# Carson Apple

> Computer Engineering and Economics Student at Northwestern University

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/carsonapple

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and Economics at Northwestern University, I am gaining hands-on experience as a Machinist’s Assistant. My role focuses on operating CNC mills, fabricating custom components for research projects, and maintaining shop machinery to ensure precision and efficiency. By advising researchers and graduate students on design-for-manufacturing principles, I contribute to advancing academic projects and fostering innovation.  

As a Chassis Drivetrain Engineer with Northwestern Formula Racing, I collaborate with the Chassis team to design and manufacture precision components, optimize assembly weight, and ensure seamless drivetrain integration. My goal is to connect my academic learning with practical manufacturing and engineering projects, leveraging my technical knowledge and commitment to precision to drive impactful outcomes.

## Work Experience
### Machinist's Assistant @ Northwestern University
Jan 2025 – Present | Evanston, IL
Operate and program CNC mills to fabricate custom components, including a chuck stop with magnetic inserts for lathe applications and replacement set screws, supporting active faculty and graduate research projects.

Repair and calibrate shop machinery such as a legacy 3D printer and tram mills to ensure precision.

Maintain a safe and efficient workspace: mix and replace coolant, clean machinery, and organize tools and materials.

Advise researchers and graduate students on design-for-manufacturing principles and best machining practices.

### Chassis Drivetrain Engineer @ Northwestern Formula Racing
Jan 2025 – Present | Evanston, IL
Lead design reviews for Differential Sprocket Adapter with FEA simulations & FoS analysis.

Design for manufacturing & minimizing weight, offering a 33% reduction from previous designs.

Collaborate with Chassis team to verify drivetrain integration aligns with packaging and load path requirements.

Program and operate CNC mill to machine precision components, adhering to 0.001” tolerances.

### Design Lead & Drive Coach; FIRST Robotics Competition Team @ Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo, California
Jan 2022 – Jan 2025 | San Mateo, CA
Directed design and fabrication for FRC competition robots.

Built and taught CAD/design curriculum; trained 30+ new members, growing team from 5 members to 60+ currently.

Drove team’s leap in ranking from 13th percentile to 92nd percentile worldwide, achieving 3 finalist placements in 2025 competitions and competing in World Championships.

Independently developed a hexapod robot under Kevin Shaw, Ph.D., implementing Python-based inverse kinematics and I2C-controlled servos to coordinate 18-DOF leg motion and evaluate repeatable tripod gait patterns.

### Captain & Co-President, Volleyball Programs @ JSHS Varsity / Red Rock Volleyball Club / JSHS Beach Volleyball Club
Jan 2022 – Jan 2025
Varsity starting outside hitter (10–12) and Frosh team captain (9); mentored younger players by teaching fundamentals and fostering team spirit.

Club captain at Red Rock Volleyball (18s).

Co-led JSHS Beach Volleyball Club, growing it to 100+ members and organizing practices and cross-school collaboration.


## Education
### Bachelor of Science - BS in Computer Engineering, Economics
Northwestern University

### High School Diploma
Junipero Serra High School, San Mateo, California


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/carson-apple

---
Source: https://flows.cv/carsonapple
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/carsonapple/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-04-10