Undergraduate Researcher at Bewley Applied Turbulence Lab

Objective

Set up and analyzed wind turbulence in the wake of a cylinder utilizing hotwires by visualizing voltage behavior with varying fan frequencies to obtain vortex shedding frequencies. In addition, I conducted drone testing to observe its behavior while undergoing turbulence in the wind tunnel.

Below is an image of the wind tunnel

Approach/Technical Details

• Constructed an experimental setup in a wind tunnel to analyze flow in the wake of a 1-, 2-, and 3-inch diameter cylinder.
• Manufactured hot-wires and handled pressure transducers, voltmeters, and vessels.
• Redesigned existing Arduino program to analyze collected wind speed and voltage data from the wind tunnel.
• Analyzed results by applying a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm programmed in MATLAB to visualize vortex shedding frequencies.
• Communicated progress via weekly meetings with PhD candidate and submitted summary reports to the laboratory director.
• Conducted drone testing by having them hover in the wind tunnel while undergoing turbulent conditions.

Results

• Visualized vortex shedding frequencies for fan frequencies of 10, 13, 15 and 19 Hz respectively.
• Found wind speeds associated with fan frequency and voltage readings over time.
• Ensured calibration of hotwire for future drone applications.
• Recorded voltage variations in drones linked directly to battery consumption.

Video of Drone Hovering in Wind Tunnel

Below is a video of a drone called "Pidgeon" hovering in the wind tunnel with a fan frequency equivalent to 15 Hz.

Design and Manufacturing Engineer Intern at Steiner Technologies

Objective

Design custom-ordered tool parts in SolidWorks, proceed to program macros in CNC machines and manufacture quantity of parts needed for completion of the order on time for delivery.

Below is an image of myself unloading cutter blades

Approach/Technical Details

• Setup and ran CNC Mill with rotary 4th axis and CNC Mill- turn with B-axis.
• Checked work using specialized measurement fixtures and micrometers according to print tolerances.
• Scheduled and distributed job travelers to the manufacturing floor to ensure on time delivery for customers.
• Designed and built prototypes utilizing SolidWorks for possible new business ventures in the energy storage field.
• Worked alongside sales manager to gain knowledge in areas of sales, finances and management.

Results

• • Led completion of 10+ aluminum custom-made cutter blade parts.
• Improved customer's cycle time per project by 60 percent.
• Gained experience utilizing CAD software, CNC machinery and in business related areas of the company.

Mechanical Engineering Intern at Wolfspeed

Objective

Designed a GUI using Java programming language to enable workers to test Rth and Ampacity values in MOSFETs without the need of conducting these tests in laboratories. In addition, I also assisted the team by performing CAD redesigns on MOSFETs to later undergo thermo analysis utilizing ANSYS to inspect heat dissipation.

MOSFETs are a type of transistor and its applications include almost all electronic applicances. It is extensively used in radio frequency and EV applications.

Approach/Technical Details

• Designed a Graphical User Interface using Java to optimize Ampacity and Thermal Resistance values in MOSFETs.
• Redesigned packages for MOSFETs in SolidWorks and conducted a thermal analysis simulation for these CAD models in ANSYS.
• Directed a dimensional analysis test on MOSFETs using a Keyence microscope to compare to those conducted by a third party vendor.

Results

• Completely designed and interactive GUI for users to test different die position in MOSFETs and visualize with precision values of Rth and Ampacity.
• Helped the team save up to 70% in time by utilizng a GUI system instead of conducting testing in a laboratory.
• Gained experience utilizing SolidWorks and ANSYS software by redesigning existing MOSFETs and applying thermo-analysis.

CAD Student Aide at Technology Center in MCC

Objective

Shortly after concluding my engineering prototyping class, I wanted to find a way to put the skills learned in practice. At that time, I had a good understanding of SolidWorks and its applications.

I applied for a job on campus at the Student Technology Center Lab in MCC. I found this to be a great experience to enhance my CAD skills and also to help students out!

Responsibilities:

• Assisted 20+ students by troubleshooting design issues when completing assignments in SolidWorks.
• Provided assistance in English and Spanish depending on students needs.
• Managed the computer lab by ensuring all electronic devices were safely handled and shut down when not in use.

Science/Engineering Tutor

Objective

I have always enjoyed motivating and being able to help the future generation of professionals. I was able to work at a charter school in the city of Rochester, NY. Here, I would assist students in any assignment they would have. Primarily science and math related assignments.

