Avery McDaniel

Materials Science and Engineering student at the University of Florida with research experience in corrosion science, fluid mechanics, robotics sensing systems, and experimental materials characterization. Skilled in laboratory instrumentation, CAD design, and engineering data analysis using MATLAB and Python. Seeking a Summer 2026 engineering internship in materials, mechanical, robotics, or aerospace engineering.

APRILab – University of Florida Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department
Undergraduate Engineering Research Intern | Feb 2026 – Present

• Contribute to interdisciplinary engineering research focused on robotic sensing systems and environmental interaction.
• Assist in development of CompoundRay software designed to reduce energy consumption in AI sensing systems by modeling the optical structure of nocturnal insect eyes.
• Support design and prototype development of a Modularis submersible robotic platform used to study underwater human-robot interaction.
• Apply principles of robotics, sensing technologies, and engineering prototyping within collaborative research projects.

University of Hawaii at Manoa – Corrosion Laboratory
Undergraduate Research Intern | Jun 2025 – Aug 2025

• Conducted materials corrosion research under Professor Lloyd Hihara investigating electrochemical mechanisms affecting metal degradation.
• Prepared and polished high-precision metal samples for laboratory testing and characterization.
• Performed materials characterization using microhardness and nanoindentation testing and spectroscopic analysis techniques.
• Processed corrosion data from field and laboratory experiments to analyze material performance and durability.

George Washington University – Aerospace Engineering Laboratory
Undergraduate Research Intern | Jun 2025 | Jun 2024 – Aug 2024 | Jun 2023 – Aug 2023

• Conducted fluid mechanics and materials research under Professor Philippe Bardet focused on turbulence measurement and boundary layer flow behavior.
• Assisted in development of polymer materials for refractive index matching with water to enable high-resolution visualization of fluid turbulence.
• Supported development of an Office of Naval Research (ONR) funded high-resolution microscopy system used to measure near-wall turbulence for naval engineering applications.
• Contributed to the design and fabrication of a laboratory wind tunnel used to study boundary layer effects and fluid flow measurement techniques relevant to aircraft drag reduction and hydrodynamic performance.
• Assisted in coordination and logistics for a NATO physics and engineering research conference hosted at GWU.

Co-Author

Near-Wall Hydroxyl Tagging Velocimetry Around a High-Reynolds Number Airfoil
AIAA Conference Paper

• Introduces a laser-based velocimetry technique used to investigate fluid behavior near boundary surfaces and analyze turbulence in high-velocity airflow environments.

UF Women’s Water Polo Club
Tournament Chair | May 2025 – Present

• Organize university water polo tournaments including scheduling, referee coordination, and event operations.

Gator Club Water Polo
Youth Water Polo Coach | Jan 2026 – Present

• Coach athletes ages 6–15 in water polo fundamentals, teamwork, and water safety.

UF Early Childhood Collaboratory
Volunteer | Aug 2025 – Present

• Support early childhood development programs focused on motor and social skill development in infants.