ANDY NAVARRO BRENES

Mechanical and Human Factors Engineer

+1 (781) 518-3258 • Andy.Navarro_Brenes@tufts.edu • Portfolio: andynavarrob.weebly

Education

Tufts University Class of 2026 Medford, MA, USA

Mechanical Engineering and Human Factors Engineering Double Major | GPA: 3.92 August 2022-May 2026
Awards: Dean’s List Fall 2022, Dean’s List Spring 2023
Skills
Design and systems: CAD design, aerodynamics, design thinking, simulations, electronic systems, FEA Analysis, coding (C++, python).
Manufacturing: Material testing, prototyping, CNC machining, composites (fiberglass), metal deformation, 3D Printing, laser cutting.
Data and research: scientific research, quality and quantitative data analysis, numerical methods, and optimization.
Others: Project management, cross-disciplinary collaboration, human factors, renewable energies, physics and educational outreach.

Professional Experience

Microscale Sensors and Systems Laboratory Medford, MA

Researcher and Project Manager of Tufts Wind Tunnel August 2023-Present
• Designed a 10-feet long suck-down wind tunnel with a 2in by 4in test section capable of reaching 0.5 Mach to test MEMS Sensors, optimizing laminar flow.
• Simulated flow analysis and pressure drops to reduce turbulence, optimization of contraction and bell mouth curves as matched polynomial of 5th order.
• Manufactured diffusers, chambers, contraction, and test section employing material properties and manufacturing techniques (fiberglass, CNC, laser cutting)
• Tested structures and joints made from three different methods to ensure capacity to withstand up to 255 N with a safety margin of 6.
Tufts University Department of Physics and Astronomy Medford, MA
Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment Research Assistant August 2022-May 2023
• Prototyped and built electronic paddle system and tested materials efficiency on the detection of neutrinos such as fiber optics and SiPM’s technology.
• Constructed structure to mount main system connections to oscilloscope to detect particle interactions under certain voltage reactions.
Space Generation Advisory Council Vienna, Austria
Co-author and Researcher Space Safety and Sustainability | Small Satellites August 2021-February 2023
• Researched and managed team of 12 on the Jovian Radiation environment and optimal thermal shielding.
• Ideated and designed a remote sensing instrument to study Jupiter’s atmosphere, correlation among EOVs measured and its impact on socioeconomics.
• Co-authors “Feasibility Study of Orbit Control Methods in CubeSats with Electric Propulsion for an Interplanetary Mission” accepted to IAF 2022
• Co-authors "Investigating the Applications of Small Satellites in the Measurement and Evaluation of the Essential Ocean Variables” accepted to IAF 2022
Central American Aerospace Network San José, Costa Rica
Co-founder and outreach advisor June 2021-December 2022
• Oversaw and coordinates outreach activities in the Central American region while leading the sustainability and green energies department, including women in
STEM conferences and kids in space.

Certificates & Awards

Measuring Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide from Space in Support of Climate Related Studies NASA’s Applied Remote Sensing Training
Prototyping as a Process (Build, test, repeat) Copenhagen Institute of Interaction Design
United States Space Camp Advanced Space Academy U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Opportunity Funds Awardee United States of America Department of State
International Physics Olympiad Competitor IPhO Lithuania 2021

Leadership

Tufts SEDS CubeSat Team Medford, MA

Structure and System Integration Lead September 2023-Present
• Designed a model for a 2U CubeSAT for SpacePort America 2024 in collaboration with Tufts Rocketry, in charge of the satellite’s system architecture.
• Optimizes performance by organizing the layout, power distribution, and communication interfaces and conduced FEA, vibration and thermal simulations to
ensure satellite integrity.
• Will perform thermal vacuum testing, vibration testing, and radiation testing to ensure proper functioning under space simulated conditions.
Tufts University Energy Conference Medford, MA
Content Team Developer September 2023-Present
• Organizes and coordinates content (panel speakers, moderators, keynote speakers) for the Tufts Energy Conference ’24.
• Communicated and organized under guidance of the Tufts Institute of the Environment with a team of students from all schools at Tufts.
Tufts Solar Racing Initiative Medford, MA
Mechanical Team Member and Co-founder November 2022-October 2023
• Designed and tested the mechanical system of the first prototype of the hybrid competition car, and served as communication between mechanical, and electrical
teams.
• Organized and communicated with potential sponsors for the creation of the club with the goal of competing in the WSC in 2025 .