I was also able to attend school programs and spend time with teachers and students. It was great being part of such a great community and knowing I was able to help out!

Autonomous UAV and UGV System

Objective

Manufacture, design and wire an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capable of carrying an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) across an obstacle course, which then would be dropped after light sensors activate for the UGV to follow a straight path to the finish line.

Below is an image of the UAV and UGV system prior to flight

Approach/Technical Details

• Managed a team of four undergraduate students by determining and distributing technical roles and scheduling weekly meetings.
• Used Betaflight and Cleanflight for PID tuning and to command the drone.
• Solder all wires and connections to respective flight controller and power distribution boards (PDB).

Results

• UAV was able to carry the UGV across the course and successfully complete all tasks.
• UGV activated light sensor and detached itself from the UAV to follow a straight path using a QTR-8-IR light sensor.

Schematic Wiring for UGV and UAV

Schematic Wiring of a UGV

Schematic wiring of circuit boards, motors, battery, and color sensor for UGV



Schematic Wiring of a UAV

Schematic wiring of ESC's, flight controller, receivers, batteries, PDB, and motors for UAV

Autonomous Ground Vehicle

Objective

Manufacture and design mechanical car body parts for an autonomous vehicle in SolidWorks capable of circling around an oval track and pulling the most weight attached to its rear end.

Below is an image of myself unloading cutter blades

Approach/Technical Details

• Designed chassis plate, steering arms, wheel mounts, steering rod, brackets and wheels utilizing SolidWorks.
• Manufactured all designed parts in a CNC machine laboratory with aluminum material and plastic for the wheels.
• Designed and 3D printed the car body for aesthetic enhancement.
• Assembled all components and added servo motors, gears, and line sensors to the vehicle.
• Coordinated and discussed approach for maximizing efficiency of the vehicle in completing objectives stated.

Results

• Autonomous vehicle navigated successfully around the oval track by making use of a line sensor attached to bottom of the chassis plate.
• The vehicle was able to pull 1200g of weight hanging from the edge of a table and tied to the rear end of the vehicle.

Examples of CAD Exploded Views

Exploded View of Steering ASM



Exploded View of Rear Axle ASM

Covid-19 Programming Project

Objective

Displayed a geographical data map of Chimborazo (province located in Ecuador) in MATLAB that would display colored dots (green, yellow, and red) depending on the severity of Covid-19 cases in each town. Also, plot information to understand and analyze Covid-19 cases across time.

Following the rise of Covid-19 cases around the world I saw an opportunity to create a user-friendly program in MATLAB to help habitants in my hometown have a better understanding and image of what towns within the province need to be avoided due to severity of Covid-19 cases.

I was recognized and interviewed by a local news channel in Rochester, NY. Follow this link to read the news section!

Approach/Technical Details

• Coded a program utilizing MATLAB capable of providing updated information regarding Covid-19 cases and severity across Chimborazo province in Ecuador.
• Used an information box to explain technical aspects of the figures that are outputted.

Results

• Displayed a geographical map of Chimborazo showing severity of Covid-19 cases with green, yellow and red dots to prevent people from traveling to specified towns.
• Allow user to input data in MATLAB and provide updated information to people in Ecuador.

Animatronic Hand

Objective

Utilized a Raspberry Pi Pico with several servo motors to control an Animatronic Hand. Specifically, we used these motors actuated by flex sensors to control the fingers of an Animatronic Hand. These flex sensors were attached to fingers on a glove enabling any user to wear this glove and actuate the animatronic hand by fexing their fingers. Below an image showing this.

To view our presentation posted on YouTube please click on this following link

To view the final report for this project please click on this following link

Software Design

Our main goal was to first read from the ADC pins of the Pi Pico to get the current voltage across the flex sensors. Then, we used linear mapping form voltage to PWM, to then send this PWM signal to the servo motor. Since these PWM signals control the rotational position of the servos, we can adjust the servo position using the flex sensors. A logical structure for the software implementation is shown below.



Hardware Design

We used cardboard, straws, and strings to build the animatronic hand. We traced our hands on the cardboard, then cut out the pattern with scissors. We hinged the finger joints with the help of a knife to give a natural curl to the fingers. We attached one edge of the string to the tip of the finger and the other to the servo motors. This setup will enable the fingers to curl when the servo motor is activated. The straws helped us create a channel that would later be used to feed the strings through. A better picture of the setup is illustrated below.



