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.
What are you working on while in Cambodia?
I’m working on the next iteration of the EOD robot. Specifically I’m updating the existing CAD model and designing new components in SolidWorks. In the coming weeks, I’ll be verifying and wiring the electronics before conducting field tests of the assembled robot.
What drew you to choosing this project and working in Cambodia?
I’m deeply passionate about mechatronics and have a great interest in humanitarian work. When I received a flyer advertising this project I knew it was an amazing opportunity to engage both of these passions. Plus who wouldn’t want to work on EOD robots in Cambodia?
What are your plans for after this summer? Going back to school? Have a job?
After the summer, I’ll be returning to Seattle University and finishing my degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering.
What trajectory drew you to get into engineering and your current field (robotics, thermofluids, etc)?
Throughout high school and into college, I was involved in FIRST Robotics participating initially as a student and later as a captain and mentor. This is where I first developed my passion for engineering, especially robotics. This passion only grew once at Seattle University where I took courses in robotic manipulators and control theory.
What are your long term professional goals? How will your experience in Cambodia help reach those goals?
My long term professional goal is to hopefully find a job in mechatronics after graduation. This work in Cambodia will give me an opportunity to apply my book learning to real engineering situations and deepen my knowledge of robotics.
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