Daniel Powers – Portfolio

Hi, I’m Daniel Powers, a Computer Science undergraduate at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). I will graduate in Summer 2025 with minors in Engineering Technology and Audio Production.

What began as a love for software and problem-solving evolved into a passion for intelligent hardware-software systems. Through hands-on experience with platforms like Arduino and Siemens PLCs, I discovered how rewarding it is to build embedded systems that respond to the real world — systems that don’t just compute, but interact. That realization drove me to accelerate graduation and pursue embedded computing with clarity and urgency.

I’m preparing to begin an M.S. in Computer Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK). I aim to contribute to sustainable, human-centered technologies—just as I dreamed of growing up—by building assistive innovations such as smart prosthetics and intelligent devices that empower people. This portfolio showcases the work that shaped that path: from low-level motor control to lighting system diagnostics, from practical logic design to research-driven circuit optimization, and even the pure software projects I accomplished in Computer Science.

Embedded Systems & Engineering Projects

LED Driver Optimization for Agricultural Systems Role: Undergraduate Researcher, Smart Sensing and Robotics Lab

LED Driver Cart

• Designed and tested an active cooling system that reduced LED array temperatures by over 50%.
• Identified and resolved electrical faults, including surge current events, incorrect fuse ratings, and driver isolation errors.
• Documented schematics and research procedures and test results for lab continuity.
• Mentored exploratory high school students to the world of research, providing hands-on experience in a university lab environment.

241 Robot (Towing Bot)

• Maintained as sole point of contact for a legacy autonomous robot system with a Python-based control codebase.
• Operated the robot during research trials and maintained functional readiness across test cycles.
• Coordinated synchronized testing between the 241 Robot and the LED Driver Cart, ensuring consistent deployment conditions.

Autonomous Line-Following Robot

// Basic snippet from line-following robot
void move(int direction, int speed){
    int leftSpeed = 0;
    int rightSpeed = 0;
    if (direction == 1) { // Right
        leftSpeed = -1 * speed;
        rightSpeed = speed;
    } else if (direction == 2) { // Left
        leftSpeed = speed;
        rightSpeed = -1 * speed;
    } else if (direction == 3) { // Forwards
        leftSpeed = speed;
        rightSpeed = speed;
    } else if (direction == 4) { // Backwards
        leftSpeed = -1 * speed;
        rightSpeed = -1 * speed;
    }
    Encoder_1.setTarPWM(leftSpeed);
    Encoder_2.setTarPWM(rightSpeed * 1.20);
}
                

• Developed a sensor-driven navigation algorithm on Arduino IDE using IR reflectance sensors.
• Implemented motor calibration and sensor edge detection error correction.
• Tested on a Makeblock Ultimate Kit platform.
• Experimented with logic for junction loss, sharp turns, and intersection control.

PLC Conveyor System with Part Classification

• Modeled an industrial sorting system using Siemens S7-1500 PLC and TIA Portal.
• Integrated color and metal detection sensors.
• Programmed safety features and classification logic with ladder diagrams.

View Full Sorting Ladder Logic (SortingLadder)

Computer Science & Software Projects

Mooflixz: Full-Stack Music Web App

• Developed a full-stack music web application using React, Node.js, and MySQL.
• Implemented user authentication, playlist management, and music streaming features.
• Leveraged Spotify and YouTube APIs to fill music database information and playback links.
• Designed a responsive UI with Material-UI and integrated a custom audio player.
• Participated in weekly presentations to showcase progress.

MTSU Study App

• Selected as the first student team to implement a faculty-initiated multi-year study platform project, tasked with bringing the department's vision to reality.
• Developed the initial framework for a comprehensive study platform tailored for MTSU students to enhance academic performance.
• Designed the platform to standardize material between professors while creating an accessible space for lab administration and positive study influence.
• Researched and implemented authentication solutions, successfully integrating a primitive OAuth2.0 system with Azure after exploring multiple authentication methods.
• Established the foundational CSS styling and design language for the platform, creating the visual framework for future development phases.
• Utilized modern web technologies to create the foundational codebase for this ongoing multi-year student platform initiative.

Portfolio Website Development

• Designed and developed this portfolio website from scratch to showcase technical projects and professional journey, leveraging tools such as GPT 4.1 and Claude Sonnet 3.5 to facilitate rapid development.
• Implemented a modern glassmorphism design with color-coded sections, responsive navigation, and optimized media presentation using HTML5, CSS3, and Vanilla JavaScript.
• Built a fully responsive layout that adapts seamlessly across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices with accessible navigation patterns.
• Architected a modular codebase with separated CSS and JavaScript files for improved maintainability and performance optimization.
• Optimized video playback with intelligent lazy-loading, intersection observer APIs, and progressive enhancement for performance.
• Integrated advanced CSS features including backdrop filters, gradient animations, and smooth scrolling for a polished user experience.

Audio Production Projects

Audio Mixing with Sound & Music design for "Darrel" (Academic Only)

• Voted Best Audio Design by leading professor and showcased as a standout project.
• Recorded and designed original sound effects to supplement existing audio assets and enhance storytelling atmosphere.
• Applied advanced audio processing techniques including EQ, reverberation, and spatial audio effects for professional-quality output.

Foley Recording, Sound Design, & Mixing for "Caminandes" (Academic Only)

• Recorded custom Foley sounds including footsteps, environmental effects, and character movement.
• Designed layered soundscapes to create immersive audio environments matching visual scenes.
• Mixed and balanced multiple audio tracks for optimal clarity and dynamic range.
• Synchronized audio elements precisely with visual cues for seamless integration.

Additional Information

Relevant Coursework

Leadership & Involvement

🏆 Academic Achievements

🥇

1st Place HackMT Spring 2024 Hackathon 📰 Project "Blue Aid" - Read News Article

Blue Aid Team - HackMT 2024 Winners

🎓

True Blue Scholarship 8/8 Semesters

📚

Dean's List Fall 2021 – Present

💻

Computer Science Department Scholarship Spring 2025

Resume & CV

Contact