Current Team Members
Click on each member for a biography.

Dr. C. Nataraj
Project Director
Dr. C. Nataraj is the Mrs. and Mr. Moritz Sr. Endowed Chair Professorship at Villanova University. For over 28 years, Nat has designed and taught 22 undergraduate and graduate courses. He founded, and was the first Director of Center for Nonlinear Dynamics & Control, an interdisciplinary research center at Villanova University. Nat has over 34 years of research experience in a variety of areas in dynamic systems and control including unmanned surface vehicles and has published about 200 publications. Nat has mentored and directed the Villanova Roboboat team over the last seven years.

Dr. C. NatarajProject Director

Akash Gvalani
Robotic Control Engineer
agvalani@villanova.eduAkash Gvalani is a first year Computer Engineering graduate student concentrating on studying Wireless and Network Security.He received his BS in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University and has experience in various domains in the field of IT and Software.He has also worked for an IT MNC before coming to Villanova for approximately two years. He is primarily responsible for path planning, using a heuristic based approach for deciding the motion of the boat to avoid all kinds of obstacles.

Akash GvalaniRobotic Control Engineer

Anthony Marone
Aquatic Mechanical Engineer/ WebMaster
amarone1@villanova.eduAnthony is from Frackville, PA, and is pursuing his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Dynamic Systems and minor in Mathematics. His roles on the project will be to co-lead mechanical assembly of the boat, coordinate field testing, and to keep sponsors updated with regular blogging and website management.

Anthony MaroneAquatic Mechanical Engineer/ WebMaster

Daniel CorderoRobotic Control Engineer

Dhanraj Akula
Robotic Control Engineer
dakula1@villanova.eduDhanraj is an Electrical Engineer with specialization in System Dynamics and Controls at Villanova University. His area of interest includes System Identification and Designing controllers for various systems. In this project he will be taking up the task of sensing the IMU data to estimate the pose of the vehicle in operation.

Dhanraj AkulaRobotic Control Engineer

Enmanuel Almonte
Robotic Control Engineer
ealmonte@villanova.eduEnmanuel is from Connecticut (originally from the Dominican Republic) and has always been fascinated by robotics. On campus he has been involved with Service Learning, tutoring, cultural societies, and was the president of the IEEE chapter, amongst other things. Enmanuel's Senior Design Project focused on using Computer Vision to create an autonomous tracking drone. Enmanuel joined the Villanova RobotX team because he wants more hands-on experience before his Fulbright Research Fellowship on service robotics in Chile next year. Enmanuel will be the team lead for Vision and will focus on the development and integration of the camera, LiDAR, and corresponding algorithms.

Enmanuel AlmonteRobotic Control Engineer

Ian Stankosh
Aquatic Mechanical Engineer
istankos@villanova.eduIan is a senior Mechanical Engineering student from Somerset, NJ. His roles in this project are co-leading the mechanical design and assembly of the boat, field testing, and designing and implementing the boat's vision system.

Ian StankoshAquatic Mechanical Engineer

Karthik Polisetty
Communications Engineer
kpoliset@villanova.eduKarthik Polisetty is pursuing his Masters in Computer Science. He recieved his bachelors degree in Electronics and Communications from Vignan University, India.He also has two years of experience working in the IT Field back in India. In this project, he is working on Machine Communications, Breakout Board, A-D and D-A cables and the installation of antennas.

Karthik PolisettyCommunications Engineer

Mary Spillane
Aquatic Mechanical Engineer
mspilla3@villanova.eduMary Spillane is studying mechanical engineering and pursuing an engineering entrepreneurship minor. She is entering her third undergraduate year at Villanova Univeristy. She was born in Yue Yang, China but was raised in Connecticut. This is her first experience with Robotx and she is working on SolidWorks modeling, design and implementation of the "Detect and Deliver" mechanism, field testing, and media presentations.

Mary SpillaneAquatic Mechanical Engineer

Renuka Lakshmi Nagalla
Computer Scientist
rnagalla@villanova.eduRenuka is pursuing her Masters in Computer Science and has received an undergraduate degree in the field of electronics. She will be working on antennas and software developing.

