Hi, I'm Vassilios Ringas!
Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Duke Class of 2028
I’m a sophomore from Richmond, VA, with a deep passion for engineering and the process of turning ideas into reality. I’ve always been drawn to challenges that blend creativity, precision, and problem‑solving, whether through hands‑on projects, personal explorations, or university coursework. My lifelong interest in roller coasters sparked my curiosity for how complex systems are designed, built, and optimized, and that curiosity continues to shape the engineer I am becoming. Today, I’m focused on expanding my technical skills, exploring innovative solutions, and pushing myself to design projects that are both functional and impactful.
Check out some of my projects here or read more about me below!
My dream of becoming a roller coaster designer started early, which fueled my passion for engineering. Whether I was building ten‑foot‑tall K’NEX coasters or smaller models for a third‑grade science project, I’ve been creating coasters for as long as I can remember. As I’ve grown, my projects have evolved with me. I moved from advanced K’NEX builds with integrated electronics to designing realistic layouts in NoLimits Coaster Simulation, and now, as a mechanical engineering student, to developing fully 3D‑printed functional roller coaster models. With each step, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the physics, mechanics, and creativity behind coaster design. These experiences continue to push me toward my next goal: contributing to real‑world coaster engineering.
Being a lifelong member of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), my path toward becoming an engineer has always been intertwined with roller coasters. ACE has given me invaluable opportunities to connect with the professional industry through guest speakers, behind‑the‑scenes events, and volunteering at the ACE booth at IAAPA since 2019. These experiences have given me a firsthand look at how the industry operates and evolves. As 2026 approaches, I’m excited to become even more involved through the ASTM F24 NextGen Task Force.
This past summer, I gained hands‑on industry experience as a Ride Operations Leadership Intern at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. From working on the opening team for their 2025 roller coaster to helping bring an SBNO ride back into operation, I learned extensively about operational safety standards, commissioning procedures, and the acceptance and testing processes for opening or reopening a ride.
I also developed a park improvement project, where I identified a gap in guest experience and developed a full attraction concept to address it. This project strengthened my real‑world engineering and problem‑solving skills while giving me insight into the many interconnected elements that go into creating a new attraction beyond engineering alone. Continuity, theming, guest flow, and operational constraints all play critical roles.
Read more and see the project here.
Read more and see the project here.
Outside of academics, I am an active member of Duke Club Ice Hockey and the trombone section leader for the Duke University Marching & Pep Band. I also serve as a Resident Assistant for upperclassmen undergraduate students.
Thank you!