2018 NSF IRES Fellows
Michael Benson – PhD Student – Villanova University
Michael Benson is a PhD student at Villanova University focusing on mechatronics and robotics problems related to humanitarian demining. He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2015 from Villanova University, and began work on his doctoral studies shortly after. In addition to his work toward his dissertation, Michael has also participated in the Maritime RobotX autonomous robotics competition since 2014, and has worked toward the development of the low-cost explosive ordnance disposal robot. In his free time, Michael enjoys reading science fiction and fantasy literature, and has recently started casting in the burgeoning world of esports.
Alexander Garnett – BS Ocean Engineering – Florida Atlantic University
I’m a 23 year old recent graduate from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering. My interests include American football and soccer, scuba diving, travel, and robotics. Working with Golden West has given me a phenomenal opportunity to further my study of robotics in a new, interesting environment while also engaging in humanitarian efforts.
Nathan Yasuda – Senior ME/EE Double Major – Seattle University
Nathan Yasuda is a fifth year undergraduate student at Seattle University working to earn a BS in both Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. He became interested in mechatronics through FIRST Robotics, participating as a team captain before returning to mentor. He’s spent the last for years working as a research assistant in the SU advanced materials science lab, designing a dynamic impact drop tower and researching elastomer composites. In his free time, Nathan plays Dungeons and Dragons, reads comic books, and works on projects in a maker space.
Chris McGee – BS Mechanical Engineering – Villanova University
Chris McGee, ’18 COE from Middletown, NJ, completed a B.S. in mechanical engineering with a focus on dynamic systems and a minor in mechatronics. In his spare time he enjoys re-purposing scrap electronics to make new usable tech.
Omar Hussain – Senior Mechanical Engineering – University of Utah
Omar Hussain is an undergraduate and doctorate hopeful in mechanical engineering at the University of Utah’s Design, Automation, Robotics, and Controls (DARC) lab. His research is currently focused on robotics and controls, with some specialization in computer vision and aerial vehicles. When not living in a computer lab, he enjoys generic outdoorsy Utah activities which include skiing, biking, and hiking.
Nicholas Ferrante – Junior Mechanical Engineering – Villanova University
Nick Ferrante is a sophomore Mechanical Engineering student at Villanova University. He has been doing mechatronics research with Dr. Clayton this past year and has come to Cambodia to continue his work and discover new horizons during his first out of country experience. He enjoys building things and learning whenever the opportunity presents itself. He is excited to take the Golden West EOD robot to completion, and to explore as much of Cambodia while he can. In his free time, Nick plays on the Villanova Ultimate Frisbee team, spends time with friends, and will never turn down an opportunity to explore.
Freeman Foundation Fellows
Julia Spillane – Junior Mechanical Engineering – Villanova University
Julia Spillane is a rising junior Mechanical Engineering student at Villanova University from Trumbull, CT. In her free time, she enjoys relaxing with friends, catching up on the latest TV shows, and taking long walks on the beach. This summer, she will be working with Golden West Humanitarian Foundation on the EOD Robot project. She is very excited to further her engineering experience, expand her cultural horizons, and try new foods.
Terence Williams – MS Sustainable Engineering – Villanova University
Terence Williams (Terry) is a Distance Learning student from Oakton, VA. As a mature student, Terry has previously enjoyed a 23-year career with a major, US, industrial corporation working on 3 continents, across various industries. Terry was attracted to the MS Sustainable Engineering program by its flexible approach and course structure, and ease of accessing the classroom through digital media, and with it, he hopes to better understand ideas and opportunities for a more circular economy, and then guide organizations toward sustainable solutions. Outside of the MS program Terry does volunteer work with Taproot (a pro-bono service provider) as an account director and is excited to be part of the team heading to Cambodia in summer 2018.
Preston Whiteman – MS Mechanical Engineering – Villanova University
Preston Whiteman, ’19 COE from Camp Hill, PA, completed his B.S. in mechanical engineering with a concentration in thermal-fluid systems in the Spring of ’18 and is beginning his M.S. this Fall. He is the manager of the ME MakerSpace, a student projects workshop equipped with 3D printers and a laser engraver. Preston is also on the Villanova Men’s Volleyball Team, and a member of the Food Recovery Network. This summer, Preston is going to Cambodia to continue work on his EOD disposal senior design project. Partnered with the Golden West Humanitarian Foundation, Preston and the rest of his team will work on the detection, removal, and safe disposal of unexploded ordnance and landmines left from the Vietnam War and Khmer Rouge Regime. In his free time, Preston is a champion competitive shooter and an avid outdoorsman.
Spencer Gold – Sophomore Mechanical Engineering – Villanova University
Spencer Gold’21 COE is from Darien, CT. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of school he is on the Villanova Club Judo team, is a brother in the Phi Sigma Pi Honors Fraternity, and works with the Villanova formula SAE team. He is looking forward to working with the Caramanico Foundation in Cambodia on improving STEM education. He is very excited to learn valuable lessons this summer both in the field of engineering and in the inner workings of organizations like the Caramanico Foundation and the golden west foundation. Spencer loves working with kids and is very excited to teach at the Carmanico school.