About Me
Hello, I’m Benjamin and I’m studying Robotics Engineering and Technical Theatre at WPI. In my spare time, I am the Technical Director of WPI Lens and Lights, a student-run live event production group which produces over 200 events per year.
I really enjoy exploring the intersection between live entertainment, project management, and engineering which is what led me to Stage Automation and Robotics Engineering. I love exploring lighting design and technical direction in my spare time because I enjoy the creative outlet, collaboration, and bringing joy to audiences.
Education
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Combined Bachelor & Master of Science in Robotics Engineering with a Minor in Technical Theatre
2021-2025
www.wpi.edu
Skills
Live Entertainment Production Tools
TAIT Navigator, PRG Stage Command, Vectorworks/Braceworks, ETC EOS
Software Design & Implementation
Python (specialized in ROS), MATLAB, Java, C++, TypeScript, and LaTeX
Design Applications
Vectorworks, PTC Creo, Solidworks, Onshape, Adobe Suite, and Affinity Designer
Industry-specific Networking
Dante Level 3 Certified (2nd Edition), EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and ArtNet/sACN/ETCNet
Production & Stage Automation Equipment
Chain Hoist (Operation & Repair), Stage Lifts, Revolves, Moving Lights, and Scissor/Boom Lifts
Experience
Scenic Control Systems Intern
PRG Scenic Technologies (New Windsor, NY)
Summer 2024
https://www.prg.com/en/services/scenic-and-automation
• Commissioned new scenic automation systems for NYC & touring Broadway productions
• Learned to operate and provide field support for scenic automation and performer flying systems
• Collaboratively designed, specified, fabricated, and supported electronic & mechanical elements
Control Integration and Field Engineering Intern
TAIT Towers (Lititz, PA)
Summer 2023
https://www.taittowers.com/
• Completed commissioning for stage automation systems used in international concert touring, theater, opera, theme parks, cruise ships, and unique live entertainment applications
• Worked on 10+ projects in 10 weeks using Beckoff/Siemens PLCs and QNX Linux
• Learned to program automation show control systems with TAIT Navigator 102 certification
Teaching Assistant
TH340X - Lighting Design at WPI
January 2023 - March 2023 (C23)
https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/drama/theatre-minor
• 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
Selected Projects
Disc Golf Inventory System
WPI + Maple Hill Disc Golf
Fall 2023 - Spring 2024
Project Report & Poster
• Designed, developed, and integrated disc analysis machine with capacity for 300+ discs per hour
• Wore many hats: managed team of 7, developed system integrations, and liaised with client
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
Leadership & Activities
• Maintained and coordinated repairs for lighting, audio, and rigging equipment
• Lead trainings and workshops for new and experienced members in rigging, lighting, audio, & more
• Coordinate sub-rentals of event production and rigging equipment from regional & national vendors
• 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 40+ 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 Leader & Crew Member
VOX Musical Theatre and Masque Theatre
August 2021 - Present
vox.wpi.edu
• Technical Director, Lighting Designer, Head Electrician, or Rental Coordinator for 16+ musicals and plays
Production Manager
Various Events in Central Massachusetts
January 2023 - Febuary 2024
• Focused on events ranging from concerts to fashion shows to nonprofit benefits
• Collaborated with clients and crew to develop vision and budget for video, lighting and sound design
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.