Ricardo Chavez: Rudder Control for an Autonomous Sailing Catamaran

Ricardo Chavez: This summer I had the opportunity to work with Gabriel Elkaim and Robert Kelbley on an autonomous sailboat called the Atlantis. While working on this project I have practiced several key skills necessary for engineering. Prototyping is very important when working on a project that may require testing. Troubleshooting is another skill that is inevitably practiced during a project. I think that having spent more time troubleshooting helps with knowing what to look for. Being able to work well in a team setting is very crucial to success in engineering.

The SURF-IT program has been a great experience for me as an engineering student and a person. I have had the opportunity to interact in a laboratory environment at a different school. This has opened my eyes to the broad spectrum of engineering. I think that it has helped me focus on what I want to do with my career. This program has given me a glimpse of what research is all about which makes me a better engineering student.