Robert Garcia

Junior Mechanical Engineering Student

Cambridge, US.

About

Highly motivated junior Mechanical Engineering student at Harvard University with a 3.55 GPA, specializing in nanoscale optics, microfabrication, and IoT systems. Proven ability to conduct advanced research, design complex mechanical and electrical systems, and lead student organizations, consistently delivering quantifiable results and innovative solutions. Seeking to leverage strong technical acumen, hands-on laboratory experience, and leadership skills in challenging engineering roles.

Work

Harvard University Laboratory for Nanoscale Optics

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Research Assistant

Cambridge, MA, US

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Summary

Conducted advanced research on dry etch recipe optimization and photonic device fabrication, contributing to cutting-edge nanoscale optics advancements.

Highlights

Optimized dry etch recipes for titanium dioxide and polycrystalline diamond thin films, significantly enhancing material properties for advanced nanoscale applications.

Fabricated complex photonic devices, including ridges, ring resonators, microdisks, and photonic crystals, utilizing TiO2 and polycrystalline diamond films for experimental studies.

Characterized fabricated photonic devices using a transmission setup, validating performance and contributing critical data to ongoing research projects.

National Nanotech Research Center

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Research Experience for Undergraduates Intern

Pasadena, CA, US

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Summary

Executed microfabrication of thin-film heaters to simulate hotspots, advancing research into nanoscale thermal management for microprocessors.

Highlights

Fabricated nanoscale devices for testing the effectiveness of a patch designed to cool down hotspots on microprocessors, contributing to novel thermal management solutions.

Utilized cleanroom facilities to create devices incorporating hotspot heaters and temperature sensors, enabling precise simulation of heat generation for experimental analysis.

Volunteer

Course Assistant

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Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

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Provided academic support and instruction for students in Computer Science 50, enhancing their understanding and problem-solving abilities.

Highlights

Held weekly office hours, providing targeted tutoring and problem set instruction to students in Computer Science 50, fostering improved comprehension of complex concepts.

Vice President

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Harvard College Engineering Society

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Led initiatives to foster community and professional development for the engineering student body at Harvard.

Highlights

Organized monthly meetings and diverse activities, cultivating a vibrant and engaged engineering community for hundreds of Harvard students.

Managed guest speaker engagements, communications, and comprehensive event planning, enhancing professional development opportunities for members.

Education

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA, United States of America
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Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering Grade: 3.55 GPA

Courses

Computer Aided Machine Design

Thermodynamics

Engineering Design Seminar

Solid Mechanics

Mechanical Systems

Materials

Data Structures and Algorithms

Design Project: Aerobic Charge (Converting kinetic energy during exercise to electrical charge)

Hartford High School

Hartford, CT, United States of America
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High School Diploma General Studies Grade: Salutatorian

Courses

Honors Science Program

Awards

Salutatorian

Hartford High School

Recognized as the second-highest ranking student in a graduating class of over 200 for exceptional academic achievement.

1st Place Winner, Robot Challenge

Hartford High School

Secured first place in a competitive robotics challenge, demonstrating superior design, programming, and problem-solving capabilities.

Languages

Spanish

German

Skills

Laboratory & Fabrication

Cleanroom Fabrication, Photolithography, E-beam Lithography, Metallization, Thin Film Deposition, Etching, Metrology, SEM Imaging, Nanofabrication, Photonic Device Fabrication.

Programming & Software

Python, C, PHP, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, MATLAB, SolidWorks, Adobe Creative Suite, Google SketchUp, Raspberry Pi, IoT Development.

Engineering Principles & Design

Mechanical Design, Electrical Systems Design, Computer Aided Machine Design, Thermodynamics, Solid Mechanics, Mechanical Systems, Materials Science, Data Structures and Algorithms, Engineering Design, Prototyping, Thermal Management.

Research & Analysis

Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Technical Characterization, Process Optimization.

Leadership & Communication

Team Leadership, Event Planning, Stakeholder Management, Technical Communication, Tutoring, Community Engagement.

Projects

Smart Appliance (IoT Toaster)

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Summary

Engineered an IoT-enabled toaster prototype leveraging Raspberry Pi, Python code, and a 3D-printed body.

Electric Bicycle

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Summary

Designed and developed comprehensive electrical and mechanical systems for a custom 1kW electric bicycle.