My name is Timothy Melendez, a lab member in my sophomore year of mechanical engineering. I joined the lab during my B2OE internship during the school year in 2023. I have been lucky enough to be able to extend my time here at the lab as I continue studying through my undergraduate degree.
What made you decide to go into marine science?
I have always loved all things science and exploration and wanted to do my part in furthering our understanding of the world around us. Never mind all the deep-sea documentaries I’ve seen throughout my life, an intense curiosity about what lies below definitely affected why I chose this field.
What is the focus of your research/work? What do you think is the most important takeaway from your research?
The primary focus of my work at the lab is to solve engineering problems encountered in research, most often on the several landers that the lab produces. Solutions can be anything from designing, prototyping, electronics, assembly, and in-house fabrication. As well as being responsible for some of the lab’s equipment, such as the 3D printers.
What is the coolest thing you’ve done through your work?
I love designing and coming up with solutions, and applying my love for the process to projects of this importance is all I can ask for. But one of the coolest things I’ve been able to do is acting as a support tech on a 2-week mapping expedition in the Gulf of Maine.
What is one fun fact about you?
One fun fact about me is that I do small-scale design and fabrication commissions using my 3D printer and other materials.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
This is a question I think about quite often, but I would have to say to be able to pause time while having the ability to move around freely and bring other objects into the time bubble with me. That way I could get everything done without worrying so much about due dates (my nemesis).