Michael Forward

Worked closely with engineers, industrial designers, and researchers to develop new product lines in a variety of industries. Further explored advanced surfacing techniques through the use of Creo's ISDX (style) surfacing environment. Further developed strong CAD modeling techniques with the use and application of skeleton modeling, top-down modeling, and robust reference managing techniques. Developed client facing CAD models with high standards for surface quality as well as manufacturability. Developed prototypes ranging from low-fidelity to high-fidelity, with a focus on mechanism exploration and representative "looks-like" forms.

Provided manufacturing insight for pet care products. Generated CAD models for injection molded parts, with attention paid specifically to manufacturing constraints. Generated CAD models for parts being made using a sheet metal deep drawn process, as well as sourced potential manufacturers. Generated CAD models for parts being made of composite fibers, as well as led an investigations into the feasibility of transitioning current manufacturing methods.

Led a multidisciplinary team on the development of a wearable runners safety device. Served as a technical lead on the mechanical aspects of the project, such as 3D modeling, prototyping methods, and design for manufacturing. Served as the point of contact between the team, client, and Generate.

Developed process documentation for prototyping and manufacturing methods. Generated presentations for a deeper exploration of CAD software, including best practices, design for manufacturing, solid body modeling, surface modeling, sketch definition, inclusion of parameters, efficiency improvements, and product rendering. Served as an as-needed aid in the mechanical development of the four hardware related projects. Met with potential ventures to advise on the mechanical feasibility of their product.

Worked closely with clients and designers (both internal and external) to help realize products in kitchenware, homegoods, sportswear, and luxury products space. Learned advanced 3D modeling techniques to accurately preserve the design intent of the designers worked with. Gained a deeper understanding of DFM, specifically for injection molding, thermoforming, CNC machining, and advanced 3D printing technologies.

Carry Strong: Helped to develop portable workout device meant. Developed variable internal resistance mechanism and implemented into final prototype. Created an agile model through the use of parameters, that could easily be changed to accommodate custom manufactured parts. Developed spring locking mechanism with consideration for size concerns of the final assembly. Perpetual Mobility: Worked with our client to develop massage ball geometry that would better suit use cases. Designed 3D printed molds to simulate manufacturing methods for silicone massage ball, which included concepts like draft angle, gate location, mold orientation, and robust CAD assemblies. Worked in Fusion 360's simulation environment to run FEA simulations under expected loads. Worked with Moldflow to run injection molding simulations to aid in the manufacturability of product. AdDrive: Helped to redesign housing for location based advertising system, AdDrive, to allow for better positioning, lighter frame, and more aesthetically pleasing design. Worked in Fusion360's sheet metal environment and developed looks-like prototypes to demonstrate the functions of our designed components. Developed a strong understanding of rapid prototyping techniques and how to effectively collaborate with engineers of multiple disciplines to ensure a successful product.

Collaborated with a tight knit team of engineers to develop a strong understanding of the product development life cycle as it relates to consumer products. Developed photorealisitic renderings in Keyshot 7 to inform color considerations for upcoming products. Worked with other engineers to design and manufacture test fixtures to identify product parameters on current and developing products. Learned the fundamentals of designing parts for injection molding and gained insight into the manufacturing process. Organized and cataloged design changes using Windchill PLM.

Mountain Riders: Instructed children aged 7-14 on a variety of skills to improve their riding. Worked with students from their first day on snow to those who were exploring freestyle terrain. Earned rookie of the year for the 2014-2015 season. Development Program: Served as a coach for Mount Snow's Development Team, a 15 week program that guided students through navigating Carinthia, the terrain park at Mount Snow. Directly responsible for instructing up to 8 students at a time and as a result developed effective communication skills to ensure safety and good etiquette while in the park.

During my time at Northeastern I developed a passion for product design, which I felt was the perfect blend between a creative outlet and applied mechanical engineering principles. I was an active member of many clubs and organizations on campus, and tried to immerse myself in the rich design community of Boston. Through connections and conversations with students at neighboring schools, attending design conferences, and Northeastern's excellent co-op program, I was able to leave Northeastern with a holistic view product development and a strong drive to pursue a career in the field.