Design & CAD
- SolidWorks, including leading peer workshops
- Engineering design process (Rice minor)
Milène Hacheme
Mechanical design and robotics
Hi! I'm a first-year master's student in mechanical engineering at UCLA. I earned my BS in mechanical engineering at Rice University with a minor in engineering design, where I gained hands-on experience designing, building, and testing electromechanical systems through coursework, research, and senior design projects.
- Graduate
- MS in Mechanical Engineering, UCLA (expected June 2028)
- Undergraduate
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Rice University, May 2026. Minor in Engineering Design.
- Career goal
- Develop mechanical and robotic systems that improve efficiency and address real-world challenges.
Skills
The tools I use to design, build, and program mechanical systems.
Simulation & Analysis
- Finite element analysis with SolidWorks Simulation
- MATLAB and Simulink
Prototyping & Hardware
- CNC machining, waterjet cutting and laser cutting
- 3D printing (PLA, Resin, PETG, TPU) and welding
- Hand tools and shop machinery
- Arduino control systems and motor drivers
Software & Languages
- Python and MATLAB
- Arduino programming
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- English and French, both fluent
Projects
Experience
Research, design teams and shop work, most recent first.
-
Aug 2025 to May 2026
Senior design team member
Yarn Spinning and Twisting Machine, Rice University
- Designed and built an electronic control system with motor drivers and an Arduino to vary yarn twist based on user preference.
- Developed a yarn diameter measurement system tailored to customer specifications using SolidWorks CAD models.
- Won the Best Gaming, Creative or Innovative Technology Prize at the 2026 Rice Senior Design Showcase.
-
Feb 2025 to May 2026
Undergraduate researcher
Texlab, Houston
- Formulated a research question and an experimental methodology supported by sketches and CAD models.
- Designed and built an abrasion resistance testing robot for carbon nanotube yarns, with Arduino control algorithms that regulate speed and track test cycles.
- Presented findings to a lab group of more than 10 researchers.
-
May to June 2024
International Summer Experience in Engineering Design
Bologna, Italy
- Ran finite element analysis in SolidWorks Simulation on the effect of air resistance on a car spoiler, and presented a technical report.
- Helped build a screwless modular robotic system controlled by an IR remote and an Arduino.
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Aug 2023 to May 2026
Lab assistant
Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen (OEDK) Leader Program, Rice University
- Helped more than 30 students each week complete engineering design projects and use the shop machinery and tools.
- Led three SolidWorks workshops and one CNC machining workshop for peers.
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Sep 2020 to May 2024
Rice UNICEF Club president and UNICEF Young Ambassador
Paris and Houston
- Planned fundraising events and awareness campaigns, and wrote the club's constitution.
- Led recruitment and selection of the club's officer board.