Daniel Maldonado Naranjo

Daniel
Maldonado Naranjo

Mechanical Engineer specializing in Control Theory and Robotics. I design intelligent systems for safety and optimization under uncertainty. My current work centers on adaptive control, Hamilton-Jacobi reachability, and learning-based perception.

Let's Connect

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Masters & PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Active

University of California, San Diego

B.S. Mechanical Engineering | Specialization in Controls & Robotics

Summa Cum Laude

Selected Coursework

Robotics AI/CS Math Eng. Core Econ Arts
Adv System Dynamics Nonlinear Control Adaptive Control Optimal Estimation Spacecraft Guidance Embedded Control & Robotics Robotic Planning Linear Control AI for Engineering Design Intro to ML Algorithms Computational Methods Intro CS & Python Microeconomics Macroeconomics Econ of Conservation Econ of Ocean Resources Econ of Environment Public Policy Econ of Discrimination Digital Photography Hip-Hop Music World Music Traditions Music of 20th C.
Adv System Dynamics Nonlinear Control Adaptive Control Optimal Estimation Spacecraft Guidance Embedded Control & Robotics Robotic Planning Linear Control AI for Engineering Design Intro to ML Algorithms Computational Methods Intro CS & Python Microeconomics Macroeconomics Econ of Conservation Econ of Ocean Resources Econ of Environment Public Policy Econ of Discrimination Digital Photography Hip-Hop Music World Music Traditions Music of 20th C.
Real Analysis Linear Algebra Matrix Methods Prob & Stats Math Physics Calculus (Multivar/Vector) Diff Equations Thermodynamics Fluid Mechanics (Intro/Adv) Heat Transfer Solid Mechanics Signals & Systems CAD & Graphics Linear Circuits Finite Element Analysis Experimental Techniques Materials Science Dynamics & Vibrations Mechanical Design I/II Machining & Mfg Structural Design General Chemistry Physics (Mech/E&M/Waves) The Writing Course Ethics & Society
Real Analysis Linear Algebra Matrix Methods Prob & Stats Math Physics Calculus (Multivar/Vector) Diff Equations Thermodynamics Fluid Mechanics (Intro/Adv) Heat Transfer Solid Mechanics Signals & Systems CAD & Graphics Linear Circuits Finite Element Analysis Experimental Techniques Materials Science Dynamics & Vibrations Mechanical Design I/II Machining & Mfg Structural Design General Chemistry Physics (Mech/E&M/Waves) The Writing Course Ethics & Society

Research Toolkits

What I actually do, and the methods I reach for first.

Toolkit 01 · Robust & Safe Control

Adaptive control, reachability, and stability under uncertainty.

Lyapunov-stable adaptive control with control-barrier-function safety filters for a 6-DOF non-linear quadrotor under parametric uncertainty, input saturation, and obstacle constraints. Hamilton-Jacobi reachability for safe-set computation on Dubins vehicles, vertical takeoff and landing systems, and ten nuclear-facility wireless networks at Idaho National Laboratory. LQR-PI control of NASA Langley's Magnetic Suspension and Balance System, expanding the dynamic-pressure testing envelope by 100% via a robust MRAC architecture.

Methods Adaptive Control CBF Safety Filters HJ Reachability LQR / LQR-PI MRAC Kalman Filtering System ID
Stack MATLAB Simulink (Desktop RT) Embedded Systems ROS 1/2
Toolkit 02 · Path Planning, Perception & Learning

Planning in cluttered environments, perception under noise, applied ML.

Genetic-algorithm path planners and dynamic-window controllers for cluttered environments. RRT, A*, and model-predictive control for drone collision avoidance and formation flying. Image-processing pipelines that validated UV sterilization at Applied UV-C, achieving log-5 RNA virus reduction across 100+ trials and three critical surface zones. Supervised-learning baselines including k-means image segmentation, video super-resolution, and housing-market regression, with the math written down rather than the API call.

Methods RRT A* Dynamic Window Genetic Algorithms MPC Image Processing k-means Super-resolution
Stack Python C++ NumPy / SciPy OpenCV scikit-learn Linux
Toolkit 03 · Mechanical Design & Hardware

From analysis to fabrication, mechanically literate.

Auxetic metamaterial geometries with negative Poisson's ratio, prototyped at LEMUR Lab UCLA. Deployable dome-structure design with multi-million-ray UV exposure analysis. Comfortable bridging design intent to working hardware: modeling in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Rhino, then producing parts via 3D printing, CNC, and laser cutting. FEA, thermal, and structural studies as the design demands.

