With the new school year in full swing, a Proportion-Air sponsored capstone team at Purdue Polytechnic Institute has plunged headfirst (pun intended) into this year’s challenge: complete the building a waterproof animatronic bull shark powered by proportional electro-pneumatic control.
The concept originated as an in-house project at Proportion-Air several years ago, and last year students might have bitten off more than they can chew, and now it’s up to this year’s senior capstone to bring the shark to its real depths. The student team is reviving it with ambitious plans. By year’s end, the shark will be able to swim, submerge and articulate its jaw. With lots of work to do they have their work cut out for them.
Capstone projects at Purdue Polytechnic span the entire academic year, giving students the chance to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. These projects mimic professional environments, with defined roles, milestones, and guidance from academic mentor Dr. Jose Garcia-Bravo and graduate teaching assistant Sukesh Jagannathan Ranganathan
Meet the Team
Amellia Bailey is the Secretary and Electrical Design Co-Lead for Purdue University’s mechanical shark project, where she focuses on developing the control system. A student in both Electrical Engineering Technology and Audio Engineering Technology, Amellia combines technical precision with creative insight. Her professional experience includes roles with the Pike County School Corporation IT Department and Purdue Hall of Music Productions. She is also an active member of Purdue Bands & Orchestras, contributing to campus life through music and collaboration.
Mollie Dial serves as both Project Manager and Electrical Design Co-Leader where she will focus on electronics, controls, and the shark skin. A student in Electrical Engineering Technology, Mollie brings a strong foundation in engineering and leadership, shaped by internships at Rolls-Royce in Manufacturing Engineering – Purchasing and at AES Indiana as a Transmission and Distribution Project Planning Engineer. Beyond the lab, she is actively involved in campus life through Stewart Cooperative (Vice President and Scholarship Chair), SOET Ambassadors, Kappa Kappa Psi, Cru Ministry, and a variety of intramural sports and disc golf.
Andrew LaRoche is the Testing & Validation Manager for Purdue University’s mechanical shark project, with a focus on developing and refining the control systems. A student in Computer Engineering Technology, Andrew brings valuable experience from his internship as a Computer Engineer at American Systems. Outside of the lab, he enjoys staying active through soccer and flag football.
Syrah Nassiri is the Assistant Project Manager and Manufacturing Process Manager for Purdue University’s mechanical shark project, contributing to the development of the head, ballast system, and shark skin. A student in Robotics Engineering Technology, Syrah brings hands-on experience from her internship at Wes-Tech Automation Solutions and has contributed to high-profile projects like the Rockwell Automation Fair display. She is also a SOET Ambassador, actively representing the School of Engineering Technology.
Chayton Oliver is the Prototype Development Manager for Purdue University’s mechanical shark project, currently leading research on the ballast system. Studying both Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology, Chayton brings a multidisciplinary approach to innovation. His individual projects, including an animatronic snake and a nested motor hydraulic cylinder prototype—demonstrate his passion for advanced prototyping and robotics. He is also an active member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
Ella Wilks is a Mechanical Design Leader on Purdue University’s innovative mechanical shark project, focusing on the development of the shark head and skin. A student in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Ella brings both technical expertise and creative problem-solving to the team. Her previous experience working as a Country Club Pro Shop Attendant and on a Golf Course Maintenance Crew has shaped her strong work ethic and attention to detail—qualities that are essential in leading complex design efforts.
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