Addie Patterson juggling tennis balls

Aspiring Theme Park Engineer

Addie Patterson

About Me

Addie Patterson

I've always been fascinated by theme parks and how they bring ideas to life. There's so much happening behind the scenes to make a ride thrilling, an environment feel real, or a moment feel magical. I love that engineering plays such a big role in creating those experiences, even when guests never see it.

I'm studying Mechanical Engineering and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, with a minor in Robotics. Between classes, projects, and my experience working in attractions maintenance, I've gotten to see how engineering works in practice and how much I enjoy figuring out how things work.

What excites me most is getting to combine the technical side of engineering with creativity. I'd love to help design and maintain the rides and experiences that make people laugh, scream, and leave with memories they'll carry for years. To me, that's what makes engineering in the themed entertainment industry so special.

Educational Journey

Rose-Hulman Bonfire

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

August 2024 - Present

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Master of Science in Engineering Management

Minors: Robotics, Systems Engineering

At Rose-Hulman, I'm pursuing a dual-degree in that combines the precision of mechanical engineering with the innovation of computer engineering. This unique combination allows me to design both the physical systems and the intelligent control that bring immersive experiences to life.

Addie and Big Red Towel

Western Kentucky University

August 2022 - May 2024

Associate of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies

Through WKU, I built a strong foundation in mathematics, sciences, and humanities while developing critical thinking and communication skills essential for engineering leadership.

Gatton Graduation

Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky

August 2022 - May 2024

A prestigious residential program for exceptional Kentucky high school students, the Gatton Academy provided early access to university-level STEM courses and research opportunities. This accelerated program allowed me to dive deep into advanced mathematics, physics, and engineering while surrounded by similarly driven peers at Western Kentucky University.

WCHS Graduation

Woodford County High School

August 2020 - May 2024

My high school years laid the groundwork for my engineering journey, where I discovered my passion for STEM, developed leadership skills through athletics and clubs, and built the work ethic that drives me today.

Computer Engineering

• AC Circuits
• Communication Networks
• Computer Architecture
• Data Structures
• DC Circuits
• Digital Systems

• Electronic Device Modeling
• Embedded Systems
• Microcontrollers
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Signal Processing

Mechanical Engineering

• Design for Manufacturing
• Dynamics
• Engineering Statistics
• Fluid Systems
• Materials
• Mechanics of Deformable Solids

• Measurement Systems
• Numerical Methods of Engineering Analysis
• Statics and Mechanics of Materials
• System Dynamics
• Thermodynamics

Master's of Engineering Management

• Intellectual Properties for Engineering
• Leadership and Global Challenges

• Risk Analysis & Management

TPED Leadership Team

Theme Park Engineering & Design

President & Founder/Former VP of Competitions

January 2026 - Present

Leading a team of passionate engineers and designers in creating innovative theme park experiences and competing in national design challenges. As VP and Competition Lead, I coordinate competition teams from development from concept to completion, manage competition strategy, and mentor team members in both technical skills and creative thinking. The newest challenge has been Ride Engineering Competition where I coordinate documentation efforts applying SATS, FATs, ASTM F24 standards as well as serving as the electrical/controls lead.

This role combines my love for immersive storytelling with rigorous engineering design, balancing the artistic vision of themed entertainment with the engineering required to make it real.

Skills:

Project coordination, team mentorship, systems integration, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, public presentation

ASTM F24 Logo

ASTM F24 Committee on Amusement Rides and Devices

NextGen Task Group

ASTM F24 develops the safety standards for amusement rides and devices, the same standards I applied while inspecting rides and attractions at Michigan's Adventure. As part of NextGen, I traveled to the ASTM F24 October conference to take part in the committee's work alongside industry professionals.

Impact Areas:

Industry standards, ride safety, professional networking, early-career engagement

IAAPA Logo

IAAPA

Experiential Scholarship Recipient & 2026 Expo Show Ambassador

I was selected as a recipient of the IAAPA Experiential Scholarship and have attended several IAAPA events to connect with professionals across the attractions industry. I have also been selected as a Show Ambassador for the 2026 IAAPA Expo.

Impact Areas:

Industry networking, professional development, attractions industry engagement

2026 Women's HCAC Tournament Champions

Women's Varsity Tennis

Student-Athlete

August 2024 - Present

As a member of the Rose-Hulman varsity tennis team, I've learned that excellence requires more than just technical skill—it demands mental toughness, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication. Tennis has taught me how to perform under pressure, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain focus during long, grueling matches. More than anything, it has taught me slef disicpline. In 2025, I was named an All-HCAC honoree, balancing rigorous engineering coursework with DIII athletics.

Beyond my own performance, I've taken on informal leadership roles, mentoring younger players, fostering team culture, and leading by example both on and off the court. I've learned that the best teams are built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to growth. These lessons translate directly to engineering teams.

Key Skills Developed:

Resilience, strategic thinking, time management, mentorship, team building, competitive drive

InterVarsity Club Members

InterVarsity Christian Student Fellowship

Hospitality & Outreach Coordinator

August 2024 - Present

As Hospitality & Outreach Coordinator, I create welcoming environments for students to connect, grow, and find community. This role has deepened my understanding of inclusive leadership and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Through organizing events, coordinating outreach initiatives, and building relationships across campus, I've developed skills in event planning, communication, and community building. This work reflects my belief that the best solutions—whether in engineering or in life—center on understanding and serving people.

