Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Research publications
Websites
References
Timeline
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ROPAFADZO NHANGA

Albany,CA

Summary

An adaptable individual with a quick learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change. Known for leveraging analytical thinking and creativity to solve problems and deliver high-impact solutions in fast-paced environments.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

CAPSTONE - Manufacturing automotive breaks faster

Brembo
Curno, Italy
- 05.2025
  • Optimized the production process of high-performance automotive brakes by utilizing Materials Science, Manufacturing, Mechanics, and Machine Learning algorithms to predict material properties.
  • Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure the successful execution of the capstone project.
  • Conferred with project personnel to identify and resolve problems associated with the current high-performance brakes manufacturing process.

CAPSTONE - Advanced Automated Security System For High-Value Assets

Liquid Intelligent Technologies
Harare, Zimbabwe
08.2023 - 08.2024
  • Designed a security system using SolidWorks for Liquid Intelligent Technologies in Zimbabwe, effectively safeguarding their high-value assets
  • Utilized simulation software like SolidWorks, MATLAB and Simulink to mimic different sub-systems present in the security apparatus such as power transmission systems or spring-mass damping mechanisms
  • Utilized MATLAB to conduct an analytical analysis of the mechanisms in the security system
  • Applied hands-on skills in 3D printing, laser cutting, grinding, welding,and fastening to assemble the physical components of the security system
  • Managed a team of three to develop and present a functional prototype for a security system, earning an A+ grade.

Project Coordinator

Insulated Solar Electric Cooking
Accra, Ghana
08.2023 - 08.2024
  • Enabled the adoption of solar electric cooking in Ghana through collaboration with students and local foundrymen.
  • Leveraged Cal Poly research experience to proactively devise innovative solutions for insulation, portability, and power optimization.
  • Enhanced collaboration by linking Ashesi University students with the Cal Poly team.
  • Reported the research done at Cal Poly to Ghana participants.
  • Successfully led the establishment of an Insulated Solar Electric Cooking site in Accra by adopting the skills gathered from research.

Research Assistant

Physics Department, California Polytechnic State University
06.2023 - 07.2023
  • Designed and modelled a low-cost power optimization circuit to maximize power output at different solar intensities for the solar electric cookers that were developed during the research
  • Developed simulation models for solar power optimization using Proteus and MATLAB
  • Recorded and analyzed experimental results to prepare comprehensive reports summarizing research findings.
  • Performed literature reviews to ensure the accuracy of results.

CAD Modelling and Web Development Intern

BlitzTech Electronics
Harare, Zimbabwe
06.2022 - 08.2022
  • Utilized SolidWorks to design various components for an advanced weather station
  • Simulated the use of weather station components and performed Finite Element Analysis testing in software
  • Developed a data analysis website focused on environmental information with Django, CSS, and HTML.

Consulting intern

Datonomy Solutions
Cape Town, South Africa
06.2021 - 07.2021
  • Successfully trained in consulting techniques during an intensive 2-week boot camp program.
  • Consulted at Datonomy Solutions in a 6-member team, developing a roadmap for expanding technology access to South Africans.
  • Utilized available resources at Datonomy to create a comprehensive roadmap for positively influencing the lives of one billion people through the implementation of technology solutions aligned with one of the UN sustainable development goals by 2030.

Education

MEng Mechanical Engineering - Advanced Energy Technology -

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
05.2025

BSc. Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

Ashesi University
Accra, Ghana
08-2024

TECH+ Certification -

University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA

Skills

  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD
  • Ansys
  • Fusion 360
  • MATLAB
  • Simulink
  • Python
  • LabView
  • Proteus
  • Easy EDA
  • LT Spice

Research publications

Simple, Inexpensive Solar PV Power Optimizer, In Review, Schwartz, P. V., Bekheit, M., Albert, M., Khojasteh, K., Venner, E., Nhanga, R. E., Energy for Sustainable Development

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

CAPSTONE - Advanced Automated Security System For High-Value Assets

Liquid Intelligent Technologies
08.2023 - 08.2024

Project Coordinator

Insulated Solar Electric Cooking
08.2023 - 08.2024

Research Assistant

Physics Department, California Polytechnic State University
06.2023 - 07.2023

CAD Modelling and Web Development Intern

BlitzTech Electronics
06.2022 - 08.2022

Consulting intern

Datonomy Solutions
06.2021 - 07.2021

CAPSTONE - Manufacturing automotive breaks faster

Brembo
- 05.2025

MEng Mechanical Engineering - Advanced Energy Technology -

University of California, Berkeley

BSc. Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering

Ashesi University

TECH+ Certification -

University of California, Berkeley
ROPAFADZO NHANGA