Results

• The results of this project met our expectations. We successfully controlled our custom-made mechatronic hand with three flex sensors. We were able to perform simple gestures on the mechatronic hands with the movement of our fingers. Because of linear mapping and threshold in our software, we could precisely control each fingers degree of movement. The only setback of this project is that we only had three ADC pins on the Pi Pico, and consequently we were able to only use three flex sensors. If we want to make improvements, we could use a microcontroller with five usable ADC pins so that each finger can control corresponding fingers on the mechatronic hand. The other improvement we might want is to make this control wireless so that we can control the mechatronic hand in different locations.

Pappenheim Chamber Wheel Mechanism

Objective

As a design project we were assigned to choose a Reuleaux Machine from an online gallery. We would then observe this machine and all its components. Using our understanding of basic mechanics, we had to figure out how such machine worked and all components interacted. Finally, we would use Fusion 360 to design an accurate representation of chosen Reuleaux Machine. I chose the "Pappenheim Chamber Wheel Mechanism" which was manufactured by Gustave Voigt Werkstatt and designed by Reuleaux Franz.

About the Pappenheim Chamber Wheel Mechanism

This machine is the oldest form of chamber-wheel-gear, and the forerunner of modern gear pumps. The fluid that travels through the mechanism is delivered in a continuous stream. The volume of the flow per revolution is about equal to the annular space between the point and root cylinders. The mechanism can serve as both a pump and a motor. When water flows through the top entrance of the machine, the interlocked wheels can serve as a motor. On the other hand, when making use of the handle, it could allow the device to deliver fluids with constant volumetric flow. Below an image.

CAD Render of the Mechanism

Below is a Render of the completed CAD version of the Pappenheim Chamber Wheel Mechanism observed above.



CAD Video Render of Wheel Chamber

CAD Video Render of Exploded View of Mechanism

Designed this personal website from scratch!

I used HTML and CSS!

Photography!

I have always found fascinating the capability of capturing moments in life through pictures. I recently acquired a semi-professional camera (Sony alpha a6000) which I have been using ever since. Below are some samples of the pictures I have taken: To see more of my journey as a photographer, please visit koalistic.photography on Instagram!

Quilotoa Lake, Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador

Visiting a ~750 year old collapsed volcano 🌋 now known as the Quilotoa Lake!

Jambeli Island, Manabi Province, Ecuador

Sunset view from the shores of Jambeli Island, located off the southern coast of Ecuador.

Memorial Bridge, Rochester NY, USA

View of the Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge over the Genesee River in downtown Rochester.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu!

My journey as a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Fighter....

At the age of 16 I was on a quest of finding a sport that I would be truly passionate about. After bouncing from sport to sport, including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, etc., I found myself enrolling in a jiu jitsu gym and have continued practicing ever since!

Accomplishments in Competitions:

• 1 Gold medal, 1 Silver medal at GoodFight Submission Only Tournament in Middlesex, PA. (August 2020)
• 2 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal at North American Grappling Association tournament in Wildwood, NJ. (August 2020)
• Silver Medal at Abu Dhabi trials - Canadian National Pro in Toronto, ON. (February 2020)
• EBI Superfight Winner and Fastest Submission of the night in Owego, NY. (November 2019)
• 3 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal at North American Grappling Association tournament in Manalapan, NJ. (November 2019)
• 2 Gold medals, 1 Silver medal, 1 Bronze medal at Grappling Industries in Buffalo, NY. (June 2019)
• 2 Gold medals at Buffalo Jiu Jitsu Open in Buffalo, NY. (May 2019)
• 2 Silver medals, 1 Bronze medal at Ascension Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Toronto, ON. (February, 2019)
• MMA Amateur debut winner by submission at Team Fere MMA Invitational in Riobamba, ECU. (June 2018)
• 1 Gold medal, 1 Bronze medal at Ecuadorian National Jiu Jitsu Championship in Cuenca, ECU. (December 2017)

Ecuadorian National Jiu Jitsu Championship Podium (December 2017)



North American Grappling Championship Podium (November 2019)

Soccer!

Begginings

Sports in general were always a main aspect of my life. My father was a huge soccer fan, which is the sport I started with. I trained all my childhood and some of my teenage years before I bounced to different sports.

Below is an image of an award ceremony after a kids tournament back in 2004 (I was 4 years old at the time)

I played in several teams during my life. The most recent team I played for was Cornell "Santos", an undergraduate club team at Cornell. I played Fall 2022 season, unfortunately we did not qualify to regionals, but it was a great experience and very fun!