About Me
My name is Zane Balasubramanian, and I am a Junior studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My primary interests lie in product development and mechanical design, particularly the process of transforming an idea into a functional prototype through design, fabrication, testing, and iteration.
Growing up in Brooklyn, I was introduced to engineering through my middle school’s STEM Pipeline Program. There, I first encountered design-oriented problem-solving through multiweek projects, including the construction of a toothpick bridge capable of loading ~185 pounds. This early exposure led me to attend Brooklyn Technical High School, where I specialized in aerospace engineering, participated in the hobby rocketry club, and completed advanced technical coursework through the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) program, including Computer Integrated Manufacturing.
Through this coursework and an internship at Protomatica R&D, I discovered that I was most drawn to the hands-on aspects of engineering: the design of components, the fabrication of prototypes, the iteration of designs until they achieve their optimal state. I became especially interested in the idea that even a successful product can be further improved through thoughtful analysis and continued iteration.
At the University of Illinois, I have continued to pursue opportunities that allow me to pursue my passion on a larger scale. During my freshman year, I joined the Product Development Committee of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and earned first place at the URSA Research Symposium for developing a prototype enclosure for an ultrasound-based system designed to measure concrete phase. During my sophomore year, I continued this research in a paid position in the Roesler Group's Civil Engineering Lab, shifting my focus toward data acquisition and experimental testing.
As I enter my junior year, I will also serve as Social Director for the URSA Research Committee, where I hope to contribute to the program’s outreach, community-building, and engagement efforts while continuing to grow as an engineer and leader.
Outside of engineering, I enjoy hiking in upstate New York, visiting national parks, traveling, and playing electric guitar.