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Hessan Sedaghat

Hessan.sdt@gmail.com

+1 (402) 419 8160

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LinkedIn: Hessan-Sdt

Cambridge, MA 02138

SUMMARY OF SKILLS

Design & Simulation

AutoCAD, SolidWorks,

 Fusion360, KiCAD,

Finite Elements Analysis(FEA),

LabView, Adobe Photoshop,  Adobe Illustrator

Prototyping

Arduino, Soldering,

Sensors, Motors,

3D Printing, Laser Cutting

Programming

C/C++, MATLAB

Fabrication

Design For Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA),

General Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T),

Welding, Milling

EDUCATION

Harvard University                                                                                                                                                                                                 09/2023 – 05/2025

Master in Design Engineering (MDE)
Concentration: Product Design, Hardware Development, Wearable Robotics, AR/VR, Immersive Experiences, Topology Optimization, Entrepreneurship

University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL)                                                                                                                                                                01/2017 – 04/2020

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Honors | Minors in Robotics Engineering and Mathematics                                                                          GPA 3.90/40

Honors Thesis: “Design and Development of a Robotic System to Simulate Autonomous Management in Plant Nursery”

WORK EXPERIENCE

University of Nebraska - Lincoln Product Innovation (PI) group                                                                                                                                     Lincoln, NE

Systems Engineering  Manager                                                                                                                                                                           08/2019 –  07/2022

  • Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team in all phases of new product development with an emphasis on 3D CAD design and performing failure simulation of complex assemblies.

  • Implemented, programmed, and calibrated sensors, ensuring overall optimization of newly integrated autonomous systems.

  • Created proposals, managed schedules, developed BOMs, wrote technical reports, and provided updates to all stakeholders.

  • Developed a robotic curriculum and carried out mechatronics projects to train and educate four visiting interns from India.

University of Nebraska Medical Center                                                                                                                                                                             Omaha, NE

Product Design Engineer (Part-Time)                                                                                                                                                                 10/2020 – 08/2021

  • Cooperate with vascular surgeons and biomedical engineers to invent minimally invasive medical devices, acquired a design patent and secured grants in thousands of dollars.

  • Implemented electronic components and developed a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for an automated advancement unit via microcontrollers using C/C++ language, reaching sensor accuracy of 92% and minimizing operator's error.

  • Conduct Design of Experiment (DOE) and rapid prototype fixtures using 3D printers to test and validate concepts, ensuring seamless communication between software and hardware components for maximum quality assurance.

NUtech Ventures                                                                                                                                                                                                                Lincoln, NE

Commercialization Analyst Intern – Engineering                                                                                                                                             06/2019 – 06/2020

  • Partnered with a multifaceted office to reverse engineer advanced technologies and perform intellectual property (IP) "prior art search" for more than 10 projects. Presented the findings to directors, project managers, and patent attorneys each time.

  • Evaluated the novelty of new inventions, identified potential licensees, and participated in 2 contract negotiations.

  • Conducted industry analysis and advised marketing strategies, facilitating successful commercialization of new products.

  • Set up and promoted entrepreneurial activities for UNL constituents and members of the Lincoln community.

Advanced Machinery Systems Laboratory                                                                                                                                                                        Lincoln, NE

Robotics Research Engineer (Part-Time)                                                                                                                                                           06/2018 – 06/2019

  • Designed hardware components and integrated electrical systems for 3 autonomous mobile robotic systems.

  • Performed kinematic analysis and reprogrammed a 6-DOF robotic manipulator improving system run time by 75%.

  • Planned and executed experiments to evaluate the performance of proximity sensors and depth cameras for obstacle detection.

  • Awarded $8000 in funds to use in 3 separate research projects (see publications) and presented the findings at the Annual International ASABE Conference, UNL Research Symposium, and to Nebraska State Senators.

Haddington Dynamics by Ocado Group                                                                                                                                                                       Las Vegas, NV

Robotics Design Engineer                                                                                                                                                                                     08/2022 – 08/2023

  • Work closely with the software and hardware team to develop critical components for various robotic systems such as end-of-arm tooling (EOAT).

  • Build testing fixtures to perform angular and cartesian calibration, ensuring the precision of a pick-and-place robotic arm.

  • Design and prototype mechanical components using traditional and recent rapid manufacturing methods such as Vision-Controlled Jetting for large and small-scale applications.

LEADERSHIP

UNL Robotics Club                                                                                                                                                                                                            Lincoln, NE

Founder | President                                                                                                                                                                                               08/2017 – 08/2019

  • Directed overall operations including supervision of staff, delegating tasks, and managing budgets of a 25-member organization.

  • Raised over $12,000 in funds, enabling participation in 3 international competitions, organization of 5 robotics camps, and facilitation of networking events between student and industry representatives.

