- LUCAS FOLIO -
Mechanical Engineer
Education
University Of South Florida (USF), Tampa, FL
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Graduated: May 2025
Experience
Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry (SOAR), Tampa, FL
Chief of Safety (Executive Board) | May 2024–May 2025
- Led safety engineering and system-level risk management for the NASA Student Launch (NSL) 2025 project, contributing directly to system architecture and design reviews to ensure compliance with mission requirements.
- Identified and resolved 14 distinct Environment, Health, and Safety (EH&S) deficiencies within shared lab spaces, developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enhance facility safety and compliance for over 100 students. This involved developing and implementing quality control procedures and identifying areas for improvement.
- Coordinated with mechanical, avionics, and payload sub-teams to de-conflict integration issues, maintaining alignment with master project timelines.
- Communicated with faculty, staff, and students to align project goals with regulatory requirements, ensuring sustainable aerospace system development.
Design for X Lab (DFX), Tampa, FL
Lab Assistant | June 2023–May 2025
- Assisted in USF’s largest Makerspace Lab, specializing in training on laser cutters, 3D printers (resin and PLA), and soldering techniques.
- Collaborated on various lab projects, including resin printer maintenance and laser cutting, and designed training outlines for diverse lab equipment.
- Interpreted complex engineering drawings and schematics, providing hands-on fabrication support and troubleshooting to guide the translation of designs into physical products.
- Provided hands-on technical support and troubleshooting for electro-mechanical integration issues across 50+ student engineering projects, fostering a deep understanding of system functionality and holistic problem resolution.
- Operated and maintained advanced manufacturing equipment, including FDM/SLA 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC machinery, contributing to rapid prototyping and iterative design improvements.
NLM and NIH, Bethesda, MD
FAB Lab Intern | January 2021-August 2021
- Curated AI training data for tuberculosis detection at the National Library of Medicine, enhancing data precision for medical imaging applications.
- Assisted NIH FAB Lab engineers in creating affordable methods to improve gait analytics for patients with walking disabilities, contributing to design for usability and accessibility.
Projects
NASA Student Launch Competition (NSL)
Safety Lead (NSL 2025) & Payload Specialist (NSL 2024)
- Authored comprehensive Failure Modes and Effects Analyses (FMEAs) for system risk management, directly informing crucial design revisions and contributing to the team's top 25% national placement (among 70+ university teams) by ensuring system integrity and performance.
- Defined and managed critical system interfaces between the mechanical airframe and avionics/payload subsystems, ensuring successful integration and data communication for mission success.
- Conducted performance simulations using MATLAB to analyze flight dynamics and predict the impact of design changes on system performance.
- Conducted rigorous RF performance tests on the rocket's communication system, actively addressing signal interference issues and demonstrating direct exposure to product testing and data analysis.
- Successfully defended the system architecture and risk analysis before a NASA review panel to secure launch approval.
Tripoli Rocketry Certification (TRA)
Program Lead
- Directed the entire project lifecycle for the Tripoli Rocketry program, mentoring 6 students through the design, fabrication, integration, and successful launch of Level 1 high-power rockets.
Medical 3D Modeling & Prototyping
- Designed 3D models of randomly generated tumors detectable by CT Scanner for medical imaging.
- Created animations and designs for presentation at the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM).
- Prototyped for patent application, demonstrating innovative design and practical application in biomedical engineering.
Personal Programming & Cybersecurity Initiatives
- Actively utilized Python for numerous personal projects, developing scripting solutions and automating tasks (e.g., data processing, small utility applications).
- Gained foundational experience with Java in high school coding classes, developing an understanding of object-oriented programming principles.
- Explored encrypted transmission using Meshtastic on LoRa frequencies (915MHz), demonstrating an innate interest in Platform Cybersecurity and secure communication protocols.
Skills
- Software & Programming: SOLIDWORKS (‘22-‘23), Fusion360, AutoCAD, MATLAB, Python, C++, C#, Java, HTML5, Blender, Photoshop, Illustrator, 3D Slicers, EagleCAD (exposure), ESP32 Development, RF Systems.
- Hardware & Fabrication: Laser Cutter, Soldering, LCD Resin printers, FDM PLA printers, Rapid Prototyping tools, Welding, Woodworking, CNC machining basics, PCB Manufacturing (exposure), Electro-mechanical Integration.
- Design & Analysis: FMEA, DFM, DFA, System Integration, Performance Simulations, Technical Drawing Interpretation, Root Cause Analysis, Troubleshooting, Risk Identification & Mitigation, System Architecture, Requirements Definition, Interface Management.
Certifications
- NCEES FE Mechanical (25-083-81)
- Certified SOLIDWORKS Associate in Mechanical Design (CSWA)
- Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA) Level 1 Certification
- Technician Class Ham Radio License (KF5KYE)
Awards & Involvements
Awards & Involvements
- College Involvements: Society of Aeronautics & Rocketry (SOAR), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
- Service: Student Service Learning (236 Volunteer Hours), Certificate of Meritorious Service.
- High School Involvements: AP Digital Art (4), Varsity Cheer, JV Captain Sailing Team, Event Master of Ceremonies for Cheer competition, Morning Announcer.