Methods FEA Thermal Analysis Structural Design Monte Carlo / Ray Tracing Topology Design
Stack SolidWorks Fusion 360 Rhino 3D 3D Printing CNC / Machining Laser Cutting LaTeX

Plus: Bilingual (English / Spanish). Teaching: built and delivered a Python curriculum for middle-school students as Tau Beta Pi VP of Services. Speaking: research presentations awarded Top Honors at UC San Diego's Summer Research Conference and the UC LEADS symposium (400+ attendees). Service: MIT Grad Diversity Ambassador, partnered with OGE GradDiversity on equitable-access programs in STEM.

Professional Systems

Active Adaptive Control Laboratory
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Jun 2023 - Jul 2025 · 2 yrs 2 mos | Cambridge, MA
  • Designed and implemented adaptive control algorithms for 24DOF 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 closed‐loop stability and improve path tracking by 100% in MATLAB/Simulink.
Adaptive Control UAVs MATLAB/Simulink Systems Engineering Control Theory Research
Grad Diversity Ambassador
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Oct 2023 - May 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos | Cambridge, MA
  • Graduate Diversity Ambassadors are current MIT graduate students who partner with OGE GradDiversity to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive community at MIT.
Problem Solving Team Work
Dynamic Systems and Control Engineer
NASA Langley Research Center
Jun 2024 - Sep 2024 · 4 mos | Hampton, VA
  • Designed and implemented an LQR-PI controller in MATLAB/Simulink for the Magnetic Suspension and Balance System supporting Artemis II, achieving a 100% improvement in both frequency- and time-domain requirements.
  • Developed an augmented MRAC architecture for Artemis II test applications, increasing the dynamic pressure testing envelope by 150% using robust adaptive control techniques.
  • Contributed to GNC development for the Artemis II mission through control-system modelling, simulation, and performance analysis to support flight-critical design objectives.
Optimal Control (LQR) MRAC GNC MATLAB/Simulink Artemis II
Wireless Systems Engineer
Idaho National Laboratory
Jun 2023 - Sep 2023 · 4 mos | Idaho Falls, ID
  • 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%.
HJR Analysis Wireless Networking Safety Analysis Optimization Building Management Systems
Academic Student Employee
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Apr 2023 - Jun 2023 · 3 mos | San Diego, CA
  • Provided comprehensive grading support to the course instructor, meticulously evaluating and assessing homework assignments, papers, and exams.
  • Conducted dedicated office hours, delivering prompt and thorough responses to student inquiries on assignments, clarifications, and academic concerns.
  • Proctored midterm and final exams, ensuring adherence to exam guidelines and maintaining a controlled testing environment.
Teaching Control Theory Communication
Simulation Engineer
Applied UVc
Jan 2023 - Jun 2023 · 6 mos | San Diego, CA
  • Simulated and optimised an autonomous UV sterilisation machine achieving log-5 reduction of RNA viruses.
  • Tested UV dosage around 3 critical areas (high-contact surfaces, handles, seating area) across 100+ trials.
  • Developed image-processing software to analyse and validate experimental test results across 100+ samples.
  • UCSD MAE 156B Team 25 Senior Design capstone.
Computer Vision Simulation MATLAB Process Validation
Vice President of Services
Tau Beta Pi, California Psi
May 2022 - Jun 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos | San Diego, CA
  • 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.
Python Education Leadership Community Service
The Laboratory for Embedded Machines and Ubiquitous Robots (LEMUR)
University of California, Los Angeles
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 · 3 mos | Los Angeles, CA
  • Conducted an exploratory study on the mechanical properties of metamaterials, with an emphasis on auxetic structures, summarised in a research paper.
  • Designed and manufactured 6 different kinds of auxetic unit cells used to model a dome structure with 95% deployability.
  • Presented research to hundreds of students, faculty, and industry professionals at the annual summer research conference.
  • Managed a team of 8 engineers: organising lab events, project check-ins, and equipment training to enable successful completion of all individual research projects.
Meta-Materials Research Team Management CAD
The Safe Autonomous Systems Lab
University of California, San Diego
Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 · 2 yrs 1 mo | California, USA
  • 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 the 2022 UC LEADS symposium (400+ attendees).
HJR Analysis UAVs MATLAB/Simulink Safety Critical Systems
UCSD STARS 2021
UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering
Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 · 3 mos | San Diego, CA
  • Integrated Simulink models into a Safety Reachability Analysis Toolbox.
  • Modelled a one-dimensional system in Simulink and wrote MATLAB code to integrate this system into a reachability analysis toolbox.
  • Presented work at the University of California Summer Research Conference.
MATLAB Simulink Reachability Analysis Problem Solving
Seismic Outreach Co-Director
UC San Diego SCSE
Jun 2021 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo | San Diego, CA
  • Organised a mix of remote and in-person curriculum activities for students to engage with: building a K'NEX structure that can withstand a simulated earthquake.
  • Collaborated closely with over 15 schools in the San Diego area to promote and engage a diverse pool of students in the outreach program.
  • Educated over 1,800 students about engineering and what it is like to pursue a degree in engineering, motivating more students from underrepresented backgrounds toward STEM.
Problem Solving Organisation Outreach STEM Education
Seismic Outreach Curriculum Liaison
UC San Diego SCSE
Jun 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo | San Diego, CA
  • Attended and prepared presentation slides and materials for outreach presentations to local elementary and middle schools in the San Diego area.
  • Assisted in translating slides and curriculum into Spanish to expand the program to bilingual schools where students are taught in Spanish and English.
  • Seismic Outreach introduces young students to engineering while promoting growth in communication, teamwork, and creativity.
Bilingual Curriculum Outreach STEM Education
ACES Peer Mentor
Academic Community for Engineering Success · UCSD
Oct 2020 - Jun 2021 · 9 mos | San Diego, CA
  • Developed and maintained relationships with first-year engineering students, providing assistance and support with a focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging.
Mentorship Leadership Communication
Automated Renewables Monitoring Systems (ARMS)
Engineers for a Sustainable World · UCSD
Oct 2020 - Jun 2021 · 9 mos | California, USA
  • Created low-cost, microprocessor-based power-weather correlation monitoring systems for renewable energy sources.
  • Aimed to return concrete data on the true outputs and ambient conditions of various renewable-energy generators on campus.
Arduino Modelling and Simulation Sustainability Sensor Integration
A.R.M.O.R Laboratory Assistant
University of California, San Diego
Sep 2019 - Mar 2021 · 1 yr 7 mos | San Diego, CA
  • Created CAD designs for pneumatic structures.
  • Programmed an Arduino UNO sensor stack to monitor pressure, temperature, and motion inside a pneumatic structure.
  • Cured Dragon Skin silicone rubber to fabricate scaled-down soft-robotic components.
CAD Arduino Soft Robotics Sensor Integration

