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As part of the Brown Building Society (BBS), an engineering student group, I helped lead the design and construction of a hovercraft during my junior and senior years at Brown University. Built with a body of XPS foam reinforced with fiberglass and Kevlar, the hovercraft featured separate engine and fan assemblies for lift and thrust, though I graduated before the thrust system was fully tested.
The hovercraft’s construction involved designing a lightweight, durable body using XPS foam, which we shaped and covered with layers of fiberglass and Kevlar for added strength. The lift system, powered by an engine and fan assembly, was rigorously tested and successfully demonstrated the hovercraft’s ability to achieve and maintain lift. The thrust system, which required careful alignment and integration, was under development when I graduated. Beyond the technical challenges of engineering and fabricating the hovercraft, this project involved significant organizational effort, from recruiting and managing team members to coordinating schedules and ensuring progress on the ambitious timeline.
As President of BBS during my junior and senior years, I was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project, including design reviews, construction, testing, and team management. Leading this group taught me valuable skills in organization, communication, and leadership while deepening my understanding of materials, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Although we didn’t complete the hovercraft in its entirety before I graduated, the project remains a highlight of my time at Brown, showcasing both the creativity and collaborative spirit of the team.
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