Who am I?
I'm Zach, a Puerto Rican from Southern Maryland dedicated to creating and investigating innovative solutions in the mechanical engineering / aerospace field. I am driven by a desire to understand the universe, and to one day create cutting-edge solutions that push humanity forward.
A Look at My First Combat Robot:
How I keep busy
Hands-on design is what gets me up in the morning! Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in CAD modeling, 3D printing, manufacturing & assembly through diverse collaborative and individual projects. From designing and testing airfoils and rocket components to building durable combat robotics parts, I thrive in dynamic team environments and make design decisions motivated by testing and computational analysis. Last year I co-developed a remote controlled hydrofoil kayak capable of levitating above the water, where I combined rigorous, grounded CAD design, machining, 3D printing, protective coatings, and power distribution to fabricate a reliable waterproof system.
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This semester, I am leading Duke's FIRST ever combat robotics beetleweight-class robot team, along with serving as VP of the club. In our current stage we are generating a custom PCB design, CAD assembly, and optimizing components with finite element analysis. I am also designing and manufacturing the aerodynamic carbon fiber shell for Duke Electric Vehicle's 2025-26 urban concept car, along with custom door & lock mechanisms.
Back home in Southern Maryland, I enjoy exploring the Chesapeake Bay on kayak (although these ones don't fly) and by hiking, and have tackled team efforts to help restore the bay that I grew up to love. ​
While CAD and automatic sketches are convenient, I enjoy drawing by hand. Check out the gallery to see some of my recent work. My artistic side also comes in handy during most projects, as I am able to visualize my ideas and make blueprints, measurements, and exploded views right away. This strategy has consistently facilitated team organization and effective brainstorming.
Education
2019-2023
High School
St. Mary's Ryken
Where my passion for engineering began. While maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA, I was the Team Captain of both the Cross Country and Swimming teams. I also conducted extracurricular research with the nearby Patuxent River Naval Base. I kept busy with 3D printing and woodworking, and also entered drawings into local art galleries. I graduated from the PLTW engineering track, and finished my years here as valedictorian.
2023-present
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering; Minor in Physics
Duke University
In studying here at Duke, I have refined my passion for engineering through involvement in clubs like Duke Aero (Structures), Combat Robotics (VP), Stargazing/Astronomy, Duke Electric Vehicles (Shell Design / Mechanical Team), and also through academic success utilizing the resources of the Pratt School of Engineering. Current Cumulative GPA: 3.9/4.0.