Control and optimization of over-actuated dynamic systems, autonomous and intelligent agents

Working as a the leading engineer at SPEL I was responsible for managing an interdisciplinary team of young engineers working on the software development of a nano-satellite. This required a systematic software management were quality assurance and validation was critical.

As part of my PhD in The Pennsylvania State University I worked with a group of 6 specialist in aerodynamic analysis that were part of a the larger organization designing the Dragonfly mission. Dragonfly was selected in 2017 as the next NASA's New Frontiers mission for the exploration of Titan (Saturn's largest moon). The Applied Physics Lab (the mother organization) was in charge of managing about 150 specialists. My experience working in Dragonfly allowed to experience (and to learn) the management of a large and complex engineering project were the delivery of timely reports and software tools was of paramount importance. The correct synchronization of between teams was crucial for the project to move forward in its completion level.

In addition, in the last five years I have developed a strong set of skills building, testing and flying vehicle designed for research. I have interacted with the larger community around Unmanned Aerial Systems (AIAASciTech and VFS conferences), and seen the expanding fields in which they are now being applied to.

Other areas of expertise include:
- Extensive programming experience on python, C/C++, MATLAB, Bash.
- Extensive experience on GNU/Linux systems and Object Oriented programming.
- Certificated Remote Pilots under Part 107.
- Extensive experience on design and construction of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) for research.
- Experience with embedded systems, single board computers and electronics.

I own and maintain the website toopazo.github.io a personal blog (outreach) about unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). I write articles about the open-source technology behind these vehicles and how they are used in research.