Undergraduate research is a valuable opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world questions while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It allows students to work closely with faculty mentors, explore topics of personal and academic interest, and contribute to ongoing projects or create original studies. 

The Mechatronics Engineering Department proudly celebrates six student researchers who represented the program’s inaugural year at the 12th Annual Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center (UROC) Symposium on August 15 at CSU Monterey Bay. 

Special congratulations to Cable Bronte (CSUMB), Joshua Williams (Gavilan College), and mentor Dr. Jeorge Hurtarte, whose project AI-Enabled Cobot: The Future of Agriculture Harvesting, earned the Outstanding Research Poster Award.

We also commend Dr. Prashanta Pokharel for his mentorship of Dylan Deeny (CSUMB), Bella Orozco (Gavilan College), and Hariom Mepani (MPC), who advanced projects in robotic spraying, linear motion sprayer test fixture, and plant canopy imaging characterization. Additionally, Dr. Hurtarte guided Estrella Chavez Gaeta (Gavilan College) and Devyn Korman (CSUMB) in their AI-Cobot research.

These achievements reflect the innovation, mentorship, and collaborative spirit that define the Mechatronics Engineering community and the strength of innovation.

A group of four mechatronics students grouped together collaborating

 

Student Research Experience

Josh Williams, Cable Bronte, Devyn Korman, Estrella Chavez Gaeta, and Jeorge Hurtarte, PhD were awarded with Outstanding Research Poster.

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Researchers: Dylan Denny & Prashanta Pokharel, PhD

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Researchers: Hariom Mepani and Prashanta Pokharel, PhD

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Researchers: Bella J. Orozco and Prashanta Pokharel, PhD

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