Renuka Lakshmi NagallaComputer Scientist

Sohini Kethireddy
Computer Scientist / Project Manager
skethire@villanova.eduSohini Kethireddy is a student at Villanova currently pursuing her Masters in Computer Sciences. Prior to this she has worked as a software developer in SAS. She joined RobotX because it provides a great platform for her to put forth her skills and thoughts. She will be working as our project manager and will also work on our website and poster.

Sohini KethireddyComputer Scientist / Project Manager

Thaddeus Cullina
Aquatic Mechanical Engineer
tcullin2@villanova.eduFrom Trumbull, Connecticut, Thaddeus comes to Villanova to work on designing and implementing the ball mechanism to complete the new “Detect and Deliver” task. He will also be a member of the field testing team and work on constructing a new nodding gimbal.

Thaddeus CullinaAquatic Mechanical Engineer

Todd Levari
Senior Mechanical Engineer
tlevar01@villanova.eduTodd Levari graduated from Drexel University with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. He then recieved his Masters degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University. His responsibilities in this project include structural stability, mechanics, and wiring.

Todd LevariSenior Mechanical Engineer

Wesley Blummer
Senior Control Engineer
wesley.blummer@brooksinstrument.comWesley Blummer received his BS in Mechanical engineering in 2014 from Villanova University then began working at Brooks Instrument in systems automation. He is currently working and pursuing a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova. His role is focused on the development and implementation of a SLAM algorithm for the RobotX competition.

Wesley BlummerSenior Control Engineer

Winston Gresov
Chief Engineer / Team Leader
wgresov@verizon.netWinston Gresov is a Villanova University Engineering Ph.D. student and the team leader of the
VU portion of the partnership. He holds an A.B. degree in Economics from Haverford College and
associates degrees in Electronics Technology, Computer Programming and Computer Science
from Delaware County Community College. Before entering the Villanova doctoral program, he
spent 30 years as an independent consultant developing software, primarily database oriented for
financial applications.

Winston GresovChief Engineer / Team Leader
Past Team Members

Christopher Hsu
Manufacturing Engineer
chsu@villanova.eduChristopher is a rising junior at Villanova University College of Engineering pursuing an Mechanical Engineering Major with Business Minor. His interests include design and controls with an aspiration to one day work in the private defense industry. This year, Christopher is tasked with the redesign of the SeaCat boat as well as assistance in the system integration.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Chris-Hsu.pdf">Resume</a>

Christopher HsuManufacturing Engineer

Samantha Tropeano
Acoustics Engineer
stropean@villanova.eduSamantha Tropeano is a rising junior in the Villanova University College of Engineering pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in dynamic systems, as well as a Mechatronics minor. Her interests are in design and controls systems and her professional aspiration is to work in the amusement industry, designing and constructing roller coasters and other amusement rides. In this year’s project Samantha has been tasked with researching and integrating the boat’s acoustic technology.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Sam-Tropeano2.pdf">Resume</a>

Samantha TropeanoAcoustics Engineer

Michael Trigo
Thermal Engineer / Webmaster
mtrigo@villanova.eduMichael is currently a rising senior Mechanical Engineering Major at Villanova University with a concentration in Dynamics Systems and minors in Mathematics and Mechatronics. His future goals include gaining a masters degree to further his education, grow professionally with his knowledge of engineering and the industry, and to continue to pursue the discipline. Michael's involvement includes systems integration and research on heat dissipation to apply to the hardware/software integration.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Michael-Trigo_Resume.pdf">Resume</a>

Michael TrigoThermal Engineer / Webmaster

Scott Leighow
Manufacturing Engineer
sleighow@villanova.eduScott is currently a rising junior at Villanova University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering with minors in bioengineering and mathematics. In the future he hopes to attend graduate school to study biomedical engineering. As a member of the RoboBoat team, Scott has been working on designing additional features to augment the current vehicle design.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Scott-Leighow.pdf">Resume</a>

Scott LeighowManufacturing Engineer

Adam DeAngelo
Mechanical Systems Engineer
adeange1@villanova.eduAdam DeAngelo is a Mechanical Engineering Major at Villanova University with a concentration in Dynamic Systems. He is a rising senior and also holds minors in Mechatronics and Business. After obtaining a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Adam is interested in pursuing a career in advanced weapons systems and robotics.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Adam_DeAngeloResume.pdf">Resume</a>

