Meet the Team
Faculty Advisors
(Left) Chiang Shih, Ph.D.
Dr. Chiang Shih is a Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering Department, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. He received his Ph.D. degree from the Aerospace Engineering Department at University of Southern California. Dr. Shih's research interests are in the areas of unsteady aerodynamics, separated flow control, aeroacoustics, and optical diagnostic techniques.
(Right) Nikhil Gupta, Ph.D.
Dr. Nikhil Gupta is a postdoctoral scholar at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Florida State University serving as adjunct professor for the Senior Design Project courses. His research interests lie in Embedded Systems, Robotics, Dynamics and Control, Mechatronics, and System Integration.
Students
Garrett Rady
Team Leader
Born and raised in Tallahassee FL, Garrett came to the Florida State University as an exploratory major. Trying such majors as Actuarial Science, Statistics, and Finance he didn’t find his true passion until he found Mechanical Engineering. After graduating in May, 2017, with an Engineering degree and a business minor, he plans on using his vast supervisory experience to obtain a project management position in a related field.
Katherine Estrella
Communications/
Webmaster
Born in the Dominican Republic and moving to the United States at the age of 12, Katherine is on track to graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree from the Florida State University in December, 2017. She has research experience in synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes. She is currently on track to become a Navy Nuclear Submarine Officer.
Luke Maeder
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Luke is an Eagle Scout from Rockville, MD. His focus in Mechanical Engineering is Sustainability and Power Generation, and has experience in manufacturing and mechatronics. He is applying for the Navy's Officer Candidate School and graduate programs after he graduates with a Mechanical Engineering Degree in May, 2017.
Jacob Van Dusen
Design
Jacob is an Eagle Scout who grew up by the space coast in Cocoa, Florida. He is on track to graduate with a Mechanical Engineering degree in May, 2017. After graduation Jacob is going to enlist into the United States Air Force with a job lined up as a Combat Systems Officer.
Quentin Hardwick
Design
Coming to Florida State University from Tampa, FL, Quentin originally majored in pure mathematics before finding a passion for physics. With this newfound passion, Quentin changed his major to Mechanical Engineering where he is on track to graduate in May, 2017. Quentin’s focus is in Dynamics where he can use his love of ODE’s and motion equations. After graduation, he plans to make a difference as a civilian contractor for the D.O.D.