Joseph Shotts
I'm a 5th year GVSU Computer Engineering student dedicated to learning as much as possible. I created this website to showcase my skills and projects. I believe the best way to learn is by doing.
My core tools are C, Cpp, and Python development for UNIX, Windows, and embedded systems like STM32 or ESP32. I tend to use GCC/MSVC, GNU Make, and CMake with VS Code. I occasionally mess around with html, javascript, unity, CUDA, OpenCV, and other APIs/SDKs/languages.
I am a heavy OnShape user with experience in SolidWorks and navigating Windchill by PTC.
I'm a big believer in the design thinking process and practicing empathy as I develop products. Core to this process is asking for input from others and prototyping quickly and cheaply using things like Arduino, Python, 3D Printing, and Laser Cutting.
I'm comfortable with Rockwell PLC/HMIs/IO and FANUC robots. I've worked with a lot of different controls equipment during my 3 semesters of internship at JR Automation including some work with Keyence, Cognex, and IR vision systems.
During my time at GVSU I've worked with various tools including O-Scopes, Function Generators, Altium, FPGA/Vivado, and MATLAB Simulations.
I created a custom plotter from the ground up. I wrote Arduino firmware that controls the position of a pen using Gcode commands sent through a custom application built on windows. It sounds complicated, but it's designed to be easy to use and adapt.
Github
I've always been a huge fan of a project by Theo Jansen. Strandbeest He came up with a really clever walking geometry using genetic algorithms. I created a version to be laser cut using the OnShape CAD software.
CAD
I built this awhile using a kit and some custom designed parts. It used a 48v battery to achieve a max speed of 25 mph.
This is an old partially finished project. I built a synth from the ground up using numpy and pyaudio (pyaudio is a simple audio stream api). It creates various waveforms with various tambre and harmonics. It also makes specific weird chords.
I stay active and I'm a triathlete. I completed a 70 mile triathlon in 2022.
I've been on several community service trips with GVSU Alternative Breaks and I continue to volunteer in my free time.
These projects were completed mostly without the use of chatbots. I think chatbots are a powerful tool, and have advantages to offer in education and improved work speed. I find myself using gemini (with a source to factcheck against) to learn new concepts, or to create python scripts that automate repetitive tasks. However, chatbots have to be used carefully and intentionally to prevent a huge amount of AI slop or codebases that can't be maintained.
Worked over 1000 hours with licensed engineers at a controls integration company on multiple large projects. Completed as a GVSU graduation requirement.
Company WebsiteWorked part time in an on campus makerspace. I helped faculty/students/staff use technology like 3D printers, Laser Cutters, and VR.
Makerspace WebsiteI'm proud to be a laker and have learned so much from my university.
Great school system and glad to have grown up in West MI.
