Michael O'Gara
Mechanical Engineering Student
ABOUT ME
I am a Senior at Drexel University studying mechanical engineering. For as long as I can remember, I have been inspired by theme parks and the joy that it brought to others. Over time I grew curious as to how the experiences were made and I researched endlessly on all the engineering and creativity that goes on behind the scenes. I knew early on in my life that I wanted to become one of the people responsible for creating and designing the experiences that brought joy to so many people. This passion inspired me to work on projects in both my academic and personal work that have helped build both my engineering and creative design talents, as well as a range of other skills that I feel may be valuable in a themed entertainment profession. After each experience, I have grown more and more passionate for the industry.
Connect with me
Latest Work
3D Custom Coaster
This project was started at the beginning of 2022 with the goal to complete it by the end of the year. The final product for this project will be a 1/35 scale model coaster that is fully functional with programed, station gates, lift/launch (have not decided as of yet), block zones, brakes, and lights. I am still working on this project, but if you would like to follow along in my progress you can view it by clicking the button below.
Skills
The newest in the list of CAD software I have used; I plan on using this program in more depth for my custom coaster project to design the track and supports.
Used extensively during my time with Universal Creative and in personal projects such as my custom coaster model.
This program was used in my Fundamentals of CAD course where I used it extensively to create engineering drawings.
Used in my Fundamentals of CAD course to create a rollercoaster wheel assembly.
Used extensively in my animatronic eye project.
As an officer of Drexel TPED, I manage various elements of the club's operation at once. I am also overseeing the club's first large scale design competition.
I have been learning and using the technology since middle school, and used it heavily to manufacture parts for my personal projects.
Used in design competitions such as TMUTDI, to design various various coaster concepts and develop my design skills.
While building and maintaining sleds with USA Luge, I learned basic MIG welding.
While building sleds with USA Luge, I gained knowledge in how to use fiberglass to form the main shell for the sled.
I made it a goal of mine to learn Blender during quarantine. I learned modeling, textures & materials, and basic rigging.
Used to create most of my video demonstrations of projects
Personal Interests / Hobbies
I enjoy taking photos in my spare time. Some of my favorite photos are at theme parks where I take photos of rollercoasters, sightlines, and decorations. I share most of them through Instagram which you can see through the link below.
While driving across the U.S. for my Universal Creative internship, I stopped in New Orleans, where I got to see the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. I got to enjoy some beignets, jazz music, and amazing sights all around the city.
One of my favorite theme park activities is getting a Butterbeer to end the night!!
This is a photo taken of me as I competed in Park City, Utah for an international World Cup Competition.
During my time as a Universal Creative Intern, I organized weekly intern outings for Water Ride Wednesday that acted as a great networking event and an opportunity for interns from various companies to get to know one another.