Michael Samuel Dela Cruz

Photo of Michael

About Me

I’m an engineering student at the University of Waterloo, studying the field of nanotechnology who enjoys solving problems, learning fast, and figuring out how things work and why they sometimes don’t. I’m naturally curious, detail-oriented, and happiest when I’m building, analyzing, or improving something tangible. I bring a mix of technical thinking and practical common sense.

I’m comfortable working both independently and on teams where communication actually matters. I take my work seriously, but not myself. I believe good engineering comes from asking smart questions, staying adaptable, and accepting that the best solutions rarely work perfectly the first time

  • Skills | Soldering, 3D printing, Micropipetting, Bench Laboratory Skills
  • Languages | Phython, MATLAB, Web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Libraries | NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib
  • Design tools | Solidworks, AutoCAD, Revit

Projects

📊 Distribution Fitting Tool 🖥️ Custom PC Systems 🦠 UV-C Cleaner 🌬️ Wind Energy Harvester

Interactive Distribution Fitting Tool

🔗 Open Histogram Fitter App

⬇ Download Exponential Dataset (CSV)

Sample data generated from an exponential distribution (λ = 1).

Project Overview

This project is a browser-based interactive application designed to help users explore how real-world datasets align with common probability distributions. Users can input data manually or upload CSV files, visualize normalized histograms, and fit multiple statistical distributions in real time.

Problem Motivation

In many introductory statistics and engineering courses, distribution fitting software outputs parameters, but users rarely understand how or why a particular distribution fits better than another. I wanted to build a tool that makes distribution fitting transparent, interactive, and exploratory, allowing users to visually and quantitatively see how parameter changes affect model quality and data interpretation.

Key Features

  • Manual data entry and robust CSV uploads
  • Maximum likelihood estimation using SciPy
  • Interactive parameter sliders
  • Quantitative fit evaluation (MAE, MSE, R²)

Mathematical Model

The application models empirical data using continuous probability density functions. For a given distribution, parameters are estimated using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), and the resulting probability density function is evaluated as:

General PDF:

f(x | θ) = probability density given parameters θ

Model Evaluation:

MSE = (1 / n) Σ (yᵢ − ŷᵢ)²

These metrics are computed over histogram bin centers to quantitatively assess the goodness of fit between empirical data and theoretical models.

Tech Stack

Python, NumPy, pandas, SciPy, Matplotlib, Streamlit

Histogram visualization interface Distribution fitting results Distribution fitting results

Custom Computer Systems Design, Upgrades & Optimization

How It Started

My interest in computer hardware began with improving my own systems and quickly grew into helping friends and family get more performance out of the machines they already owned. Over time, this turned into regular consulting, upgrading, and building work through word-of-mouth referrals. I found that many performance issues weren’t caused by faulty hardware, but by bottlenecks, thermal limitations, or unbalanced component choices.

Upgrades, Repairs & Lifecycle Extension

I upgraded and optimized existing desktops and laptops by replacing thermal paste, adding or upgrading RAM, installing SSDs, and resolving thermal throttling (reducing temps. by up to 25%) or compatibility issues. These targeted improvements often extended system lifespan and delivered noticeable performance gains without requiring a full rebuild.

Building From the Ground Up

I designed and assembled complete desktop computer systems from scratch, handling every major component including the CPU, GPU, motherboard, RAM, power supply, storage, cooling, case, and airflow configuration.

Component Selection & Bottleneck Prevention

Before any build, I evaluated how individual components would work together to avoid performance bottlenecks and unnecessary overspending.

System Assembly, Testing & Validation

All systems were fully assembled and tested end-to-end, including cable management, airflow optimization, thermal testing, and BIOS configuration.

Tools & Platforms
Tips for Users
  • A balanced system beats a single overpowered component every time
  • Proper cooling and airflow are critical for sustained performance
  • Planning builds with future upgrades in mind saves money long-term
PC build interior Inside and airflow Completed desktop system

UV-C Medical Instrument Cleaner

A sustainable, compact sanitation device designed to reduce plastic waste in dental clinics by enabling safe, on-site sterilization of reusable instruments.

Overview

Traditional dental instrument sterilization relies on single-use plastic packaging and off-site cleaning, generating significant waste and operational inefficiencies. This project explores a reusable, sealed sanitation system that integrates steam cleaning and UV-C disinfection to allow instruments to be safely cleaned on-site.

Problem

  • Dental clinics generate large volumes of single-use plastic waste
  • Packaging materials are difficult to recycle
  • 22.3 g of plastic per patient
  • 2,000+ disposable units per clinic annually
  • Reusable instruments require off-site sterilization

Design Goals

  • Sustainability: Reduce single-use plastics
  • Ease of Use: Compact and clinic-friendly
  • Safety: Eliminate pathogens without exposure

Solution

The final design combines steam cleaning with UV-C light disinfection inside a sealed aluminum enclosure. UV-C light (100–280 nm) disrupts DNA replication in microorganisms, while reflective aluminum improves sanitation efficiency.

Final Design

  • Device: UV-C Medical Instrument Cleaner, designed and rendered on CAD
  • Dimensions: 2″ × 2″ × 8″
  • Components: Body, Drawer, UV-C Light System

Outcome & Impact

This project demonstrates how sealed UV-C sanitation can reduce plastic waste while maintaining medical safety standards. The modular design supports scalability and broader healthcare use.

In Depth Presentation

Internal layout UV-C cleaner concept Drawer mechanism Final assembled design

Portable Wind-Powered Energy Harvester

Project Overview

This project explores small-scale renewable energy generation through the triboelectric effect, converting ambient wind motion into usable electrical energy. The goal was to design a portable, off-grid power solution suitable for outdoor, emergency, and wilderness applications where conventional power sources are unavailable.

Concept & Motivation

Many portable energy solutions rely on batteries or solar panels, which can be unreliable in shaded or remote environments. A wind-powered triboelectric nanogenerator offers a lightweight, mechanically simple alternative that harvests energy from everyday environmental motion.

How It Works

  • Wind induces mechanical motion within the system
  • Contact and separation between triboelectric layers transfers charge
  • The resulting electrostatic potential is collected as electrical output
  • The prototype achieved a peak output of 3.4 V under wind excitation

Design & Engineering

The mechanical system was fully modeled and iterated in SolidWorks, with emphasis on component fit and alignment, efficient motion transfer under low wind speeds, and a compact, portable form factor. Multiple design iterations were tested to improve stability, durability, and electrical output.

Outcome

The final design demonstrates the feasibility of wind-driven triboelectric energy harvesting for portable, off-grid applications. While optimized for low-power output, the system highlights the potential of TENG technology as a supplement to traditional renewable energy sources, particularly in environments where solar or battery solutions fall short.

Triboelectric energy harvester concept Mechanical design and motion system

Contact

Feel free to reach out.