight of the blasters on the edge of the wing. Through effective problem-solving and team communication, we overcame construction setbacks and the time constraint of 30 class days. Our final design earned first place for creativity and soared down the mountain, with record time demonstrating both engineering performance and innovative execution.