Daniel
Maldonado Naranjo
Mechanical Engineer specializing in Control Theory and Robotics.
I design intelligent systems that prioritize safety, sustainability, and optimization in uncertain environments. Passionate about pushing the boundaries of what autonomous systems can achieve.
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Masters & PhD in Mechanical Engineering
ActiveUniversity of California, San Diego
B.S. Mechanical Engineering | Specialization in Controls & Robotics
Magna Cum LaudeSelected Coursework
Skills & Expertise
Robotics, Control & Autonomy
Control Theory
ROS 1/2
UAVs / GNC
Automation
Safety Critical
Motor Control
Optimal Ctrl (LQR)
Adaptive Ctrl
Sys ID
Flight Dynamics
Kalman Filter
Hazard Analysis
Embedded Sys
Software, AI & Computing
Python
C++ / OOP
MATLAB
ML/AI
Computer Vision
Data Science
Simulink (RT)
Linux/Unix
LaTeX
LabVIEW
Arduino
Photoshop
Engineering Analysis & Design
SolidWorks
CAD/CAM
PCB Design
FEA
Thermal Analysis
Circuit Design
Structural Eng
Monte Carlo
Systems Eng
Renewable Energy
Nuclear Tech
Battery Test
Manufacturing & Prototyping
3D Printing
Manufacturing
Laser Cutting
CNC/Machining
Rapid Proto
Rhino 3D
Fusion 360
Validation
Professional & Leadership
Leadership
Mentoring
Grant Writing
Speaking
Project Mgmt
R&D Mgmt
Teaching
Tech Writing
Community
Bilingual
Professional Systems
- Partnered with OGE GradDiversity to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community at MIT.
- Designed and implemented adaptive control algorithms for 6DOF aircraft, effectively handling loss of control effectiveness anomalies (LOE), state, and input constraints using MATLAB and Simulink Desktop Real Time.
- Derived and validated an adaptive control architecture for a Dubins Vehicle model handling LOE, state, and input constraints to guarantee closedâloop stability and improve path tracking by 100% in MATLAB/Simulink.
- Implemented a LQR-PI controller in MATLAB and Simulink, improving frequency and time domain requirements of the Magnetic Suspension and Balance System by 100%.
- Developed an augmented Model Reference Adaptive Control architecture, expanding the dynamic pressure testing range up to 150% by applying robust adaptive control techniques.
- Presented key findings and future research directions in a comprehensive exit presentation, demonstrating advanced control system design expertise.
- Successfully implemented Hamilton-Jacobi Reachability (HJR) Analysis to perform safety analysis of 10 nuclear facility wireless communications networks.
- Engineered multi-objective energy aware algorithms for random and uniform network deployment methods.
- Simulated HJR + Energy aware planning across 10 network configurations improving network lifetime by 100%.
- Provided comprehensive grading support to the course instructor, meticulously evaluating and assessing homework assignments, papers, and exams.
- Conducted dedicated office hours to students, delivering prompt and thorough responses to inquiries related to assignments, clarifications, and academic concerns.
- Simulated and optimized an autonomous UV sterilization machine achieving log 5 reduction of RNA viruses.
- Tested UV dosage around 3 critical areas: high contact surfaces, handles, and seating area across 100+ trials.
- Developed image processing software to analyze and validate experimental test results for 100+ samples.
- Initiated and led service committee meetings consisting of 4 board officers.
- Developed a Python educational curriculum to teach Python to middle school students.
- Recruited and coordinated student volunteers to prepare presentation and project materials.
- Adapted Simulink models to current Hamilton-Jacobi Reachability (HJR) Analysis to perform safety analysis on vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.
- Awarded Top Honors at the annual Summer Research Conference at UC San Diego and 2022 UC LEADS symposium (400+ attendees).
- Conducted an exploratory study on the mechanical properties of metamaterials (auxetic structures), summarized in a research paper.
- Designed and manufactured 6 different kinds of auxetic unit cells used to model a dome structure with 95% deployability.
- Managed a Team of 8 Engineers: organizing lab events, project check-ins, and equipment training.
Honors & Awards
NSF Graduate Research Fellow (GRFP)
National Science Foundation | 2023Prestigious fellowship supporting outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines.
Sloan Scholar
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation | 2023Awarded for academic excellence and potential for success in graduate engineering studies.
GEM Fellow
The National GEM Consortium | 2023Fellowship promoting participation of underrepresented groups in post-graduate science and engineering.
Summa Cum Laude
University of California, San Diego | 2023Graduated with highest honors (Top 2% of class).
Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society
California Psi Chapter | 2022Inducted for distinguished scholarship and exemplary character.
Outstanding Senior Award
UCSD MAE Department | 2023Recognized for exceptional academic achievement and contributions to the department.
UC LEADS Scholar
University of California | 2021-2023Two-year research fellowship preparing students for doctoral programs in STEM.
McNair Scholar
Department of Education | 2021-2023Program designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research.
Summer Research Conference Top Honors
UC San Diego | 2021 & 2022Awarded for best research presentation among 400+ participants for two consecutive years.
Beyond Engineering
When I'm not optimizing control loops or analyzing flight dynamics, I love to explore the world through other lenses.