Personal: matt.fern902@gmail.com
Academic: mfernandez64@gatech.edu
About Me
Hi, I'm Matthew Fernandez, a passionate engineer and researcher specializing in robotics, mechanical design, and creative problem solving. I thrive at the intersection of mechanical intelligence, robotics, and real-world impact. My work spans aquatic and terrestrial robots, soft robotics, and advanced actuation systems.
I love building things that move, think, and interact with the world in new ways.
Skills
Python
C++
MATLAB
ROS
SolidWorks
FDM 3D Printing
SLA 3D Printing
Arduino
AutoCAD
Fusion 360
Siemens NX
Autodesk Inventor
Finite Element Analysis
Topological Analysis
Waterjet
Laser-cutter
Soldering
Raspberry Pi
RSLogix
Signal Processing
Linear Algebra
Differential Equations
Fluid Mechanics
Mechanics of Materials
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech
Experience Timeline
- 2025 (expected): B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Robotics Minor, Georgia Tech
- 2023–Present: Researcher, Complex Rheology and Biomechanics Lab, Georgia Tech
- 2025: Soft Robotics Lab, ETH Zurich
- 2024: Fabrication Integrated Design Lab, MIT
- 2023: NASA JPL Martian Gripper, Robotic Manipulation Intern
- 2022–2024: Martian Rover Team, Mechanical Lead
- 2022: Antarctic AUV Team, Mechanical Lead
- 2022: Procter & Gamble, Manufacturing Process Engineering Intern
- 2017-2021: Phoenix Robotics ROV Team, CEO and Pilot
Awards & Honors
- ThinkSwiss Scholar
- Astronaut Scholar (ASF)
- Presidents Undergraduate Research Award (Georgia Tech)
- Godbold Scholar (Georgia Tech – Merit)
- Provost Scholar (Georgia Tech – Merit)
- Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition 2022
- MATE Marine Robotics Competition 2021
- Valedictorian (High School)
Publications & Presentations
Patents
- M. Fernandez, T. Wang, D. I. Goldman. Compact buoyancy control assembly for underwater robotic systems or equipment (filed patent application 2024)
Peer-Reviewed Publications
- M. Fernandez, T. Wang, G. Tunnicliffe, D. Dortilus, P. Gunnarson, J.O. Dabiri, D. I. Goldman. AquaMILR+: Design of an untethered limbless robot for complex aquatic terrain navigation. (accepted ICRA 2025)
- S. D. Gollob, A. Comoretto, Q. Yu, M. Fernandez, K. O. Adebajo, J. T. B. Overvelde, K. Becker, E. Roche. An Actuator-Scale, Pressure-Amplifying, Monopropellant Engine for Untethered Pneumatic Systems (accepted RoboSoft 2025)
- T. Wang, N. Mankame, M. Fernandez, V. H. Kojuoharov, D. I. Goldman. AquaMILR: Mechanical intelligence simplifies control of undulatory robots in cluttered fluid environments (accepted ICRA 2025)
- V. H. Kojuoharov, T. Wang, M. Fernandez, J. Maeng, D. I. Goldman. Anisotropic body compliance facilitates robotic sidewinding in complex environments. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2024.
Conference Abstracts
- M. Fernandez, T. Wang, G. Tunnicliffe, D. Dortilus, D. I. Goldman. Design of an untethered limbless robot for aquatic locomotion in complex environments. American Physical Society Meeting, March 2025.
- T. Wang, M. Fernandez, G. Tunnicliffe, D. Dortilus, D. I. Goldman. Mechanical and computational intelligence enable agile and robust limbless robotic locomotion in complex aquatic environments. American Physical Society Meeting, March 2025.
- M. Fernandez, T. Wang, G. Tunnicliffe, D. Dortilus, D. I. Goldman. Design of an untethered underwater limbless robot for complex aquatic terrain navigation. SICB Annual Meeting, January 2025.
- T. Wang, M. Fernandez, G. Tunnicliffe, D. Dortilus, D. I. Goldman. Mechanically intelligent undulatory robotic locomotion in complex aquatic environments. SICB Annual Meeting, January 2025.
- N. Mankame, T. Wang, M. Fernandez, C. Pierce, D. I. Goldman. Mechanical intelligence aids limbless locomotion in cluttered aquatic environments. American Physical Society Meeting, March 2024.
- V. H. Kojuoharov, T. Wang, M. Fernandez, J. Maeng, D. I. Goldman. Anisotropic body compliance facilitates robotic sidewinding in complex environments. American Physical Society Meeting, March 2024.
Presentations
- Design of an untethered limbless robot for complex aquatic terrain navigation. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2025.
- Design of an untethered limbless robot for aquatic locomotion in complex environments. American Physical Society Meeting, March 2025.
- Mechanically intelligent undulatory robotic locomotion in complex aquatic environments. College of Science Undergraduate Research Showcase, February 2025.
- Design of an untethered underwater limbless robot for complex aquatic terrain navigation. SICB Annual Meeting, January 2025.
- Monopropellant Powered Self-Oscillating Limbs for Untethered Locomotion. MIT Digital Poster Showcase, November 2024.
- A Controllable Propellant-Based Power Source for Untethered Soft Robots. MIT Summer Research Program Poster Showcase, July 2024.
- Anisotropic body compliance facilitates robotic sidewinding in complex environments. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA), 2024.