Nicholas (Nick) Pimentel Email & Phone Number

Washington, United States

To address the growing threat posed by adversarial drone activity, a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) training solution was developed. This system simulates the engagement and neutralization of drones in a safe, controlled environment, ensuring no harm to the equipment involved. The goal is to provide realistic training scenarios to prepare operators for real-world security operations.Software/hardware logic planning and debuggingDevelopment and Retrofitting:• Salvaged and retrofitted UAS components to ensure operational readiness for realistic training scenarios.• Documented the process in a comprehensive technical document.Software, Hardware, and Logic Planning:• Contributed to the planning and debugging phases, enhancing system functionality.• Implemented Python scripts and advanced the system's logic phase.System Functionality Enhancements:• Improved the engagement station’s cooling using PWM techniques and voltage converters.System Configuration and Testing:• Installed RPi.GPIO, configured two headless Raspberry Pis, and tested LED indicators and fan cooling systems with Buck Converters to ensure reliable performance.Documentation and Safety Protocols:• Provided proper documentation and established protocols for electrical safety.

BRDG is a non-profit organization dedicated to the success of first-generation college students majoring in engineering and computer science. We aim to diversify the population of potential employees and future leaders who are not only well-rounded and knowledgeable in their technical skills but possession of leadership, interpersonal abilities, and socially aware.

The Successful Transfer and Retention (STAR) program at Cal State LA supports College Futures Foundation's (CFF) work to ensure that more students who reflect California’s diversity will complete a bachelor’s degree. Through the STAR program, we seek to establish an engineering and technology pathway with community colleges and develop a pre-and post-transfer peer mentoring program, thereby enhancing institutional capacity to support transfer student success in STEM fields.