Emiliano VB

Projects Experience Credentials About Contact

Projects

Autonomous Solar-Electric UAV

AUTONOMOUS SOLAR-ELECTRIC UAV

3D CAD | Finite Element Analysis (FEA) | Raspberry Pi | Machine Learning | Thermal Imaging | System Integration | Iterative Design | Mechanical Design

Autonomous Lunar Robot - ATLAS

AUTONOMOUS LUNAR ROBOT – ATLAS

3D CAD | Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2) | Arduino | Light Detection and Ranging (Lidar) | Simulink | System Integration | Project Management | Rapid Prototyping

Reinforcement Learning Legged Robot

REINFORCEMENT LEARNING LEGGED ROBOT

3D CAD | Reinforcement Learning | Raspberry Pi | Motor Control | Generative Design | Mechanical Design | Iterative Design

Automated Robotic Linkage System

AUTOMATED ROBOTIC LINKAGE SYSTEM

3D CAD | Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining | Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) Control | Signal Processing | C++ | Mechanical Design | Process Automation | Team Leadership

Expanding Holonomic Platform for Industrial Applications

EXPANDING HOLONOMIC PLATFORM FOR INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

3D CAD | Holonomic Drive | Industrial Automation | System Integration | Mechanical Design | Control Systems | Rapid Prototyping | Project Management

Automated Electromagnetic Item Transportation System

AUTOMATED ELECTROMAGNETIC ITEM TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

3D CAD | ESP32 Microcontroller | Circuit Design | KiCad | C++ | System Integration | Process Automation | Rapid Prototyping

Experience

Jan 2025

Undergraduate Research Assistant

ROAR Lab, Columbia University
Jan 2025 – Present

Designed robotic exoskeleton components for cerebral palsy rehabilitation. Developed control systems with sensor feedback for patient comfort.

Robotics Sensor Integration Mechanical Design Control Systems
Sep 2024

Lead Mechanical Engineer

NASA Lunabotics – Columbia Space Initiative
Sep 2024 – Present

Led design and fabrication of an autonomous robotic excavator. Managed multidisciplinary team and integrated mechanical and electrical systems.

Project Management System Integration 3D CAD Finite Element Analysis
May 2024

MSOD Intern, Automation Team

Caterpillar Inc.
May 2024 – Aug 2024

Refactored AutoBagger to boost output 4×. Integrated autonomous robots and conducted safety audits to improve industrial workflows.

Automation Process Improvement Robotics Safety Engineering
May 2023

Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Copeland
May 2023 – Aug 2023

Engineered liquid desiccant HVAC systems using NX CAD. Supported rapid prototyping and iterative experimental design.

HVAC NX CAD Rapid Prototyping Iterative Design
May 2023

Advanced Manufacturing Co-op

Emerson
May 2023 – Aug 2023

Created tools and infrastructure to increase throughput by 30%. Automated inventory management and optimized factory layout.

Advanced Manufacturing Python Process Automation Lean Engineering
Sep 2021

Powertrain Engineer

Columbia Formula Racing
Sep 2021 – May 2024

Redesigned drivetrain for reduced weight and enhanced durability. Led thermal testing and mechanical analysis.

SolidWorks Mechanical Design CNC Machining Thermal Systems
Jun 2021

Project Manager

Global Prep Academy
Jun 2021 – Sep 2021

Taught 20 STEM students and created a 1-week engineering curriculum. Mentored student teams on project development.

Teaching Project Management STEM Education Curriculum Design
Feb 2021

Project Manager – STEM Global Brigades

Global Brigades, Inc.
Feb 2021 – Jun 2021

Led aqueduct design for Nicaraguan community. Served as translator and liaison with local engineers and stakeholders.

EPANET Engineering Drawings Spanish Translation Community Engagement

Education

Columbia University
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering   |   2021–2025
Dean's List recipient
Robotics, automation, and manufacturing focus.

Certifications

AI Through Visualization
Columbia+ / Columbia University
Issued: 2025
OSHA 10
HSI
Issued: May 2024
Seal of Biliteracy
California Department of Education
Issued: May 2021

Affiliations

SHPE
Columbia chapter committee
2021–Present
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Led Dia de Ciencias workshops for visiting high school students.
ASME
Member
2021–Present
American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
IEEE
Student Member
2021–Present
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
HSF
Scholar
2023–Present
Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholar and mentor.
e4c
Member
2024–Present
Engineering for Change community member.
CAA
Member
2025–Present
Columbia Alumni Association.
CEAA
Member
2025–Present
Columbia Engineering Alumni Association.
LAACU
Member
2025–Present
Latino Alumni Association of Columbia University.

About Me

Emiliano Villicana Brugada

Hi, I’m Emiliano — a mechanical engineer driven by curiosity and a desire to build things that actually matter. I chose engineering not just for the technical challenge, but because I enjoy solving real-world problems where every solution has to balance precision, efficiency, and creativity.


My experience spans mechanical design, manufacturing, automation, and robotics, with a growing interest in how AI can complement and enhance these fields. I’m hands-on by nature, whether I’m designing parts, improving processes, or integrating systems. I take pride in learning fast, adapting quickly, and always asking how something can be made better.


If you're working on something cool — let’s talk.

Ready to solve meaningful problems together?