Education
#University of New Mexico
#- PhD in Mechanical Engineering | Began Fall 2025
- Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | May 2025 (GPA: 4.10)
Research Experience
#Graduate Student Researcher | NSF GRFP Scholar and RAISE Fellow (2025 – Present)
#- Project Overview: Exploring positive systems theory and interval estimation.
Trajectory Tracking in Unity Engine | Honors Thesis, McNair Scholar (2024–2025)
#- Project Overview: Simulate a moving object in the Unity Game engine and track it using PID, LQR, and MPC controllers.
- Work Done:
- Designed simulation framework: Unity as physics model, Python as data processor.
- Data processing pipeline: trajectory generator, Gaussian noise measurement function.
- State estimation: linear Kalman filter for position/velocity.
- Control systems: PID controller, LQR controller, MPC using convex optimization.
SCARA Optimization for Agile Manufacturing | El Puente Scholar (2022–2023)
#- Project Overview: Proposed a simulation framework for a Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm (SCARA) to carry objects of different weights in the most time-optimal manner.
- Work Done:
- Wrote literature review and project proposal.
- Presented poster at UNM Undergraduate Research Conference.
- Laid foundations for basic SCARA design using Simulink/Simscape Multibody.
Relevant Coursework
#- Estimation and Learning for Autonomous Systems: Focus on Kalman filter robustness/verification, \(H_{\infty}\) filters, Bayesian estimation, regression, neural networks, Gaussian processes, convex optimization. Built a nonlinear MPC for a kinematic bicycle plant.
- Learning Based Control for Robotics: Reinforcement learning fundamentals (Q-learning, DQN, PPO, DDPG), Markov chains. Developed a DDPG algorithm to control a virtual humanoid robot.
- Machine Learning: Statistical learning theory, bias-variance tradeoff, Hilbert spaces, practical Python applications (classification, Gaussian processes).
Research Interests
#- Moving Horizon Estimation
- Control and Estimation Safety/Robustness Guarantees
- Interval Estimation
- Machine Learning for Control/Estimation
Awards, Recognitions, and Scholarships
#- NSF GRFP Fellow (2025–Present)
- RAISE Fellow (2025–Present)
- McNair Scholar (2023–2025)
- NSF S-STEM Scholar (2023–2025)
- El Puente Scholar (2022–2023)
- UNM Grand Challenges Achievement in Student Communication (2023)
- UNM Achievers Scholarship (2021–2025)
- Dr. Dan Trigg Scholarship (2023–2024)
- Armijo Scholarship (2024)
- Morrison Scholarship (2024)
Professional Experience
#Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority | Engineering Intern (2025)
#- Pipe Upkeep & Documentation: Created work orders using Maximo and asset maps with ArcGIS PRO for planning/documentation.
- Sensor Installation: Installed H₂S sensors under sewer manholes to analyze concentrations.
- Sensor Data Analysis: Analyzed H₂S data to generate reports guiding future management/prevention actions.
Hydrosonics Energy | R&D Engineering Intern (2025)
#- Electrochemical Sensing: Created geometry and calibrated an electrochemical sensor for detecting methanol in thermochemical liquid products.
- Procedure Documentation: Wrote experimental procedure documentation using LaTeX to aid team compliance.
- Resin 3D Printing: Operated and maintained Formlabs Form 3L Resin printer for electrolysis system parts.
- Literature Review: Developed literature review for ARPA-E research proposal submission.
Program Management Experience
#Big Lobo Rocket | Project Manager (2024–2025)
#- Project Overview: Build and launch a 300-foot, single-stage, solid-fuel rocket to 1,500 feet with safe ground recovery. Sub-teams: structures, launch rail, propulsion, systems, logistics.
- Work Done:
- Conducted simulations using OpenRocket.
- Developed rocket parts in SolidWorks.
- Implemented and refined organizational practices.
- Designed housing for flight computer and CO₂ ejection system.
Community Service#
Mobile Kitchen Project at Polk Middle School | NSF S-STEM Scholar (2025)
#- Overview: Repurposed a truck trailer into a kitchen for community gatherings in South Valley Albuquerque.
- Work Done: Demolished trailer to metal frame, installed flooring/side walls, planned appliance layout/counts while complying with food safety regulations.
Rooftop Garden Development at La Siembra Leadership High School | NSF S-STEM Scholar (2023–2024)
#- Overview: Developed economic, logistical, and technical aspects for a student rooftop garden focusing on education, agriculture, and water management.
- Work Done: Calculated costs for necessary instruments/equipment to support project development.
Presentations
#Trajectory Tracking in Unity Engine
#- April 2025: UNM Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (Oral)
- September 2024: MKN McNair Heartland Research Conference (Oral)
- September 2024: UNM McNair Research Conference (Oral)
- July 2024: McNair Research Symposium (Oral)
SCARA Robot Speed Optimization
#- April 2023: UNM Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (Poster)
Skills
#Programming Languages & Software
#- Python, Julia, MATLAB/GNU Octave, Simulink, C# (Unity), \( \LaTeX \), MS Office
CAD & Design Software
#- SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, OpenRocket
Manufacturing & Hardware
#- 3D Printing: Filament and Resin-based (Formlabs)
- Machining and Soldering
Teaching & Tutoring
#- Peer Tutor: Assisted classmates in Thermodynamics, Materials, and Controls courses.
Languages
#- Spanish (Native), English (Fluent)
Professional Attributes
#- Goal Oriented: Consistently expands knowledge outside classroom (programming, linear algebra, state estimation).