Richard is from Omaha, NE, and is studying computer science and biology. His non-profit experience includes partnering with Civic Nebraska. As a community impact project, his team researched post-COVID challenges in the community and examples of how other organizations are combating these same challenges. His leadership experience includes serving as a mentor in the UNO ECE Leaf Blower Airplane competition under the instruction of Dr. Travis Vanderheyden. He assisted in selecting standard parts for the competition organizers such as servos, remotes, and the leaf blower itself. He also provided design and construction guidance to the team he was mentoring by advising layout, material selection, airfoil profiles, and control surface placement. This summer, he will continue working with UNO Biomechanics Prototyping Lab, where he works on designing and building equipment and prototypes for a range of research projects both for the University and for external clients. This requires extensive use of CAD and CAM software to create and manufacture various designs. During this internship, he practices designing for and using a range of construction methods, including 3D printing, CNC machining, plastics casting, TIG welding, etc. His career interests include medicine and related technologies. He aims to become a physician that can work with patients and use that experience to drive the development of novel medical devices and technologies.
