Felix Martinez-Melendez
Orlando,FL
Summary
Dynamic engineering professional with extensive experience at the University of Central Florida, specializing in renewable energy technologies and experimental fluid mechanics. Proven ability in MATLAB and LabVIEW programming, coupled with strong mentoring skills. Successfully designed a hybrid solar-wind energy module, enhancing power solutions for medically vulnerable communities (Multi-Institutional Patent Pending).
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Teaching Associate
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
2023 - Current
- Instructed six laboratory modules on heat transfer, renewable energy extraction, and fluid dynamics.
- Conducted LabVIEW-based sensor calibration and data analysis for 1D and 2D heat transfer experiments.
- Graded assignments while delivering constructive feedback to enhance student understanding.
- Addressed student inquiries and concerns to support effective classroom management.
- Conducted research to assist faculty projects and improve course content.
Doctoral & Graduate Researcher
University of Central Florida
01.2023 - Current
- Lead designer of a hybrid solar–wind energy module supporting medically vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico.
- Designed structural frames, electrical layouts, and control logic for portable off-grid power systems.
- Performed systems-level modeling for energy output, battery autonomy, and load matching for medical devices.
- Conducted experimental validation including power-curve testing, sensor calibration, and DAQ integration.
- Applied CFD and experimental methods to validate aerodynamic and energy system performance.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
2020 - 2022
- Guided students in fluid mechanics experiments, instrumentation, uncertainty analysis, and calibration.
- Assisted professors in preparing course materials and lectures for undergraduate classes.
- Facilitated study sessions to support students in understanding course concepts.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to enhance student learning.
- Coordinated classroom logistics, including scheduling and equipment setup.
- Tracked attendance, projects, labs, reports and other class and student metrics.
Education
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12.2023
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering – Thermofluid & Aerodynamic Systems
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12.2025
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL12.2022
Skills
- MATLAB and LabVIEW programming
- Renewable energy technologies
- SolidWorks and ANSYS Fluent
- STAR-CCM and CFD
- Arduino and sensors
- Data acquisition systems
- Signal conditioning
- Stepper motors & Drivers
- Experimental fluid mechanics
- Prototyping and technical writing
- Presentations and mentoring
- Hybrid energy systems
Honors And Affiliations
- UCF Presidential Doctoral Fellowship
- National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)
Languages
- Spanish
- English, native
- Spanish, professional working proficiency
Projects
7.2-meter Open-Loop Wind Tunnel Design – Designed and built a full-scale wind tunnel for aerodynamic research. Biomimicry & Passive Pitching Experiments – Studied flexible wing systems using towing tank and wind tunnel testing. Unity-Based Powerplant Simulation – Developed an interactive thermodynamics learning environment.
Teaching And Leadership
- Graduate Teaching Associate, Energy Systems Lab, University of Central Florida, Instructed six laboratory modules covering heat transfer, renewable energy extraction, and fluid dynamics., Taught LabVIEW-based sensor calibration and data analysis for 1D and 2D heat transfer experiments.
- Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Aerospace Measurements Lab, Guided students in fluid mechanics experiments, instrumentation, uncertainty analysis, and calibration.
Technical Experience
Doctoral & Graduate Researcher, University of Central Florida, 08/01/23, Present, Lead designer of a hybrid solar–wind energy module supporting medically vulnerable communities in Puerto Rico., Designed structural frames, electrical layouts, and control logic for portable off-grid power systems., Performed systems-level modeling for energy output, battery autonomy, and load matching for medical devices.
Timeline
Doctoral & Graduate Researcher
University of Central Florida
01.2023 - Current
Graduate Teaching Associate
University of Central Florida
2023 - Current
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
University of Central Florida
2020 - 2022
Ph.D. - Aerospace Engineering
University of Central Florida
M.S. - Aerospace Engineering – Thermofluid & Aerodynamic Systems
University of Central Florida
B.S. - Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science
University of Central Florida