Meet the Team

Amanda Harkleroad

Project Roles: Bookkeeper and Recorder

Discipline: Mechanical Engineering

I am in my 4th year pursuing an ABET-accredited degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Appropriate and Sustainable Engineering. Having received my AA during the final two years of high school and completing most of my general education requirements I have been able to take extra technical electives such as Electricity and Magnetism, Problem Solving and Programing (C++), and an extra course in Circuits. I have also been able to diversify my education and take electives such as Voice Class, Foundations of the Spiritual Life, Women’s Choir, Concert Choir, and Gospel Choir. I chose to pursue mechanical engineering because I felt that it was the best way to put my talents to use in giving back to the world, whether it be developing technologies that improve people’s lives or helping make our way of life more sustainable to protect our planet. I am currently an intern at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab where I am assisting in developing a simulation of cancer cell migration using mechanical forces. In my free time, I love to hike, camp, rock climb, play guitar and keep up with all the latest and greatest movies!  

Andrew Harper-Smith

Project Role: Mechanical Lead

Discipline: Mechanical Engineering

I am a third-year senior Mechanical Engineering student at Seattle Pacific University. Although I am originally from Illinois, I have been a proud Washington resident for the last six years. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s fishing, hiking, or just cruising back roads, I enjoy it all. My greatest personal accomplishment was fully reviving a 1977 Ford F350 that had been rotting away in the Olympic national forest for 8+ years. I enjoy working on anything that drives, floats or flies, and I hope to find a career in the marine industry after graduation. 

Ashlynn Burgess

Project Role: Project Lead

Discipline: Electrical Engineering

My passion for making the world a better place through engineering technology has brought me from Eagle River, Alaska, to Seattle, Washington, where I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. This summer I had the opportunity to live in Juneau, Alaska, where I worked for Alaska Electric Light and Power as their Transmission and Distribution Engineering Intern. After I graduate in June 2022, I hope to work as an electrical engineer and explore my interests in sustainable building design and renewable energy. Also, in the future, I hope to use the technical skills and knowledge I have acquired to serve others through volunteer or missions-based work. Outside of the classroom, I love to hike, bike, spend time with family and friends, explore, play piano and guitar, read, and try new things. Having played college basketball for four years, I now enjoy being involved in athletics by volunteering as a student manager for the Seattle Pacific women’s basketball team, playing intermural volleyball and basketball, and working for SPU’s Athletics Event Staff.  

Muhammad Sesay

Project Role: Computer Engineering Lead

Discipline: Computer Engineering

I am a 4th year pursuing a Computer Engineering degree at Seattle Pacific University. I was born in Monrovia Liberia and grew up in SeaTac Washington. Originally, I was pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree but as time progressed I had more of a passion and interest for computer science and programming and switched majors. Upon graduation, I hope to learn more about different tech stacks and progress my skills in programming. I hope that what I work on has real impacts and can help all types of people. Making their lives easier and improving their quality of life as well. Outside of school, I enjoy watching true crime tv shows and Anime. I enjoy reading books that can give me new perspectives on life and teach me new life skills that I can apply right away. I also really enjoy being active and outdoors. Whether it be basketball, hiking, snowboarding, or jet skiing. I really enjoy trying new things and expanding my horizons.  

Parmvir Singh

Project Role: Mechanical Team Member

Discipline: Mechanical Engineering

I am a 4th year senior as a Mechanical Engineering student at Seattle Pacific University. I have spent and enjoyed my whole life inside the state of Washington as a proud resident of Kent. After receiving my AA, I have been working towards my degree focusing on Mechanical Engineering, taking electives such as Appropriate and Sustainable Engineering, which really speak towards what I look forward to in the future and much more. After I graduate, I plan and hope to work to find a career inside the industry focusing on sustainable energy. In my free time, I love to work out, spend time with family and friends, play sports with friends, and video games.