(787) - 671 - 3239
About Me
Hi, I’m Fernando. I'm currently working on my BS in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez.
I'm interested in exploring the logic of natural patterns to understand, quantify, and harness the positive value of nature-based solutions for prosperity of the biosphere.
My work as an undergraduate has varied from machine learning, synthetic biology, animal behavior, robotics, and currently in sustainability engineering education.
Education
B.E. Mechanical Engineering
August 2017 - May 2023 (Expected)
University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez
Interests
Resilience and sustainability
Biological and biomedical engineering
Engineering education
Internet of things
Professional Experience
Student Researcher - MIT Summer Research Program 2022
Jun 2022 - Present |
Cambridge, MA
Working on studying the coating process of inverse opals (self-assembling nanomaterial) that can improve the heat transfer efficiency in vapor power plants to reduce power water consumption and reduce fuel consumption.”
Student Researcher - Sustainability Engineering Education
Jan 2022 - Present | Mayagüe, PR
Joined a grassroots initiative from professors and student seeking to create a bachelor's in Sustainability Engineering. I help create possible coursework, outreach with stakeholders, and review existing literature.
Robotics Mechanic Engineer
Aug 2021 - May 2022 | Mayagüez, PR
Aided in design and construction of robots for Aon Robotics, a UPRM Team competing in Vex Robotics.
Student Researcher - Biomimetics and Soft Robotics
Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 | Reno, NV
Worked in understanding the effect of olfaction in natural prey capture behavior in mice. Designed and built a novel airflow arena to run experiments with mice.
Student Researcher - iGEM-RUM Engineering Leader
Jan 2021 - Jul 2021 | Mayagüez, PR
Worked in designing a bioreactor to hold genetically engineered bacteria for the explosive bioremediation of local military impacted sites. I was in charge of the engineering division and designing the bioreactor within the iGEM Synthetic Biology team.
Student Researcher - Data mining
Jan 2019 - May 2021 | Mayagüez, PR
Developed a classification model to predict a HS student's major choice at UPRM using advanced knowledge extraction tools in statistical learning. I later assessed the summer camp's effectiveness in teaching and recruiting competent students.
"Piragüero Mindset"
I follow what I termed the "Piragüero Mindset". A piragua is a Puerto Rican shaved ice dessert. The mindset is as follows:
Rompiendo el hielo poco a poco, regalando piraguas mientras formo la mejor versión de mí. ¡Aprovecha!
Breaking the ice little by little, sharing piraguas while I shape the best version of myself.
