Hi, I'mMichael Danley

About Me

I'm Michael, an undergraduate at Duke University double majoring in Electrical Computer Engineering & Computer Science. I'm primarily interested in embedded system design, especially in aerospace and robotics applications. I also enjoy personal projects, particularly those involving complex engineering challenges.

Skills

JavaC++PythonCircuit AnalysisPCB DesignCADCAMFEAFusion 360KiCADVS CodeGithubSoldering3D PrintingLaser CuttingCNC Manufacturing

Engineering Projects

Project ORCA

An embedded system that replicates real-time environmental light conditions inside an incubation vessel, featuring custom sensor and chamber electronics with RS-485 communication.

PCB DesignSolderingC++

Propulsion Testing PCB

A custom PCB solution for Duke AERO's liquid rocket engine test platform, featuring precision analog sampling, high-current power distribution, and servo valve control.

Circuit AnalysisPCB Design

Urban Scooter Project

A proof-of-concept ultra-portable, lightweight scooter using 6061 aluminum deck plates and carbon fiber tubing with collapsible structural rods and optimized braces.

CADFEAFusion 360

FTC Command System

A custom command-based control system in Java (30+ files, 2,800+ lines) using a trajectory-driven scheduler for modular robot subsystem control; earned 1st Place Programming at the FTC State Competition.

JavaGithub

Autonomous Pathbot

A custom 2-wheeled robot that follows pre-programmed paths using odometry-based localization, an ESP32 MCU, quadrature encoders, and custom PID-based control algorithms.

C++CADSoldering

Relevant Experience

Duke AERO is a collegiate high-powered rocketry organization that competes in the International Rocketry Engineering Competition (IREC). I currently work on both the Avionics and Liquid Propulsion sub-teams. My work across both sub-teams is focused primarily on embedded system design in the demanding aerospace application of high-powered rocketry. As an avionics engineer, I'm helping develop a digital live-video transmission system that will transmit video footage from onboard the rocket to a ground station over 12 km away. As an electrical engineer for the liquid propulsion team, I'm developing a custom control PCB that handles power distribution, analog signal sampling, and flow control.

As Team Captain of a FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team, I led cross-functional engineering efforts across software, electrical, and mechanical subsystems. I developed custom Java-based control systems, implemented agile project workflows, and mentored team members in programming and CAD, contributing to a state-level programming award and sustained competitive success.

As Electrical Design Lead for Project ORCA, I designed a two-part embedded system for marine research that emulates real-time environmental light conditions. The system integrates ESP32-based sensor modules, Raspberry Pi control hardware, differential RS-485 communication, and custom PCBs, delivering reliable long-distance data transmission and EMI resilience in an IP54-compliant design.