Adam DeAngeloMechanical Systems Engineer

Anderson Lebbad
Project Lead / Vision Lead
Anderson Lebbad is a graduate research assistant for Villanova University. He is currently studying Mechanical Engineering, and has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University as well as a minor in Mechatronics. His research is focused on image based navigation systems for autonomous surface vehicles, and systems integration.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Anderson-Lebbad.pdf">Resume</a>

Anderson LebbadProject Lead / Vision Lead

Chida Matada
Senior Electrical Engineer
Chida is an Electrical Engineering graduate student specializing in System Dynamics and Controls at Villanova University. He has 2 years of Industry experience involving automotive engine management software development at Robert Bosch India. He is highly interested in embedded systems, mobile robotics and control systems. On RobotX, Chida is responsible for IMU integration and navigation algorithms.

Chida MatadaSenior Electrical Engineer

John W Anderson
Lidar Lead
John Wesley Anderson is a current MS student at Villanova University. He also attended Villanova University for his undergraduate degree. Throughout his time at Villanova, Wesley has displayed an interest for robotics and other similar systems. He has much experience working with control systems and sensors. His senior design project at Villanova was working on a low cost robot that would be used to help remove unexploded ordnances in third world countries such as Cambodia. Wesley also played rugby for Villanova University.

John W AndersonLidar Lead

Edward Zhu
Roboboat Lead
Edward Zhu is a Junior mechanical engineering major concentrating in dynamic systems and control, with a minor in Mechatronics. This is his second year on Villanova University's Autonomous Surface Vehicle team and he is excited to assume the role of RoboBoat team leader for the 2014 RoboBoat Competition. When not in the lab, he spends much of his time as technical director producing shows for the organization Villanova Student Musical Theater.

Edward ZhuRoboboat Lead

Dylan DeGaetano
Roboboat Assistant Lead
Dylan DeGaetano is a Junior Mechanical Engineering Student with a minor in Mechatronics. When not working on this project, Dylan enjoys singing, acting in various theater productions, and playing his drums. He is excited to be taking a leadership position on this year's Roboboat team, as well as tackling the new challenge that the RobotX Competition will present.

Dylan DeGaetanoRoboboat Assistant Lead

Gin Cheng
System Integration Engineer/WebMaster
Gin Cheng is an undergraduate student at Villanova University, majoring in Computer Engineering and minoring in Computer Science and Engineering Entrepreneurship. He is pursing the 5 year master’s program at Villanova in Cyber Security. He will be working on some control hardware aspects of the boat, but his primary focus is systems integration and communications, lidar-video processing, and code optimization.

Gin ChengSystem Integration Engineer/WebMaster

Michael Benson
Acoustics Engineer
Michael Benson is a junior at Villanova University pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Dynamic Systems and Control and a minor in Mechatronics. His interests include robotics and audio engineering. His involvement with the Roboboat project includes work on acoustic sensing, image processing, underwater light detection, LIDAR, and Simultaneous Localization and Mapping.

Michael BensonAcoustics Engineer

Priya Shah
Project Manager
Priya Shah is a sophomore at Villanova University currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering with a Business Minor. She is the captain of Villanova’s competitive fusion dance team, Nova Nassa, public relations for the campus multicultural society, ambassador for prospective students, and coordinator for Villanova University’s Math Learning and Resource Center. Priya’s role as RobotX/Roboboat Project Manager consists of keeping track of progress being made both inside and outside of the lab. She helps organize team gatherings, makes sure tasks are done in time, and serves as a liaison between Villanova University and Florida Atlantic University.

