I’m a dedicated engineer applying for PhD programs in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on robotics, computer science, and controls. My research interests lie at the intersection of optimization, control systems, and autonomous systems, where I aim to develop innovative solutions for real-world challenges. With a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and minor in Computer Science, I’ve gained hands-on experience in robotics labs and industry projects while still maintaining a 4.0 GPA, fueling my passion for advancing technology through rigorous analysis and creative problem-solving.
Outside the lab, I enjoy tinkering with personal projects, exploring advancements in AI, and sharing knowledge through technical writing. My goal is to contribute to cutting-edge research that pushes the boundaries of autonomous systems.
Designing a fault-tolerant trajectory tracking algorithm to maintain performance despite motor actuation failures.
An incoming Summer 2025 internship with the prestigious Autonomy NM group.
Designed an RC controller for managing a fleet of robotic rafts, involving integrated UI/UX design, embedded system design, and mechanical design.
Worked with YouTuber Mark Rober to create The World's Smallest Nerf Gun (>70M views).
Designed the payload for the first-ever hybrid motor rocket at BYU, as part of BYU Rocketry.
Led my team to a 4th place finish among 25 teams, using only bare metal programming, a PIC24 microcontroller, PD control, and lots of ingenuity.
J. Wade, C. Paul, et al. (2024). "Untethered and Modular Inflatable Robot for Lunar Applications" Technical Paper presented as finalist in NASA BIG Idea Competition on Inflatable Systems for Lunar Applications , Las Vegas, NV. [Paper][Video][Slides]
J. Wade, C. Paul, et al. (2024). "Untethered and Modular Inflatable Robot for Lunar Applications" Poster presented at the Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium (LSIC), Las Vegas, NV. [Poster]
D. Sanchez, J. Wade, et al., (2024) "Development of Temperature Measurement and Control of 3D Printed Microfluidic Devices Towards Biomolecular Analysis," Ph.D. dissertation, Dept. Mech. Eng., Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 2024. [Online]. Contributed to Ch. 5: "Advancing the Applications of 3D Printed Microfluidics: Utilizing Quantum Dots to Measure Internal Temperature."
Brigham Young University, 2026
GPA: 4.0/4.0 | Dean’s List 2019-2026
Relevant Coursework: Robotics, Optimization Theory, Control Systems, Deep Learning, Dynamics of Mechanical Systems, Embedded Systems
Sandia National Lab, Summer 2025
Lawrence Livermore National Lab, Summer 2024
Compliant Mechanisms and Robotics Lab, Leadership, 2023–Current
Compliant Mechanisms and Robotics Lab, Summer 2023
May 2025
Proposal for further research involving the NASA Truss Robot developed for the BIG Idea competition. Submitted to the Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium. Problem revolves around maximizing of the robot's workspace in the event of motor actuation failure. Methods include PGD (project gradient descent)-style travseral along workspace boundary.
[PDF]November 2024
Summarized recent developments of robotics in healthcare for a general audience. Included analyzing the current state of medical robotic technology as well as public reception.
[PDF]April 2024
Analyzed and optimized design for a hanging scissor jack mechanism. Design and loading requirements were met, and sufficient search of the design space had to be shown. ANSYS Mechanical was used to perform FEA on the most complex part, verifying that it would meet the loading requirements with optimized geometry.
[PDF]April 2024
Reference manual for bare metal programming on PIC24 microcontroller. This was distributed among my peers to help in quizzes and in developing their line-following robot.
[PDF]Interested in discussing research or collaboration? Reach out!
Download my academic CV for a detailed overview of my qualifications.
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