Robotics Panel Discussion Spring 2024

Spring 2024 RePicture STEM Career Accelerator Robotics Panel Discussion
Panelists:
Dr. Deniz Dogruer, Squishy Robotics
Deniz is the Co-Founder and COO of Squishy Robotics, a start-up that created a device able to detect hazards and provide on-the-ground data to first responders. This lightweight, “squishy” robot is capable of dropping distances up to 1000 feet, enabling it to access hard-to-reach places before humans enter the scene.
In 2020, Deniz was selected to attend and represent her company at the Silicon Valley Bank Trek, a prestigious entrepreneurial event. Her company is also the recipient of a highly competitive investment and professional development opportunity from the Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator Program.
Deniz is also passionate about education. She worked at Silicon Valley Academy for 5 years, where she taught middle school math and science.
Deniz received her Ph.D. in Engineering Education from UC Berkeley and her M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Stephen McKinley, Ambi Robotics
Stephen is the Co-Founder and VP of Operations at Ambi Robotics, a company dedicated to AI-powered solutions for optimizing warehouse operations. Their robots can sort unique packages due to their efficient machine learning capabilities and provide detailed analytics to improve overall performance.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Stephen developed BLUE-standing for Berkeley robot for Learning in Unstructured Environments. These robot arms were built with the age of AI in mind to accelerate machine learning and robotics research. The project became Berkeley Open Arms, a design, outreach, and manufacturing organization.
Stephen briefly worked as a Lead Mechanical Engineer for an energy storage manufacturer before returning to UC Berkeley for his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Jennifer Bullockus, Terabase Energy
Jennifer is an Associate Mechanical Engineer at Terabase Energy, the first automated and digital field factor for solar power plant construction. Their solutions overcome solar energy’s major barrier-lack of resources-and will contribute to a rapid growth of solar. Through modeling and detailed mapping capabilities, Terabase cuts costs and development times. Previously, Jennifer worked as a Production Assistant for DMG MORI Manufacturing USA, a technology company operating in the automotive, aerospace, and medical industries.
While studying at UC Davis, Jennifer worked on a NASA project, where she researched tools needed for a robotic arm that would make repairs on the International Space Station. For a separate research project, she investigated the effect of biological materials with gradient porosity on prosthetic implants.
Jennifer received her Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Davis.
Swapnil Das, Jacobi Robotics
Swapnil is a Robotics Software Developer at Jacobi Robotics, where he develops software to control robot arm movement. Jacobi Robotics’s mission is to accelerate robot automation through the use of AI, talented software developers, and safety-driven engineering.
While studying at Carnegie Mellon University, Swapnil conducted research on path planning for self-driving vehicles, developing an audio sensing suite to identify sounds like sirens and horns. Using machine learning, he worked on a system capable of recognizing emergency vehicles and flashing lights. Swapnil has also worked as a freelancer for the Game Creation Society, working as a designer, writer, musician, and programmer for 4 video games.
Swapnil received his Master of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Sciences from UC Berkeley.