Meet Kiran Waggoner

My name is Kiran Waggoner, and I’m a sophomore mechanical engineering major at Rice from New York. I have 2 brothers and a dog named Momo, and am a die heart Cowboys fan. On campus, I work as a lab tech at the OEDK and stay busy with projects both in and outside the classroom. I’ve had the chance to work with a fuel cell startup in Houston named Solidec, and this fall I’ll be starting research here at Rice. When I’m not in the lab, you can usually find me playing intramural sports — basketball, soccer, and flag football are my favorites.

One project I’m especially proud of is an automated titration machine I built. By combining pumps with a color sensor, I was able to automate the titration process and calculate the concentration of a solution. It’s the kind of project that makes me excited about engineering because it shows how a simple idea can grow into something with real-world potential — maybe even a patent one day!

Looking ahead, I really want to become an expert at using the laser cutter. I think it’s an incredible tool for quickly creating designs that are both precise and creative. I’m especially interested in learning more about engraving and pushing what’s possible there. I’m also excited about the upcoming chess set project — it feels like the perfect opportunity to apply these skills in a fun and hands-on way and as someone who is an avid chess player, I believe I can get a bunch of use out of it.

This semester in ENGI 210, my biggest goal is to build up my skills with 3D design software. I’ve only just started exploring it, but I already see how powerful and important it is for engineering projects. By the end of the course, I hope to feel comfortable using these tools to bring ideas to life, as I hope this is the type of work I do in my professional carrer.