Profile
Ben Sykes

Engineer | Developer | Photographer

Passionate about solving complex problems and creating efficient systems.

About  Experience  Approach  Education  Passions  Volunteering  Vision  Connect 

About Me

I'm an electrical engineer with a knack for solving problems, introducing new technology, and continuously learning from the world around me. From a young age, I've been enthralled in the way things work and how we can always improve them. What excites me most about electrical engineering is the feeling I get from being able to make a real-world impact, whether it's optimizing an industrial process or developing a new idea.

I believe that the combination of technical knowledge with human creativity is an immensely powerful tool that allows us to approach challenges from different angles. Whether I'm designing control systems or experimenting with code for a personal project, I genuinely enjoy connecting the dots between ideas and their practical applications. In my eyes: Engineering is not just about making things; it's about making things that matter, things that push boundaries and improve the lives of everyday people.

My Experience

Manufacturing Controls Intern

General Motors • Internship

May 2024 - Jul 2024 • 3 mos

Wentzville, Missouri, United States • On-site

  • Developed & deployed a 3-part system for logging & displaying chain conveyor take-up pressures, including a macro-enabled Excel workbook that automatically extracts data from floor PLCs.
  • Configured AI-based camera systems for future error prevention & trained a machine learning model to visually identify operator assembly errors.
  • Educated myself on the Global Conveyor Controls Standard (GCCS), which I followed to implement various PLC & HMI projects on the plant floor.
  • Independently initiated & developed a Microsoft Access database to complement the personnel management system, addressing an ease-of-use need I identified.
  • Designed a new standard for managing personnel assignments & training on the plant floor, making enhancements as needed by collaborating with plant leaders.
  • Presented a comprehensive overview of my internship experience to the plant lead & executives, highlighting key projects & outcomes.
Student Office Staff

Purdue University • Part-time

Jan 2024 - Apr 2024 • 4 mos

West Lafayette, Indiana, United States • On-site

  • Supported residents & faculty by assisting with mail retrieval, lost keys, item check-in/out, room move-in/out, & other administrative tasks.
  • Volunteered for shifts needed to be filled to assist other student employees with conflicts.
  • Filled various off-season positions in other residential buildings.
  • Completed Indiana standard training to ensure the protection of residents of the building.
Electrical Engineering Intern

Honda of America Mfg., Inc. • Internship

May 2023 - Aug 2023 • 4 mos

Greensburg, Indiana, United States • On-site

  • Investigated, designed, & installed a control circuit for a cooling system to bring post-oven vehicle surface temperatures down to workable levels.
  • Upgraded a department-wide AVEVA WonderWare data management system.
  • Implemented multiple custom, scratch-built software solutions to assist in data trend collection.
  • Trained in lock-out/tag-out procedures.
  • Educated in industrial networking technologies like EtherNet/IP & FINS.
  • Completed projects utilizing OMRON industrial controls hardware (NE1S PLCs, NS10 PTs, etc).
Data Systems Electrical Engineering Intern

Allison Transmission • Internship

May 2022 - Aug 2022 • 4 mos

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

  • Sole developer of an internal software suite that displays real-time sensor data & enables technicians to modify test parameters of various transmissions & control systems.
  • Worked daily with department supervisors as mentors throughout development process.
  • Learned the process of implementing data acquisition & control applications for real-time use.
  • Assisted in configuration, installation, & maintenance of additional departmental software.
  • Documented, maintained, & coordinated system designs & modifications.
  • Assisted Data Systems Engineers to ensure documentation is accurate & current.
Seasonal Grounds Maintenance

City of East Grand Rapids, MI • Seasonal

May 2021 - Aug 2021 • 4 mos

East Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

  • Maintained all city landscape areas, nature trails, & irrigation systems.
  • Prepared & maintained all city & school athletic facilities.
  • Performed set-up & take-down of athletic equipment for practices & events.
  • Operated city vehicles & equipment.

My Approach

My approach to engineering and problem-solving revolves around my aforementioned combination of knowledge with creativity, alongside principles of collaboration and persistence. I believe that every new challenge presents an opportunity for me to learn and grow. When I encounter a problem, my first instinct is to pull it apart, find what makes it tick, and innovate it out of the way.

I am also a firm believer in the power of collaboration with everyday people. The best solutions to a problem can often come from a wide array of diverse perspectives, and by working alongside people who are passionate, driven, and unafraid to share their ideas, we can all thrive as a collective group. By exchanging knowledge and expertise, we can create better-engineered, more effective solutions that achieve something much greater than what any one person could do alone.

Ultimately, my personal and professional work is driven by a desire to contribute to something in the bigger scheme of it all. Whether I'm developing a new product, being mentored by (or mentoring) others, or improving systems, I strive to leave a positive impact on everything I touch.

My Education

Purdue University

Aug 2024 - Present

Undergraduate Student

  • Anticipating graduation in December 2025.
  • Prior resident in the Engineering in the World of Data Learning Community (2021 - 2022).
  • Pianist in various jazz bands (AMRE, LJB1, LJB2, CJB1).
  • Member and chairperson of the Purdue Chapter of the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Computer Society (IEEE CS).
East Grand Rapids High School

Aug 2017 - May 2021

High School Diploma

  • Achieved a final GPA of 3.8 and an ACT score of 32.
  • Graduated Magna Cum Laude.
  • Participated in the National Honor Society & Honors Science.
  • Completed electives in engineering, design/drafting, & AP computer science.
  • Completed 3 yrs of Latin/IB; Latin club member.
  • Member and electrical/programming lead of FRC (First Robotics Competition) team 5980, East Grand Rapids Robotics.

My Passions

As an engineer, I am passionate about utilizing emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and good old automation to solve real-world problems. I'm always excited to explore how these trending concepts can be applied to improve processes, predict upcoming results, and possibly even help prevent critical errors before they happen.

I also have a deep interest in exercising sustainable engineering practices. With the world facing significant environmental and resource challenges, I've got an eye on new ways to explore how we can use innovation to create more efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions that can have a positive impact on both industry and our planet.

Outside of traditional engineering, I've always enjoyed tinkering with electronics and putting together side projects, whether it's a new device, piece of software, or a complex automation system. These personal projects allow me to solve life problems by testing new ideas, exploring new technologies, and staying curious, no matter where the world takes me.

Volunteer Work

Eagle Scout

Boy Scouts of America

  • Managed, fundraised & led Eagle project: Benches for the Humane Society of West Michigan.
  • Mentored new & incoming scouts; led patrol unit of six scouts.
  • Participated in & led community/conservation service projects; setup rotating family shelter.
  • Participated in unique outdoor activities such as EMS disaster simulation, wilderness survival.

My Vision

As I continue to grow as an engineer and as a person, I'm eager to explore new frontiers in manufacturing robotics, and automation. My goal is to eventually lead innovative projects that not only improve the overall efficiency of industries but also contribute to a more sustainable future that we can be excited to live in. I'm excited about the opportunity to work on projects that challenge my personal creativity and push my technical abilities to new limits.

In the long run, I aspire to take on intimate leadership roles where I can mentor the next generation of engineers and be part of the teams that create truly life-changing solutions. Whether it's within a large company or through a tight-knight startup venture, I hope to collaborate with all manner of diverse minds to bring big ideas to life.

Let's Connect

If you're interested in collaborating with me or just want to learn more about my personal and professional work, feel free to reach out. Whether it's an idea for a project, something to chat about, or engineering insights, I'd love to hear from you!

Contact Me