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Instructor |
Dr. Kenji
Shimada is the Theodore Ahrens Professor in Engineering at Carnegie Mellon
University. His primary appointment is in the Department of Mechanical
Engineering, and he has courtesy appointments in the Robotics Institute, the
Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the Department of Civil and
Environmental Engineering. He leads the Computational Engineering and
Robotics Lab (CERLAB).
After receiving his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of
Tokyo, Dr. Shimada joined IBM's Tokyo Research Laboratory and worked on
research and development projects on shape modeling, robotics, computer
graphics, and computational mechanics. He then received his Ph.D. from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1993, after which he returned to
IBM Research, commercialized BubbleMesh, which he invented in his Ph.D.
thesis, and managed the Advanced Computer Graphics group. Dr. Shimada moved
to the United States in 1996 to join the faculty of Carnegie Mellon
University in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In 2007, Dr. Shimada was selected to serve as
the
Theodore Ahrens Professor in Engineering. In addition to receiving
research funding from US government agencies such as NSF, NASA, NIH, and
Sandia National Labs, Dr. Shimada has received funding from and worked with
various industry sectors including automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding,
machinery, robotics, IT, CAD, CAE and medical. An inventor or co-inventor
of over 20 patents, he has made successful technology transfers of his
research outcomes and has founded and led multiple university start-ups.
For more, see Professor Shimada’s web page [Link]. |
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Director |
Betticlare Shimada is not an engineer but got a healthy dose of engineering when she
was a program manager at Bose Corporation. She coordinated the activities of
the team of engineers designing audio systems for Acura cars and oversaw the
product from design to production.
She and Kenji met during their Boston days, married soon after, and have
lived in Pittsburgh since 1996 where they have raised their two children.
The Engineering Workshop was a joint inspiration and came from their
realization that, despite the focus on STEM, today’s high school students
still have little exposure to engineering or opportunity to explore the
field.
Betticlare has degrees in East Asian Studies from Princeton University (AB)
and Stanford University (MA). |
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Teaching Assistants |
CMU
engineering graduate and undergraduate students will serve as Teaching
Assistants (TA) for the Engineering Workshop. One TA will be assigned
to every 5-6 workshop participants. |
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2019 TAs |
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Shuoqi “Socky” Chen
I'm a first-year master’s student at CMU Robotics Institute (RI). I am from
Wuhan, China. Before coming to Carnegie Mellon, I studied Engineering
Sciences at Dartmouth College with a focus on Computer-Aided Design and
control systems. At RI, my research interests lie in motion planning for
hyper-redundant robots and modular robot design. I practiced digital art and
music vigorously, and I love to incorporate inspirations from various forms
of art into machine designs. When I am free, I like to mountain bike at
Frick Park or bring out my guitar to jam with friends. I look forward to
working with you this summer! Here is my website:
https://www.behance.net/samchenmgxf4ad |
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Christina Chi
I'm a rising junior pursuing a major in Electrical and Computer Engineering
and a minor in Game Design. Within my major, my interests are software and
digital systems. Outside, I also enjoy psychology, art, and design. As
president of ANVIL, Carnegie Mellon’s maker education and advocacy club, I'm
passionate about spreading knowledge of everything fabrication and
makerspace-related to all in the CMU community. My hometown is in Bergen
County, New Jersey, and in my free time I enjoy singing with the D Flat
Singers Choir and C Sharp Concert Groups, finding good snacks in Oakland,
and nurturing my succulent garden. |
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Samuel Hassel
I am just completing my master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at
Carnegie Mellon where I also received my bachelor's degree in Mech E.
Although I’m originally from Miami, I consider Pittsburgh and CMU to be like
a second home to me. While at CMU, I was a buggy mechanic for SPIRIT Racing
Systems for the better part of my time as an undergrad. I am also an avid
film lover and have taken several courses in the art of filmmaking and
acting. I hope to work for a company where I can think creatively to solve
problems and bring new and unique experiences to others in the process. In
my spare time I enjoy cooking and watching shows, movies, and HEAT
basketball games (usually just on my laptop). My biggest passion is
exploring the intersection of technology and entertainment and is often
reflected throughout my projects--some of which you can check out here:
https://samuelhassel.wordpress.com
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Anne Noonan
Hi! I’m from Chicago, IL, and I graduate from Carnegie Mellon in May 2019
with a primary major in Chemical Engineering and an additional major in
Biomedical Engineering. I’ve done research at CMU in a faster method of
identifying miRNA biomarkers for cancer. Over two summers, I worked in
Biodefense & Energy Technologies at Sandia National Laboratories in
Albuquerque, NM where I researched 3D cellular matrix imaging with
traditional ballistic imaging methods and nanoparticle drug delivery
mechanisms. Last summer, I worked in industry researching the Japanese
formulation of Febreze Fabric Refresher as a Product Designer in Cincinnati,
OH. In July, I will start working fulltime in Strategy & Operations
Consulting for Deloitte in Pittsburgh, PA. For fun, I love to compete in
case competitions, hike, lift weights, and explore new restaurants and
foods. |
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Elisha Raeker-Jordan
I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, working in the
Computational Engineering and Robotics Lab under Dr. Kenji Shimada.