​

HuskerBots Robotics Team                                                                                                                                                                                                Lincoln, NE

Team Captain                                                                                                                                                                                                     Summers 2017-2019

  • Managed and mentored 12 students within 3 sub-groups of Robotic Arm Design, Image Processing, and Mobile Platform.

  • Represented the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at the ASABE International Robotics Design Competition and led the team to achieve 2nd place in 2017, 5th place in 2018, and 4th place in 2019.

PROJECTS

  • Moving Shade, 2022 (Solidworks): Designed a 3D CAD model of a semi-autonomous moving shade system to monitor the condition of pasture animals. Investigated the critical weak points using Finite Element Analysis by simulating failure scenarios and assessed the existing system for overall cost and safety.
     

  • ASABE International Robotic Design Competition, 2017-2022 (SolidWorks, Arduino, Laser Cutting): Developed and programmed multiple autonomous robotic systems to execute agricultural tasks such as harvesting apples. Competed against more than 15 participants each time and obtained numerous awards globally (see achievements).
     

  • Soil Sampler, 2020 (SolidWorks, Arduino, Lathe, Welding): Built an automated system to extract soil samples, decreasing extraction time from 30 minutes to 5 minutes. The device has helped researchers improve turf condition in 3 golf courses across Nebraska and save thousands of dollars for the resorts' owners. 
     

  • Refurbished Robotic Arm, 2019 (SolidWorks, KiCAD, Arduino, 3D Printing): Modernized hardware and software components of a robotic arm controller initially built in the 1980s. Using only 30% of the sponsor's budget, the arm's full functionality was maintained while the weight and size of the controller were reduced by more than 90%.
     

  • Sensi-Plate, 2019 (AutoCAD, Raspberry Pi, 3D Printing): Spearheaded the design and testing of a smart plate capable of tracking nutrition in childcare setting. The project won the Platinum Award for Computer Engineering senior project.
     

  • Cloud Detection, 2019 (MATLAB): Developed a machine learning algorithm capable of detecting clouds in aerial images with a 92% accuracy. Proved that cloud presence affects prescription levels of fertilizers and the growth rate of corn crops over time.
     

  • Prosthetic Knee, 2018 (SolidWorks, FEA, 3D Printing): Designed, analyzed, and prototyped a cost-effective knee joint.
     

  • Project Spartan, 2017 (Python, Machine Lathe): Invented a robotic arm to assist stroke patients with their immobility problems.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Milton E. Mohr Award (2018): Achieved a highly competitive award from UNL College of Engineering, recognizing top engineering students between +350 undergraduates based on intellectual abilities and academic performance.

 
Additional Awards:

  • ASABE Robotics Competition (2nd place 2017, 5th place 2018, 4th place 2019)

  • Deans’ List (2017-Present)

  • Conant Scholarship (2019)

  • Keith N. Newhouse Scholarship (2019)

  • Iranian Scholarship Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship (2018)

  • Global Laureate Scholarship (2017)

  • INTIpreneur Business Plan Competition, Finalist (2016)

  • University of New South Wales & Monash University Science Essay Competition Winner (2016)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 

Inside Outside Innovation Summit Volunteer (2019)

  • Ushered over 150 participants, facilitated Q&A sessions, and monitored presentations to fulfill technology needs during the I.O. conference.


Nowruz Celebration Volunteer (2018)

  • Set up and promoted the celebration of Persian New Year hosted by UNL Iranian Students Organization. The sold-out event gathered more than 350 participants, increased community engagement, and helped to preserve an ancient cultural tradition.

 

Leadership Program Participant (2017)

  • Completed the Leadership course conducted by the UNL Outdoor Adventures Center. The 2-week long curriculum empowers students to collectively learn about risk management, enhance communication skills, and develop decision-making abilities.

 

TEDx Talk Event Volunteer (2016)

  • Facilitated the TED x INTI 2016 talk, which hosted 8 international speakers with more than 100 attendees from across Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

PUBLICATION & PRESENTATIONS

“Evaluation of Low-Cost Depth Cameras for Agricultural Research”

  • Paper: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers 

  • Presentation: 2020 ASABE International Conference | Omaha, NE 

 

“Design and Development of a Robotic System to Simulate Autonomous Management in Plant Nursery”

  • Paper: University of Nebraska – Lincoln Undergraduate Honors Thesis 

  • Presentation: 2019 ASABE International Conference | Boston, MA

                             2019 University of Nebraska Undergraduate Creative Activity and Research Experience (UCARE) Program Research Symposium Lincoln, NE

                             2019 Research Showcase for Nebraska State Senators | Lincoln, NE

 

“Development and Integration of an Autonomous Robotic System for Harvesting Apples in Simulated Environments”

  • Presentation: 2018 ASABE International Conference | Detroit, MI

                             2018 University of Nebraska UCARE Program—Summer Research Symposium | Lincoln, NE

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