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Alex Popov

3/2 Engineering: B.S. Physics & Computer Science — University of Redlands • Expected Graduation: April 2027

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🎯 Summary

I’m a hands-on student engineer focused on embedded systems, robotics, UAVs, and electromechanical design. At the University of Redlands, I serve as President of UoR Robotics & Drones and SEDS Redlands, where I lead multi-disciplinary teams building autonomous drones, rovers, and high-power rocket systems. My work spans CAD + fabrication, PCB/circuit design, controls, RF/telemetry, and software dashboards for real-time data and testing. I like taking ideas from concept to working hardware that can be validated with measurable performance.

🏫 Education

💼 Experience

Robotics & Drones President | University of Redlands — Sep 2025 – Present

  • Lead autonomous UAV and robotics projects spanning embedded control, sensor integration, and real-time telemetry/video.
  • Coordinate cross-disciplinary teams across mechanical, electrical, and software workstreams.
  • Drive organization growth through project planning, budgeting, mentorship, and technical workshops.

SEDS Redlands Chapter President | Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) — Feb 2024 – Present

  • Lead rover and rocketry initiatives with emphasis on systems engineering, testing, and documentation.
  • Oversee CAD/design workflows, simulations, and subsystem integration using SolidWorks, MATLAB/Simulink, and embedded platforms.
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and technical coordination between mechanical, electrical, and software teams.

Mathematics Instructor | Kumon North America, Inc. — May 2025 – Aug 2025

  • Tutored students in math (and reading) while tracking progress and reinforcing problem-solving habits.
  • Supported individualized learning plans, grading, and student performance record-keeping.

Delivery Driver Helper | FedEx (Ground) — Sep 2024 – May 2025

  • Assisted with loading, unloading, and delivery across assigned routes while maintaining strong customer service.
  • Supported route efficiency improvements during peak seasons.

Administrative Assistant Intern | FedEx (Ground) — Jun 2024 – Aug 2024

  • Assisted with driver tracking, compliance workflows, and maintenance/incident reporting.
  • Maintained operational documentation and helped coordinate scheduling and safety updates.

HVAC Service Technician | So-Cal Heating & Air — Summer 2022

  • Installed, maintained, and repaired residential/commercial HVAC systems and controls.
  • Performed diagnostics, calibration, and airflow testing; supported electrical wiring and component replacement.

🧪 Projects (Selected)

Doppler Effect Device (Physics Capstone)

  • Building a table-top Doppler measurement system using an HB100 radar module and LM358-based signal conditioning.
  • Mechanical slider-crank motion to generate repeatable velocity profiles; ESP32 extracts Doppler “beat” frequency for velocity estimation.
  • Validation workflow compares predicted kinematics to measured velocity for experimental verification.

3× GPS Averaging FPV Drone

  • FPV quadcopter research build integrating three GPS modules to improve position accuracy via coordinate averaging.
  • Design focus: integration, telemetry, and reliable GPS data flow for navigation and logging.

Multiterrain Rover (SEDS)

  • Custom chassis and drivetrain work including bearing mounts, jackshafts, sprockets, and structural integration.
  • ESP32-based motor control and long-range telemetry (LoRa/RF); video/compute pipeline using Jetson/Raspberry Pi (as applicable).
  • Software dashboard for live data and testing telemetry workflows.

Custom Fiberglass High-Power Rocket (SEDS)

  • Stability and drag analysis; avionics and recovery planning; certification-focused build workflow.
  • Simulation and analysis using OpenRocket + MATLAB.

Apop Mining

  • Solar-powered GPU/ASIC mining operation with automated control, cooling/HVAC considerations, and remote monitoring.

🧰 Core Skills

Mechanical & CAD

SolidWorks CAD, chassis/drivetrain design, composite airframes (fiberglass/carbon), fabrication support, DFM/tolerancing.

Embedded, Controls & Electronics

ESP32/Arduino, motor drivers, sensors, RF/LoRa telemetry, PCB/circuit design, power systems, instrumentation basics.

Software

Python, C/C++, data processing, dashboards/telemetry tooling, Git, basic computer vision workflows.

Analysis & Simulation

MATLAB/Simulink, OpenRocket, stability/thrust/drag calculations, test planning and validation.