Impact Areas:

Community building, event coordination, inclusive leadership, interpersonal communication, service orientation

Addie & her SCATS Campers

The Center for the Gifted Studies

Youth Program Counselor

May 2024 - August 2024

As a Youth Program Counselor at a camp for gifted and talented students, I helped promote STEM education and a love of learning. I led daily activities that kept curious, high-achieving campers engaged and excited, creating memorable experiences while keeping safety the top priority.

Working with students who ask big questions and move fast meant solving problems and getting creative in the moment. I supported large-scale camp events through logistics, activity coordination, and event operations, and I communicated with families and collaborated with staff to deliver safe, engaging experiences in a fast-paced environment.

Skills:

Creative problem-solving, activity design, event logistics, communication, safety awareness, teamwork

More coming soon!

Work Experience

Michigan's Adventure Internship

Michigan’s Adventure

Facilities & Attractions Maintenance/Engineering Intern

May 2026 - August 2026

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducted inspections of rides and attractions in accordance with ASTM F24 standards, OSHA guidelines, and Six Flags safety protocols, ensuring safe and consistent operation
• Responded to ride calls on 40+ attractions, troubleshooting mechanical and operational issues in real time
• Performed and supported brake maintenance, train rebuilds, and lap bar repairs and monitored ride foundations and footers for potential issues
• Collaborated with maintenance and operations teams to support efficiency, maintain compliance, and enhance overall guest experience across the park
• Contributed to process improvements and small-scale engineering projects focused on ride reliability
• Participated in leadership development programs and business seminars while strengthening technical problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills

View Wolverine Wildcat Intern Project Technical Skills Applied:

ASTM F24 standards, electrical troubleshooting, mechanical troubleshooting, ride control systems, show controls, preventative maintenance, safety inspections, project management

Engineering Project:

Served as electrical lead for a three-person intern project developing a new show control system and retheme for a wooden coaster. Worked directly with park managers and executives to integrate lighting, effects, and other technical systems into the guest experience. Developed technical guide and maintenance protocol adhering to ASTM-F24 and OSHA standards to ensure proper upkeep.

Impact:

Streamlined shut-down procedure by creating documention for all 40+ attractions, directly improved guest experience by implementing Wolverine Wildcat Special Effects, provided maintenance team with passionate outlook and technical experience, and reduced ride downtime by ensuring proper operation of attractions.

Otter bot

Badger Technologies

Robotics Support Technician

June 2025 - September 2025

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitored 700+ autonomous robots across 25+ companies in real time, analyzing system alerts, performance logs, and control system feedback to troubleshoot operational issues
• Authored 50+ Confluence technical documents on robot subsystems, repair protocols, and alert monitoring; boosting article traffic by 400%
• Remotely assisted technicians with field-replaceable unit (FRU) replacements and system repairs
• Utilized LiDAR technology to gather spatial data of retail store environments; processed data into editable 2D and 3D maps using AI tools and GIMP
• Collaborated daily with global team to provide customers quality service 24/7

Technical Skills Applied:

Navigation systems, sensor arrays, control software, system logs analysis, remote support

Impact:

Reduced average robot downtime, improved system reliability, and developed troubleshooting protocols that increased team efficiency

WKU Scholar Showcase

Western Kentucky University Department of Psychological Sciences

EEG Signal Processing Research Assistant

January 2023 - May 2024

Analyzed EEG signals to identify and remove eye-blink events via filtering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed Python scripts for EEG signal analysis, removing eye-blink artifacts via Fourier analysis filters and feedback control methods with 95% accuracy
• Utilized problem-solving skills to design a non-AI signal processing approach that achieved faster analysis and required less data than AI methods, eliminating the need for model training
• Documented analysis workflows in GitHub repository, ensuring reproducibility and version control
• Collaborated with research mentor and various campus department to collect data for interpretation
• Coauthored and presented a research poster at the WKU Student Scholar Showcase

Technical Skills Applied:

Python, fourier transforms, signal processing, adaptive filtering

Impact:

Developed program to filter out eye blink events without AI, improving data accuracy and decreasing filter time significantly.

Project Portfolio

Wolverine Wildcat Retheme Intern Project Team

Wolverine Wildcat Retheme

Engineered an immersive tunnel experience integrating show control, audio, fog, and themed effects

Bluebox Project

Blue Box Project

Embedded microcontroller system for keypad input, DTMF output, LCD feedback

TerasIC FPGA Altera Board

Pong FPGA Game

Classic game reimagined with FPGA hardware design

Bonfire Game Screen

Rose-Hulman Bonfire Game

Interactive digital experience for campus tradition

Freshman Design Robot

Olympics Robot

Competitive robotics project showcasing autonomous systems

🎯

Projectile Motion Simulation

Physics-based interactive learning game

CornHole ballista-inspired beanbag launcher

Cornhole Beanbag Launcher

Automated mechanical system with precision targeting

Sockets Communication Impletation in WSL

Socket Chat Program

TCP/IP client-server chat application in C

🌡️

Thermocouple Signal Conditioning

System modeling and signal conditioning circuit design

🎸

Wah Pedal Modeling

Frequency response analysis and circuit redesign

⚡

Piezoelectric Beam

Electromechanical system modeling and vibration analysis

🔊

Loudspeaker Driver Design

Audio system modeling and enclosure optimization

⚙️

Single-Cycle Processor

RISC-V processor implementation in Verilog

Pipelined Processor pipe hazards implementation

Pipelined Processor

Advanced RISC-V processor with hazard resolution

Resume

⬇ View Resume

Experience Highlights

My resume showcases my journey through engineering, robotics, and themed entertainment. It includes detailed information about my dual majors, technical projects, leadership roles, and professional experience.