I am a graduate of Bucknell University and have just completed my M.S.
degree in Biomedical Engineering at CMU. I’m
working on devices that help residency students at Allegheny General
Hospital train to be better surgeons. I enjoy what I study because I can see
the impact our work makes in the lives of everyday people. When I’m not
working in the lab you can find me hiking, playing video games, or
engineering projects around my apartment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or
make mistakes; you can’t learn everything on your own. |
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2018 TAs |
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Michael Beck
I will be graduating with a Master's degree in Robotic Systems Development
this May. I earned a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and another
Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Portland before
attending CMU. At CMU I worked with and managed a team of students who
participated in the Amazon Robotics Challenge at RoboCup last summer in
Japan, which is a competition focused on developing solutions for autonomous
warehouse management. My current academic interests lay in prototyping novel
robotic systems at the startup level. After graduating I am considering
working within a startup company or moving into an educational position to
share my experiences and knowledge in engineering. My hobbies include
camping and wakeboarding, as well as reading science fiction and fantasy
novels. |
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Ismael Mercier
I am an Electrical and Computer Engineering sophomore with specific
interests in embedded systems hardware. I have worked at the Makerspace and
am more than happy to help you do and find whatever you need. My favorite
projects are of course those that involve electronics hardware. I am
originally from Cuba but now call Miami home. My non-technical
hobbies/interests include the ocean and spearfishing. I love nerding out
about colonizing Mars and am currently working on a NASA sponsored project
that could one day actually go to Mars. I look forward to getting to help
you with your projects and I hope I can contribute to your great experience
this summer. |
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Elisha Raeker-Jordan
I am currently an M.S. student in Biomedical Engineering working in the
Computational Engineering and Robotics Lab under Dr. Kenji Shimada. I’m
working on devices that help residency students at Allegheny General
Hospital train to be better surgeons. I enjoy what I study because I can see
the impact our work makes in the lives of everyday people. When I’m not
working in the lab you can find me hiking, playing video games, or
engineering projects around my apartment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or
make mistakes; you can’t learn everything on your own. |
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Cameron Selby
I am a senior Mechanical Engineering student born and raised in Pittsburgh.
I am interested in robot actuation, with a focus on strategies for rapid
responses to the environment and unique locomotion methods. At CMU I have
worked on everything from rocket launch pads to robotic sea urchins and
injury-preventing ankle braces. I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in robotics after
I finish my Master’s degree in the fall. On campus I am a member of the
robotics club and was also the vice president of the ice hockey team.
Outside of class I enjoy playing and watching all types of sports, and I
hope one day to combine my interests and sports and robotics to develop
advanced training aids and safety devices. |
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Mercy Soong
I am a graduating senior with a double major in Chemical Engineering and
Biomedical Engineering with plans of pursuing a Master’s degree in
Biomedical Engineering. My current project is developing an inexpensive
wiper system for a laparoscope to reduce surgery time and the chance of
contamination during surgery. Because of this project, I found out I like to
3D print and make prototypes. My interests are in the pharmaceutical field
since I like to help those in need even if I was given a small role. During
my free time, I love karaoking and dancing as well as catching up on various
late night talk shows. I look forward to meeting you guys and hope we will
have a fun week! |
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2017 TAs |
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Deepshikha Acharya
I am currently a first year Master’s student in the Department of Biomedical
Engineering at CMU. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in
Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Delhi University, India. My
current research focus is on medical device customisation. I am working at
CMU’s CERLAB in collaboration with Allegheny General Hospital to devise a
method to customise BiPAP/CPAP masks for ALS and Sleep Apnea patients. I
love to draw and design, explore places and cuisines, and read fantasies.
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Penelope Ackerman
I'm a graduating senior studying Materials Science and Engineering with a
minor in Media Design. I am interested in developing polymeric and composite
materials for use in product design. I wish to bring creativity and
user-focused research methods to engineering processes. I am passionate
about exploring sustainability through both material design and
environmental education. On campus, I am a leader of Carnegie Mellon Solar
Racing, a student-run team that designs, fabricates, and races a
solar-powered boat. In my free time, I enjoy long runs, and I am currently
training for the Seattle half-marathon on June 18! You can check out some of
my recent design work at
www.penelopeackerman.com. |
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Ignacio Cordova
I’m a
Mechanical Engineer originally from Chile and currently pursuing my Master
of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with an
expected completion date of May 2018 .
I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of making something out of nothing, and
engineering has provided a great outlet for that energy. My focus is in
product development using computational tools.Throughout both my studies and
my professional career I have combined creativity and engineering principles
to create/design functional and unique products. http://ignaciocordova.weebly.com/ |
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Robert Rudolph
I recently graduated from CMU Electrical Engineering, with a focus on
Physical Computing (a few installations at CMU!). I’ve worked on subway
cars, moon rovers, mapping drones, and food trucks. My passion is
making things that people can experience and interact
with -- mostly
physical objects and tangible interfaces. I build furniture sometimes, and
fix up my car when I have the money. I have a soft spot for clocks,
fountains, and wireless charging. Two of my favorite projects were the
lights in the library stairwell and a life-size game of
Battleship. I also
made wizard chess once upon a time. http://www.robert-rudolph.com/ |
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Jamei Wang
Hello! My name is Jamei (pronounced just like Jamie), and I’m a senior (soon
to be super senior) double majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biomedical
Engineering while minoring in Computer Science. Over the past year, I’ve
worked in CERLAB on the MedPhantom project, which aims to use rapid
prototyping techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and
casting/molding to produce surgical training models of various anatomical
features. When I’m not losing sleep over school work, I enjoy a variety of
creative activities, such as digital illustration, song and dance covers,
and cosplaying. I also spend
a lot of time sleeping, playing video games, and learning Japanese so I can
understand my favorite dance groups’ tweets without relying on a translator. |
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