The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (Undergraduate)
I graduated from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in the fall of 2022, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. While pursuing my degree, I completed several relevant courses that have equipped me with a strong foundation in this field. Please find below a list of some of the key courses I undertook, excluding mathematics (calculus, analysis, statistics) and humanities classes.
In addition to my academic pursuits, I also had the opportunity to participate in a summer program as a project coordinator for UTRGV's TexPrep. This engaging role allowed me to work closely with K-12 students, providing them with hands-on activities and inspiring experiences within a university environment. As a project coordinator, I assisted in preparing students for future academic challenges by fostering their interest in various STEM disciplines. These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, have contributed to my holistic development as an engineer. They have nurtured my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios and enhanced my communication and leadership skills. I am excited to bring this well-rounded background to my future endeavors as I continue to pursue excellence in mechanical engineering and contribute to innovative projects and advancements within the field.
You can find more information about my role at TexPrep under the "Work Experience" tab above.
Mechanical Engineering Courses:
- (MECE 1101) Intro to Mechanical
- (MECE 1221) Engineering Graphics
- (MECE 2302) Dynamics
- (MECE 2340) Engineering Materials
- (MECE 3304) System Dynamics
- (MECE 3315) Fluid Mechanics
- (MECE 3320) Measurement & Instrumentation
- (MECE 3321) Mechanics of Solids
Projects and Research Topics:
- Green Sea Turtle Prosthesis
- Mechancial Analysis of 3D-Prints
- ASTM G-99 Analysis of 3D-Prints
- Multi-Technology Hybrid Systems
- (MECE 3335) Thermodynamics I
- (MECE 3336) Thermodynamics II
- (MECE 3360) Heat Transfer
- (MECE 3380) Kinematics & Dynamics of Mach
- (MECE 4101) Fundamentals of Engineering
- (MECE 4350) Machine Elements
- (MECE 4361) Senior Design Project I
- (MECE 4362) Senior Design Project II
You can find more information on my projects and research topics in the "Projects" tab above, under the specified name, as shown in the section above.
James Nikki Rowe High School
I graduated from NRHS (Nikki Rowe High School) in the spring of 2018, where I not only focused on acquiring fundamental education but also actively participated in various clubs and extracurricular activities. One such club was our FIRST Robotics Team FTC 12373, known as The RoweBotic Problem. As a member of this team, I took on a leadership role, guiding a team of six students in a collaborative effort to excel in the FIRST Tech Challenge. Within the RoweBotic Problem, we allocated specific roles to team members, emphasizing design, coding, and fabrication/prototyping. This collective approach allowed us to compete effectively, showcasing our skills and knowledge in the realm of robotics. The FIRST Tech Challenge served as an arena where we could put our abilities to the test, applying what we had learned to develop innovative solutions.
Additionally, during my final year at NRHS, I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Tech Wars event. This thrilling robotic competition encompassed activities such as drone racing, battle bots, and RC racing. As part of a four-member team, we took on the challenge of designing, coding, and completing a battle bot within a tight timeframe. During the Tech Wars competition, I assumed the crucial role of lead driver for our battle bot, aptly named "Rampage." Through the combined efforts of our team members, we achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural battle bot title for Nikki Rowe High School. This achievement stands as a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in these robotics competitions and leadership experiences has not only honed my technical abilities but also developed my communication, teamwork, and project management skills. These experiences have further reinforced my passion for engineering and inspired me to pursue a career in this field, where I can continue to innovate, collaborate, and make a positive impact. You can find more information on my history in robotics in the Projects Tab above under FIRST Tech Challenge and Battle Bot: "Rampage."
Additionally, during my final year at NRHS, I had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Tech Wars event. This thrilling robotic competition encompassed activities such as drone racing, battle bots, and RC racing. As part of a four-member team, we took on the challenge of designing, coding, and completing a battle bot within a tight timeframe. During the Tech Wars competition, I assumed the crucial role of lead driver for our battle bot, aptly named "Rampage." Through the combined efforts of our team members, we achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural battle bot title for Nikki Rowe High School. This achievement stands as a testament to our dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in these robotics competitions and leadership experiences has not only honed my technical abilities but also developed my communication, teamwork, and project management skills. These experiences have further reinforced my passion for engineering and inspired me to pursue a career in this field, where I can continue to innovate, collaborate, and make a positive impact. You can find more information on my history in robotics in the Projects Tab above under FIRST Tech Challenge and Battle Bot: "Rampage."
AWARDS:
- FIRST RGV FTC WINNING ALLIANCE 2014-2015
- FIRST RGV FTC COMPASS AWARD 2015-2016
- FIRST RGV FTC HUBPHEST 1st PLACE 2017
- TECH WARS BATTLE BOTS 1st PLACE 2018
"Nikki Rowe High School senior Xavier Gonzalez was the pilot of “Rampage” and along with teammates Nick Castillo, Noel Bazan and Miguel Martinez, used a strategy of survival to beat out the other teams."
