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Education

Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering, New York University, 2025 (expected)
M.S. in Mechatronics and Robotics, New York University, 2019
B.S. in Mechatronics, Tecnológico de Monterrey, 2011

Awards

GEM Fellowship Program - National GEM Consortium - Aug 2022
Tecnológico de Monterrey - High Performance Academic Scholarship for the full undergraduate program (2007-2011)

Work experience

Video Engineering Team Intern at Apple Inc., Sunnyvale, California - May 2022 to August 2022
- Designed a real-time image-degradation detector for the Vision Pro headset’s camera feed, leveraging a 3D-CNN architecture to support tracking accuracy.
- Developed an end-to-end data pipeline: curated and annotated a large-scale video dataset, automated preprocessing and augmentation using Python (PyTorch + OpenCV).
Automation Engineer at Applied Control Engineering, Newark-Delaware - March 2020 to July 2020
- Streamlined testing procedures for critical control loops and Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS), enhancing operational reliability in a chemical plant.
- Executed comprehensive HMI display upgrades from Simatic WinCC Step7 to ABB 800xA across multiple facilities, improving user interface and system efficiency.
Founder & CEO at Heroeng Cía. Ltda., Quito-Ecuador - June 2015 to October 2023
- Developed a proprietary method for repairing mechanical seals exposed to highly corrosive formation water, directly reducing client M&R (Maintenance & Repair) costs.
- Delivered a compelling value proposition, offering effective seal repairs at a fraction of the cost of a new part, which allowed clients to save significantly on operational expenses.
- Directed all business operations, including client acquisition, P&L (Profit & Loss) management, technical service delivery, and strategic vision for the company’s entire 8-year lifecycle.
Automation Engineer at Proyectos Integrales del Ecuador PIL S.A., Quito-Ecuador - May 2013 to June 2015
- Developed and deployed Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI) applications for oil & gas facilities in Ecuador, California, and Texas.
- Worked on the migration of critical Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) from legacy to modern PLC platforms for a major facility, significantly enhancing system safety and reliability. (link)
- Designed PLC control logic based on detailed control philosophy documents and cause-and-effect matrices.
- Integrated equipment with PLCs using the Modbus protocol, enabling real-time data monitoring and control from a central SCADA system.
- Performed routine maintenance and support for SCADA/HMI systems to ensure high uptime.
Project Coordinator at ASTAP Cía. Ltda., Quito-Ecuador - Jan 2012 to Oct 2012
- Successfully managed a high-stakes project to replace and repair a hydrogen reciprocating compressor, vital to refinery operations.
- Ensured seamless project execution by coordinating all phases, including foundation, mechanical parts supply, sensor systems, and operational readiness tests.
- Led personnel and staffing logistics, effectively deploying teams to meet project milestones.
- Bridged the language gap by accurately translating technical engineering manuals from English to Spanish, which was critical for correct installation and operation.

Skills

Programming Languages
- Python
- C/C++
- C#
- Swift
- R
- Matlab
Development Platforms
- Unity
Machine Learning Frameworks
- Pytorch
- TensorFlow
Robotics Frameworks
- ROS
  - Packages: moveIt, rosbridge, ros-percepion, universal-robots
- ROS2
  - Packages: moveIt2, rosbridge, ros-percepion, universal-robots
CAD Tools
- Autodesk Fusion
- Solidworks
- CATIA
Document Preparation
- Latex

Publications

Using Capability Maps Tailored to Arm Range of Motion in VR Exergames for Rehabilitation

Lourido, C., Waghoo, Z., Wazir, H. K., Bhagat, N., & Kapila, V. (2024, July). Using Capability Maps Tailored to Arm Range of Motion in VR Exergames for Rehabilitation. In 2024 46th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.

A Professional Development Program using a Low-Cost Exoskeleton Kit to Support Trainers in Translating Technical Research to Implementable Recommendations

Lourido, C., Su, H., & Kapila, V., A Professional Development Program using a Low-Cost Exoskeleton Kit to Support Trainers in Translating Technical Research to Implementable Recommendations "2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition", Minneapolis, MN, USA, 2022

A COVID-19 emergency response for remote control of a dialysis machine with mobile HRI

Wazir, H. K., Lourido, C., Chacko, S. M., & Kapila, V. (2021). "A COVID-19 emergency response for remote control of a dialysis machine with mobile HRI. " Frontiers in Robotics and AI, 8, 612855.

Mentorship

Kishan Reddy Raghunath - MS student in Mechatronics and Robotics (2021-2023)
Pavan Cherukuri - MS student in Mechatronics and Robotics (2021-2023)

Christian Lourido

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