Outreach & Community
Why Outreach Matters
Science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. As researchers, we have a responsibility to share our knowledge, inspire the next generation, and make STEM accessible to everyone. These are some of the ways I try to give back.
🦾 Accessible Prosthetics Initiative
Role: Board Member
The Accessible Prosthetics Initiative (API) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to increasing access to prosthetic technologies and care. We focus on serving populations who lack access through traditional avenues—individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, in remote locations, or have unique conditions.
Our Three Pillars
- Educational Initiatives: Training the next generation of prosthetics professionals
- Accessible Device Development: Creating low-cost, high-quality prosthetic solutions
- Community Engagement: Connecting amputees with resources and care
As a board member, I help guide API’s strategic direction and contribute my expertise in robotics, sensing, and mechanical design to advance our mission of making prosthetic care available to everyone who needs it.
🤖 FIRST Robotics: Baltimore Bolts
Role: Assistant Founding Coach (2016-2018)
The Baltimore Bolts are the only FRC robotics team in Baltimore city. Each year, high school students are challenged to design, build, and program competitive robots in a fast-paced point-score game.
My Contributions
- Mentored students in robot design and construction
- Guided best engineering design practices at Open Works makerspace
- Helped develop comprehensive business plan combining fundraising and outreach
Awards Won
- 🏆 Rookie Inspiration Award
- 🏆 Rookie All-Star Award
- 🥈 Central MD Regional Quarter-Finalists
- 🥈 Southwest VA Semi-Finalists
- 🥇 Ramp Riot Finalists
- 🏆 Event Champions - Battle O’ Baltimore
Media Coverage
Watch WBALTV Feature Team Website
🦴 National Biomechanics Day
2025: Hand Biomechanics & Computer Vision for Assistive Device Control
My Focus: Teaching students how biomechanics in the hand combined with computer vision can be used as a control interface for assistive devices.
The Activity: Students placed their hands in front of a camera that tracked hand landmarks and determined the kinematic state of their fingers. The system estimated simple joint angles between fingertips, knuckles, and palms, and used these measurements to control a 3D-printed tendon-actuated robotic arm in real-time.
🎓 Teaching
Guest Lectures
| Course | Topic | Year |
|---|---|---|
| CMU Assistive Prosthetics | EMG-based Control Systems | 2024 |
| CMU MechE Senior Design | Prototyping Best Practices | 2023 |
Mentoring
I actively mentor undergraduate and master’s students in:
- Research methodology
- Python programming
- Hardware prototyping
- Graduate school applications
🎬 Film Industry Experience
Yes, that IMDB profile is real! Before pursuing my PhD, I worked on film sets as:
- Electrician: Lighting rigs and power distribution
- Grip: Camera support and rigging
This experience taught me problem-solving under pressure and the value of teamwork—skills that transfer directly to research.
Get Involved
Interested in having me speak at your event, mentor students, or collaborate on outreach initiatives?