Alondra Cabrera Ruiz, Computer Engineering, Graduation: May 2019, Project Manager
I am a Hispanic woman in tech from Richmond, California. On my free time I enjoy shopping, watching Netflix, and traveling. I joined EPICS because of my passion for community service projects. I have always been highly involved in my community, especially in those that are underrepresented, helping children with their STEM projects and also leading STEM activities. I am looking forward to working with interdisciplinary students and community partners to help me further develop my interpersonal and professional skills as well as continue serving the community.
Justin Sean Leinbach, Software Engineering, Graduation: December 2019, Mechanical Design Lead
I was born to parents from very different backgrounds who loved to move around a lot. After my parents separated, my mother and I moved to the Tule River Reservation in Central California. This opportunity exposed me to my mother’s cultural beliefs and gave me a great respect for nature and spiritual things. When it was time for me to graduate high school, I decided to join the submarine force for the U.S. Navy. This gave me the opportunity to serve in multiple leadership positions and work on many teams. I wanted to join the EPICS course to work on a community project with an interdisciplinary team.
Alwin Riady Argono, Computer Engineering, Graduation: May 2019, Technical Assistant
I am an international student from Indonesia. Before attending SJSU, I attended Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. During my free time, I like to play basketball or computer games. I had a huge interest in computers and technology since I was little kid. I used to open up my CPU when things didn’t work right, though I sometimes made it worse, which actually motivated me to learn more about computers. I joined EPICS for my senior project to graduate from SJSU. I chose EPICS because I was previously a 160SL student, and I found myself really interested in working for the community. I thought it was fun meeting people from different backgrounds and majors.
Ivan Ayala Melgoza, Mechanical Engineer, Graduation: May 2019, Assistant Mechanical Lead Designer
I was born and raised in Watsonville, California, where I attended Cabrillo College and transferred to San José State University. I enjoy working with tools to either fix things or make them better. My main passion is working on cars and machines. I also like going to the beach with my dog when I have time. My favorite professor is Carlos Figueroa he teaches Physics and Introduction to Circuits at Cabrillo College. Professor Carlos is like no other teacher I ever had: he is a very caring professor and understanding. I enjoy learning from people that are passionate in what they do. The reason I joined EPICS was because I was awarded a scholarship that I am very thankful for receiving. I also enjoy giving back to the community by helping others through life experiences or what I have learned in school. My future plans are to look for a job so that I can gain more experience and help others. I will also want to go back to school for my masters degree.
Christian Lopez, Computer Engineer, Graduating Spring 2019, Webmaster
I am a graduating senior in computer engineering who is passionate about big data and its applications, I believe that the deluge of data generated from a smart aquaponics system is key in solving world hunger by understanding how to grow food with significantly less resources. I hope that through bringing awareness of this project to the community, I can make a difference by showing that there are far more efficient ways to grow food.
Cameron Hayes, Mechanical Engineer, Graduation: May 2021, Assistant Mechanical Designer
I grew up in Mountain View, CA where I went to Foothill Community College before transferring to SJSU. I enjoy the design process and particularly 3D printing application. As of right now I do not know was sub field of engineering I am interested in pursuing, but I am happy to be perpetually expanding my horizons and finding new fields that may one day pique my interest. When I am not studying I like to cook and read. I joined EPICS because I liked the idea of using my skills as an engineering student to make a direct impact in my local community. For the future and as of right now I would like to pursue a masters degree with a focus potentially in sustainable agriculture.
Omar Habra, Computer Engineering, Assistant Technical Designer
Scott LoCascio, Computer Engineering, Assistant Technical Designer
Alan Huang, Mechanical Engineering, Assistant Mechanical Designer