About Me
Hello, I’m Benjamin and I’m studying Robotics Engineering and Technical Theatre at WPI. In my spare time, I am the President of WPI Lens and Lights, a student-run live event production group which produces over 270 events per year, both on and off campus.
I really enjoy exploring the intersection between hardware, software, and mechanisms, which is what led me to Robotics Engineering. I love live event production and lighting design because I’m excited to explore the intersection of performance art, design, and engineering.
Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Robotics Engineering Major and Technical Theatre Minor
2021-2025
www.wpi.edu
Skills
Programming Languages
Java, C++, Matlab, Python, JavaScript, and LaTeX
Design Applications
Adobe Suite, Affinity Designer, Solidworks, and Onshape
Theatre & Event Production Tools
Vectorworks with BeamViz, ETC EOS, Qlab, and Lightwright
Networking for Live Events/Installation
Dante Level 3 Certified (2nd Edition), experience with ArtNet/sACN/ETCNet
Languages
English (native speaker), Spanish (intermediate)
Recent Projects
3-DoF Pick-and-place Robotic Manipulator
RBE3001: Unified Robotics III - Manipulation
January 2023 - March 2023
Project Summary Video
Developed trajectory-following algorithm and model in Matlab using forward/inverse kinematics
Collaborated with a team to design and implement a ball sorting routine using computer vision
"Escape Room" Robots
RBE2002: Unified Robotics II - Sensing and Communication
October 2022 - December 2022
Implemented odometry, kinematics, and gyro/accelerometer fusion on a mobile robot platform Worked with a team to integrate three robots using MQTT and complete a maze escape challenge
Practicum in Theater Lighting Design
New Voices 39 - A Festival of New Plays
Febuary 2022 - May 2022
Developed design ideas in collaboration with directors and co-lighting designer
Created visually distinct worlds for each show to evoke emotions through light
Communicated results in a report with lighting plots, fixture schedules, and narrative journal using Lightwright, Vectorworks and LaTeX
"Solar Panel Installation" Robot
RBE2001: Unified Robotics I - Mechanisms and Linkages
August 2022 - October 2022
Learned to synthesize, model, and iterate on linkage designs for manipulation of various objects
Collaborated with a team of peers to develop strategy, software, and manipulator to place solar panel models on small roofs using sensor-driven feedback loops
"Pizza Delivery" Robot
RBE1001: Introduction to Unified Robotics
January 2022 - March 2022
Collaborated with peers to design, build, program, and iteratively improve a mobile robot with arm and manipulator to complete a set of tabletop challenges with small mock pizzas
Experience
Maintain large-scale network infrastructure in collaboration with full-time network engineers adnd staff
Teaching Assistant
TH340X - Lighting Design at WPI
January 2023 - March 2023 (C23)
users.wpi.edu/~theatre/
Responsible for small-group activities in the Lighting Lab using an ETC ION and ETC LED fixtures Collaborated with professor on course planning and prepared lab space for students
Collaborated with campers to build large-scale projects with power tools (rising 2nd-8th graders)
Facilitated imaginative design sessions, interactive tool trainings, large-group brainstorms, and team-building games to create a welcoming learning community
Advised fellow staff on project planning, feasibility, and designing with safety
Software Specialist
AuroBor, LLC (Formerly Liminal Engineering Technologies)
April 2021 - November 2021
LiminalET.com
Designed, hosted, and presented workshops and open trainings with customers via Zoom
Consulted and implemented custom software solutions for key clients
Developed new features for controller application within Bitfocus Companion
Activities & Leadership
Plan and coordinate lighting and sound services, rental equipment, and student crew for 270+ events per year serving the WPI campus and surrounding communities
Mentor, train and support crew members in event planning and technical execution
Collaborate and partner with clients, service providers, and university departments
Organize club activities, advance visits to local venues, and explore new opportunities for members
Short- and long-term production planning, scheduling, logistics, and equipment allocation
Coordinate rentals of our equipment to local companies and sub-rentals from regional vendors
Theatre Production Crew Member
VOX Musical Theatre and Masque Theatre
August 2021 - Present
vox.wpi.edu
Lighting Designer, Head Electrician, or Rental Coordinator for 12+ musicals and plays
Awards & Honors
The Class of 1879 Prize is awarded by the Humanities & Arts department yearly for excellent work in the culminating project for the Humanities & Arts Requirement. These projects must demonstrate exceptional creativity and skill in conceiving, developing, and expressing a theme within any discipline in the humanities and arts.
Social Innovation Challenge
1st Place, Team Adaptly
Febuary 2022
An annual competition hosted by the WPI Entrepreneurship Center, the Social Innovation Challenge is a 24-hour event where teams of students from across the university come together to develop a solution to a social problem. Adaptly was awarded 1st place for our proposal for a professional connections network.
Founders Award
Crystal Springs Uplands School
June 2021
Colloquially known as the “Unsung Hero’s Award,” this award is presented by the Head of School to the senior who contributes to the spirit of the school by best exemplifying these qualities we value: integrity, generosity of spirit, enthusiasm, resilience, consideration and reliability.
Project Invent
Judge's Award, Team Ruby
May 2020
As a team, we learned about the challenges of a mobility-challenged senior and specifically, their difficulty in tying their shoes. We designed a shoe tying device that would allow the user to tap their ankles and their shoe would secure itself without the need for hand mobility. Our device was awarded the Judge’s Award for its innovative design and potential to make a positive impact on the lives of mobility-challenged adults.