Hi, I'm
Max Zeng
Nice to meet you! I'm currently at Columbia University pursuing an Integrated B.S. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a Computer Science minor. Thank you for checking out my portfolio!
Terrain Conforming Trekking Pole
Granular Jamming Pole Tip for Accessible Hiking · 2025–2026
TerraLock is an adaptive trekking pole that uses granular jamming to conform to complex terrain on every step. A vacuum pump stiffens a granule-filled membrane the moment the pole touches down, giving hikers with cerebral palsy a wider, locked footprint instead of a single sliding tip.
Building things with
a purpose.
I'm a Mechanical Engineering student from New York City with a passion for building things that move, actuate, and solve real world problems. My work spans precision manufacturing, medical devices, product design, aerospace, robotics, and structural design. Beyond engineering, I enjoy competing in intramural basketball tournaments and performing with my university's traditional lion dance troupe. These team activities remind me of the collaborative engineering environments where I do my best work.
Similarly, I have extensive experience being part of and leading project teams. Through these experiences I worked significantly with CAD, technical documentation and drafting, data analysis, material science, mechanical systems, and project coordination. I have always been a creative person who strives to see the world from multiple perspectives, which is why I love being in team environments where I can learn from and bounce ideas off of my peers to turn concepts into practical solutions.
I'm always open to new experiences and opportunities to apply my skills to create a meaningful impact! Please feel free to contact me.