About me
About me
I'm Giovanni Ricupero, a Mechanical Engineering and Economics student at Case Western Reserve University. My studies bring together a technical foundation in engineering and a broader understanding of business and systems, preparing me to approach challenges from multiple angles.
I'm currently the Brakes and Throttle Lead for my university's Baja SAE team, where I design, test, and manufacture critical vehicle systems. This role has given me hands-on experience in machining, CAD modeling with SolidWorks and NX, and structural analysis With ANSYS. Beyond technical work, it has sharpened my leadership skills as I guide design choices, collaborate with teammates, and deliver reliable solutions under tight deadlines.
I also enjoy teaching and mentoring others. As a peer tutor, I've supported fellow engineering students in circuits and related coursework, and I find a lot of fulfillment in helping others build confidence with technical material.
Outside of engineering, I stay engaged in my community as President of the Newman Catholic Ministry at Case and through volunteer work with The Seeing Eye. I also enjoy weightlifting as a way to push myself physically and mentally.
Looking ahead, my goal is to work in engineering roles that allow me to apply my background in economics alongside my technical expertise to better understand the intersection of business and innovation.
Experience
Brakes & Throttle Lead — CWRU Baja SAE
Jan 2025 – PresentCleveland, OH
- Lead sub-team of 5 engineers for braking and throttle systems.
- Designed custom rear brake calipers in NX; validated in ANSYS.
- Run weekly design reviews, mentor members, and coordinate tasks.
- Collaborate with other subsystems for full vehicle integration.
Engineering Intern — DEVCOM Armaments Center
Jul 2025 - Aug 2025Picatinny Arsenal, NJ
- Developed and executed a test plan under strict timelines.
- Analyzed experimental data and presented recommendations.
- Organized Excel systems for tracking engineering shipments.
Peer Tutor — Case Western Reserve University
Aug 2024 - May 2025Cleveland, OH
- Tutored Calculus I, II, IV, Circuits, and Foundations of Engineering.
- Helped students build problem-solving confidence.
Projects
Custom Brake Caliper - Baja SAE SR26
Designing a next-generation rear brake caliper for Baja SAE.
Finite Element Bridge Analysis in ABAQUS
Balancing stress, displacement, and weight through finite element optimization
Airline Ticket Price Prediction with Machine Learning
Applying numerical methods and predictive modeling to airline pricing data.