Gabriel Rodriguez

Gabriel Rodriguez

Robotics and control researcher at CMU.

Curriculum Vitae

Research Interests

Learning and Control: Integration of classical control techniques and intuition with learning-based methods.
Hardware-Aware Implementation: Low-latency programming techniques for real-time robot control.

Education
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 2025 - Exp. Aug 2027
M.S. Robotics
GPA: 4.00/4.00
Advisor: Dr. Wennie Tabib
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), Daytona Beach, FL
Aug 2020 - May 2025
B.S. Aerospace Engineering (Aeronautics Track)
GPA: 3.96/4.00
B.S. Engineering Physics (Spacecraft Systems Track)
Summa Cum Laude
Minor: Applied Mathematics
Research Experience
Graduate Researcher, Resilient Intelligent Systems Lab, CMU
Aug 2025 ‒ Present
Advised by Dr. Wennie Tabib
  • Trained reinforcement learning policies for spatially compact quadrotor inversion maneuvers in a JAX-based simulator.
  • Integrated learned controllers with Hopf fibration-based geometric control and optimal control allocation for simulation and hardware deployment in a ROS2/C++ flight stack.
Repositories: rislab/acrorl Tools: Python, JAX, C++, ROS2, Jetson Devices, Control Theory
Visiting Researcher, Control & Autonomous Systems, MIT Lincoln Laboratory
May 2025 ‒ Aug 2025
Advised by Navid Shahrestani
  • Programmed a GPU-accelerated Isaac Sim extension for event camera simulation and synthetic data generation (code coming soon!).
  • Created a motion primitive-based control algorithm for dynamic robotic navigation through cluttered environments.
  • Assisted in completing solutions manuals for the BeaverWorks Autonomous Air Vehicle Racing course.
Tools: Python, PyCUDA, Docker, Isaac Sim, Control Theory
Undergraduate Researcher, Engineering Physics Propulsion Lab, ERAU
Jan 2024 ‒ May 2025
Advised by Dr. Sergey Drakunov
  • Developed ROS2 workspace to deploy RL policies on a Unitree Go2, training them in custom Isaac Lab environments.
  • Authored an anomaly search controller using time-varying probability distributions based on sensor input.
  • Assisted in integration of Nav2 for autonomous 2D navigation using LiDAR and stereo cameras.
  • Built and maintained lab’s LinkedIn, Website, and GitHub.
Repositories: eppl-erau-db/go2_rl_ws, eppl-erau-db/amigo_ros2 Tools: Python, C/C++, ROS2, Jetson AGX Orin, Raspberry Pi
Undergraduate Researcher, Physical Sciences Dept., ERAU
May 2023 ‒ Aug 2023
Advised by Dr. Sergey Drakunov and Dr. John Hughes
  • Constructed an autonomous, mecanum-wheeled, omnidirectional vehicle with real-time AI object detection inference.
  • Authored and implemented a PID control system to capture free-falling objects using camera inputs.
  • Designed and 3D printed components for hardware and systems integration.
Tools: Python, Jetson Devices, Control Theory
Professional Experience
Controls Intern, Allen Control Systems
May 2026 ‒ Present
  • Implementing resource-constrained system identification for safety-critical systems.
Tools: Python, C, C++, Control Theory
Mechanical Engineering Co-Op, Textron Systems
Sep 2023 ‒ Dec 2023
  • Devised testing mechanisms in Siemens NX with GD&T and PMI for the Sentinel (GBSD) program.
  • Conducted static linear and nonlinear structural analysis in ANSYS.
Tools: Siemens NX, GD&T, ANSYS, PMI
Mentee, Boeing Career Mentorship Program (BCP)
May 2022 ‒ Nov 2022
  • Fostered mentor-mentee relationships with Boeing employees through the BCP curriculum.
  • Developed skills necessary to integrate into a professional environment like networking and leadership.
Academic Projects
Software & Communications Engineer, ToppleBot
Aug 2024 ‒ May 2025
  • Developed the software system for the ToppleBot, a reaction wheel-driven balancing and toppling cube robot.
  • Implemented wireless communication with micro-ROS over WiFi for real-time data exchange and visualization.
  • Created, deployed, and tuned a model-free PID controller for balancing and toppling behaviors.
Repositories: gabearod2/topplebot, gabearod2/topplebot_station Tools: Python, C/C++, ROS2, micro-ROS, FreeRTOS, ESP32
Controls Engineer, Micro Quadrotor Control
Jan 2025 ‒ May 2025
  • Derived a cascaded LQR-based control scheme for trajectory tracking of a quadrotor.
  • Proved full-closed loop stability across different frequency ranges using block-diagram algebra and phase analysis.
Tools: MATLAB, Simulink
Principal Investigator, VerdeCommute VC-1
Aug 2024 ‒ Dec 2024
  • Led the preliminary design phase of the VerdeCommute VC-1, a hybrid-electric STOL aircraft.
  • Developed MATLAB scripts to optimize high-lift propeller design, positioning, and thrust modeling.
  • Defined the systems integration of electric motors, batteries, and VerdeGo turbo-generator for hybrid propulsion.
Repositories: gabearod2/hlp_design Tools: MATLAB, MS Excel
Controls Engineer, Adjustable Throat Area De Laval Nozzle
Jan 2023 ‒ May 2023
  • Created a mathematical model to control the nozzle’s throat area for optimal aerodynamic performance.
  • Fabricated a 3D-printed prototype integrating a pitot-static probe for validation.
Tools: MATLAB, Inventor
Software Engineer, Batted Baseball Trajectory Calculator
Sep 2020 ‒ Dec 2020
  • Authored a MATLAB script to predict and graph the trajectory of a baseball given initial conditions.
  • Based on "The Physics of Baseball" by Dr. Alan M. Nathan.
Tools: MATLAB
Involvement and Leadership
Academic Chair, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
May 2023 ‒ May 2024
  • Led educational research meetings, introducing members to research opportunities for undergraduates.
  • Planned and managed events to provide supplementary instruction in MATLAB and 3D printing.
Repositories: gabearod2/omni_control_ws Tools: MATLAB, Inventor, Python, C/C++, ROS2
Skills and Technologies

Languages: English (Fluent), Spanish (Full Professional Proficiency)
Proficient In: MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++, Inventor, Siemens NX, ROS2, Micro-ROS, Isaac Lab, Isaac Sim, PyCUDA, Git, JAX
Familiar With: Femap with NASTRAN, CATIA v5, STK, SolidWorks, Javascript, Isaac Gym, Nav2, Docker, FreeRTOS
Robotics Hardware: Unitree Go2, Jetson AGX/NX/Nano, ESP32, Raspberry Pi

Selected Honors & Awards
  • Engineering Physics Outstanding Scholar Award, ERAU (2025)
  • Dean’s List, ERAU (All Semesters)
  • Scholar-Athlete Award, ERAU (2022)
  • Diamond Eagle Scholarship, ERAU (All Semesters)
Professional Memberships
  • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (Apr 2023 - Present)
References

Available upon request.