Honors & Awards

GEM Fellow

National GEM Consortium · MIT | Apr 2023

National fellowship recognising outstanding individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, awarded on the strength of academic record, leadership, and research potential.

Graduate Deans' Leadership Award

University of California · UCSD Jacobs | Apr 2023

Awarded to three UC LEADS scholars across the University of California system for extraordinary leadership during the program. Selected by the UC LEADS Executive Steering Committee, funded by the deans of all ten UC graduate divisions.

Top Honors · Engineering & Computer Sciences

University of California · UCSD Jacobs | Apr 2023

Recognised at the UCSD Jacobs School of Engineering for top performance in the Engineering & Computer Sciences track.

Tau Beta Pi Member

Tau Beta Pi, California Psi · UCSD Jacobs | Jan 2022

The oldest engineering honor society in the United States. Membership recognises engineers and students with high scholastic accomplishment and exemplary character.

UC LEADS Scholar

University of California San Diego · Jacobs | Mar 2021

Two-year research fellowship preparing educationally or economically disadvantaged STEM undergraduates for doctoral study and leadership in industry, government, public service, and academia.

National Hispanic Scholar

College Board & Scholarship America · Monta Vista HS | Feb 2019

Awarded to Hispanic high-school students with excellent academic standing on the PSAT/NMSQT.

Warren College Honors Society

University of California San Diego | Jan 2019

Awarded after completion of at least twelve UCSD graded units while maintaining a minimum cumulative UCSD GPA of 3.7 or above.

Warren College Provost Honors

University of California San Diego | Jan 2019

Awarded each quarter to students who complete at least twelve graded units and earn a minimum quarter GPA of 3.5.

President's Volunteer Service Award

President of the United States · Monta Vista HS | Jan 2018

A civil award bestowed by the President of the United States, given to volunteers who contribute more than 100 service hours in a year.

National Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar

National Hispanic Scholarship Fund · UCSD Jacobs

HSF scholarship and support-services program empowering Latino students to complete higher education and reach their full academic potential.

Phi Beta Kappa Member

Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society · UCSD Jacobs

The oldest and most prestigious academic honor society in the United States. Membership recognises a rigorous, well-rounded education and capacity for critical thinking, rigorous analysis, and strong writing.

Beyond Engineering

When I'm not optimizing control loops or analyzing flight dynamics, I'm here.

Photography Music Reading YouTube Side Code