I'm Oscar Viquez, a graduate student in the department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT, and part of the Institute's class of 2013. My academic interests extend over a large range of fields, but calling it "robotics, energy and transportation" is probably a good approximation. I've worked in marine propulsion, solar and geothermal power generation, electric and autonomous vehicles, custom CNC equipment, large steel structures, among other projects. A part of my appointment as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Institute's Laboratory for Autonomous Marine Sensing Systems, I am currently working in the field of Ocean Acoustics.
Beyond the technical realm, I am also an avid reader with a strong penchant for creative works, such as those by Jules Verne or Jim Butcher. I am always looking for new interesting texts to dive into, as the world around me reshapes with every page read. I might spend hours discovering music new to my ears, and will occasionally try my hand at new flavors in the kitchen.
Should I find myself in the midst of a good story, listening to a moving song, or otherwise inspired by experience or the outside world, I will occasionally dabble in the expressive artform of graphite on paper. And as my parents and their parents have done, I will at times sit by the computer, or with a notebook at hand to let words flow, to fill the pages.
No, I am not a novelist, and I am no painter or especially good cook either. But I believe we have the power to grow, learn, adapt, improve, as our world shifts from one moment to the next. In the words of José Hernández (quoted by Facundo Cabral, beloved latinamerican composer), "no pinta quien tiene ganas, sino quien sabe pintar." And what better teacher than experience, to bridge the gap between aspiration and reality?
Oscar Viquez
(617) 308-0218
oviquezr@mit.edu
oviquezr@gmail.com
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering • Class of 2017
Thesis:Deployment of a passive acoustic detection system for reactive collision avoidance in autonomous underwater vehicles
Coursework:Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering • Class of 2013
Thesis:Evaluation of an acoustic detection algorithm for reactive collision avoidance in underwater applications
Coursework:Mechanical Engineer • April 2014 - June 2015
Design of large steel structures and industrial equipment. Offshore cranes, conveyor belts, personnel platforms and reinforced concrete design.
Mechanical Engineer • September 2013 - April 2014
Designed and developed a custom, specialized CNC mill for remote underwater operation. Mechanical design, hydraulics, pressure-balanced oil-filled housings, sensor integration, controls, automation.
Intern - Systems Test and Integration • Summer 2012
Developed test plans and automation platforms for vehicle charge behavior. Evaluated brown-out and reset behavior on the 12V system.
A project small in scale yet full of potential for craftmanship growth.
Woodworking, HobbiesMade of a solid walnut backing and a bookmatched maple front.
Woodworking, HobbiesMens et Manus is more than just another motto - it is a life style, a philosophy that nearly all MIT students are familiar with. The basic requirements for the yo-yo project were presented in terms of its parts: 2-3 injection molded, and at least 1 thermoformed.
Course projects, ManufacturingA pedestal-mounted marine crane designed in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute's Specification 2C, with a range of up to 100 ft.
Machine DesignThere are many things in this world worth slowing down for. Take a moment to enjoy the sight of a beautiful garden, smell the fresh spring air or truly listen to a song. Sit down for a good cup of coffee and enjoy a good book or the company of a friend.
Coffee, Reading, ConversationOur world is ever changing. Machines have taken an increasingly significant role in our lives. There is such wonderful potential in the future - how will we interact with them, and how might they interact with the environment?
Robotics, DevelopmentThere is so much to see in the world, a single lifetime is not long enough. Break out of those four walls and start exploring. New places to see, people to meet and experiences to live!
TravelExpression takes many forms. A paintbrush, the lens of a camera and the strings of a guitar can all become vehicles for emotion. Let all that was once bottled up now flow into the pages. Share your story.
Art, Design
Keep your eyes wide open, for the world is full of surprises!
Travel, Explore, Discover!.
Want to reach out? Feel free to use this form, or email me directly and I'll be happy to get back in touch soon as I can. Be sure to include how I may be of help or why you would like to connect.