Priya ShahProject Manager

Gus Jenkins
Project Assistant Lead
Gus is a Junior Mechanical Engineering student and has worked on this project last year as well. His professional aspirations include obtaining a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering specializing in robotics. Gus is looking forward to working on projects that integrate multiple aspects of mechanical and electrical engineering. As part of the 2015 Roboboat team at Villanova, his main tasks consist of integrating controls and pursing control systems engineering.
<a href="http://novaseacats.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Gus-Jenkins.pdf">Resume</a>

Gus JenkinsProject Assistant Lead

Dr. Helen Loeb
Hometown: Toulouse, France
Bio: Helen Loeb is a Research Fellow at Villanova University. She received a M.S. in Aeronautical Engineering from ENSAE (Sup Aero), Toulouse, France and a Ph.D. in Control Engineering from University of Bordeaux, France. She previously built a USV for the Port of Bordeaux (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhavQ1XP4MU) and is interested in exploring the lidar possibilities as a detection system for a Collision Avoidance System. Helen worked for a few years industry where she developed graphic processing software in C++. She enjoys software development.
Hobbies: Piano, Swimming, Screaming at her kids
Research Interests: Dynamic Systems, Lidar, Nanotechnology, Solar cells

Dr. Helen Loeb

Dr. DongBin Lee
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Bio: Dr. DongBin Lee is a research fellow in the Dynamic Systems Lab in the Mechanical Engineering Department and CENDAC at Villanova University, who received a Ph.D degree, majoring in Robotics and Mechatronics, focusing on intelligent unmanned systems at Clemson University in SC, Ph.D coursework and M.S. in Robotics (formerly known as Control and Instrumentation Engineering), and B.S. in Electronics and Communications Engineering at KwangWoon University in Seoul at South Korea.
His research are mainly focused on two areas; Control and Autonomous unmanned systems, especially for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned autonomous surface vessels (ASV), unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV), Robotics, and automated manufacturing systems.

Dr. DongBin Lee

Ralph Sullivan
Hometown: North Smithfield, Rhode Island
Bio: Ralph Sullivan is a research assistant and graduate student with Villanova University. He is a recent graduate from Villanova University, with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He attended the University of Rhode Island and also Villanova University for his Undergraduate Degree
Research Interests: Autonomous Vehicles and Robotics.
Hobbies: Watching and playing sports including soccer, basketball, and baseball.

Ralph Sullivan

Shahriar A. Khan
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
Bio: Shahriar Khan is an Graduate Research Assistant for Villanova University. He is currently a graduate student in Electrical Engineering. He has many likes, including the band Oasis, The first 3 American Pie Movies, and his favorite actress is Reese Witherspoon. Shahriar, however, does not enjoy horror films because he believes the plots are all the same.
Hobbies: Playing Cricket, Watching TV and meeting new people from different cultures.
Research interest: RF and Microwave Devices

Shahriar A. Khan

Joseph Denny
Hometown: Springfield PA
Bio: Junior Mechanical Engineer with Mechatronics Minor. Though fulfilling the title of Enginerd par- excelance, there is also a strong interest in music and theater at work.
Hobbies: Singing, acting, biking, and anything that moves
Research Interests: Dynamic systems and control structures

Joseph Denny

Nick Dileo
Nick DiLeo received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Villanova University in May 2013 with a concentration in Dynamics and Control and is in the M.S. program. He was a member of Villanova's Roboboat team in 2011 and the team leader in 2012. Recently, Nick has been involved on a team that is part of DARPA's Robotic Challenge at Lockheed Martin. Nick's main role for the RobotX competition will be developing and implementing an algorithm for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). The end result of this work will give the surface vehicle estimates of the position of important landmarks as well as the position of the vehicle itself.

Nick Dileo

Lester McMackin
Hometown: Ocean Springs MS
Research Interests: Autonomous vehicles, robotics
Hobbies: Crew, Outdoor activities, music

Lester McMackin

Ryan Holihan
Hometown: Allentown, PA
Bio: Ryan Holihan is a senior at Villanova University, he is studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mechetronics.
Research Interests: Mechetronics, robotics
Hobbies: Sailing, rowing, electrical/computer projects

Ryan Holihan

Mike Weber
Hometown: Glen Cove, NY
Bio: Mike is a Senior Computer Engineering major at Villanova with a Computer Science and Business minor. His interest is in the aerospace and defense industry.
Hobbies: Playing golf, video gaming, reading, watching football
Research Interests: Signal Processing, Software Design
