John Cavender Email and Phone Number

Tensegrity: Development of Soft Robotics Exploration System for Low Gravity Planetary Body. Team based research project to create a structural system with tensional integrity for use of damping strategies for controlled movement on small solar system bodies. • Designed and created retractable cable system used in tensegrity to control impact via SolidWorks and SLA printing.• Utilized Vicon nexus motion capture system to characterize the deformation of Tensegrity system under applied loads.• Aided in implementation of electronics system to automate movement using motors and Arduino.• Manufacturing experience utilizing water jet, mill, dremel to create and assemble components. • Responsible for ordering supplies and research equipment for all sub teams.

Pursing private pilot license through the Yellow Jacket Flying Club

Undergraduate Researcher in Aersopace Systems Design Lab: Directed Energy Weapons project.Team based research projects designed to improve modeling of Arleigh-Burke class Naval Destroyers and analysis of effects of directed energy weapons on fleet operations. • Created deployable helicopter model as explicit weapon using AFSIM and incorporated it into Lab’s Destroyer model.• Collected data to improved model of ship performance, capabilities, and maneuvers.

Plant Breeding Program that partners with industry to breed new plant varieties and bring to market• Responsible for pollination, chemical applications, sample collection, and data records. • Maintenance of equipment, vehicle, irrigation lines. Upkeep of plants and land plots.