Chukwuma Duru
Bowie
Summary
Detail-oriented Electrical Engineer pursuing a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering. Experienced in autonomous systems and renewable energy, with a strong focus on hardware integration from NASA projects and a capstone autonomous vehicle development. Proficient in MATLAB, control systems, and electrical design, aiming to innovate in power and automation sectors.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Intern
NASA OpenCap Research Program
Washington
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Modeled lower-body human motion using OpenCap markerless motion capture technology to evaluate movement under simulated reduced-gravity environments for NASA research applications.
- Analyzed joint angle, torque, and kinematic datasets to identify biomechanical responses under varying loading conditions, enhancing accuracy of experimental analysis.
- Developed MATLAB scripts to clean, normalize, and visualize motion capture data, reducing manual processing time and increasing consistency across experimental trials.
- Collaborated with faculty researchers and engineering students to design experiments and validate data quality, supporting motion-based control system research for future space exploration.
Electrical Engineering Capstone Project
Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV)
Washington
10.2025 - 05.2026
- Designed and built an autonomous ground vehicle with a multidisciplinary engineering team to demonstrate autonomous navigation using integrated electrical, mechanical, and embedded control systems.
- Integrated and tested motor controllers, power distribution systems, and navigation sensors, troubleshooting hardware and electrical issues to enhance vehicle reliability during field testing.
- Performed iterative system testing and validation, analyzing vehicle performance and implementing engineering improvements that enhanced navigation accuracy and overall system stability.
- Constructed vehicle chassis and completed mechanical assembly, ensuring seamless integration with motors, electronics, sensors, and structural components to support overall vehicle functionality.
- Managed project resources within $1,000 budget, balancing engineering requirements and fabrication timelines while successfully delivering final prototype.
Student Researcher
NASA CAMSTAR Lunar Drilling Research
Washington
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed a sensor-based monitoring system to evaluate force and stress during simulated lunar drilling, enabling more accurate collection of experimental data for extraterrestrial excavation research.
- Analyzed experimental system response data with engineering techniques to identify performance trends, supporting development of control-oriented models for low-gravity drilling operations.
- Contributed to Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of soil-tool interactions, offering engineering recommendations that enhanced autonomous drilling control strategies.
- Performed fault analysis and system stability testing using engineering instrumentation, validating laboratory results to increase reliability and repeatability.
Associate
Food Lion
01.2018 - 08.2023
- Coordinated with team of 5 to restock inventory for 150+ daily customers, enhancing service speed during peak hours.
- Trained 5 new employees on customer service protocols, leading to 20% decrease in customer complaints within three months.
- Assisted customers with product selection and inquiries.
- Operated cash register and processed transactions accurately.
- Stocked shelves and organized products for optimal display.
Museum Associate
The Franklin Institute
Philadelphia
05.2014 - 08.2017
- Delivered interactive science demonstrations on renewable energy and engineering concepts to audiences of more than 200 visitors, increasing public engagement through hands-on learning experiences.
- Translated complex scientific and engineering principles into clear, accessible explanations for visitors of all ages, improving audience understanding and participation during museum workshops.
- Collaborated with museum educators and staff to enhance daily educational programming, ensuring safe and efficient operation of exhibits and demonstrations for a high-quality visitor experience.
- Adapted presentations for diverse audiences, improving communication effectiveness and increasing interest in STEM education and engineering careers. Led interactive science demonstrations on renewable energy for over 200 visitors, fostering community interest in sustainable practices.
- Translated complex engineering concepts into accessible language for diverse audiences, enhancing understanding during workshops and presentations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of The District of Columbia (UDC)
Washington, D.C.05-2026
Skills
- MATLAB
- Control systems
- Data analysis
- Circuit design
- Digital logic design
- Circuit modeling
- PSpice
- Vivado
- Nexys4 FPGA board
- Oscilloscopes
- Signal generators
- BJT
- MOSFET
- Energy management
- Research reporting
- Project management
Activities
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), Treasurer, Member
- Cam Star Lab assisstant
- STEM Outreach Volunteer
- IEEE Student Member
Timeline
Electrical Engineering Capstone Project
Autonomous Ground Vehicle (AGV)
10.2025 - 05.2026
Student Intern
NASA OpenCap Research Program
08.2025 - 06.2026
Student Researcher
NASA CAMSTAR Lunar Drilling Research
06.2024 - 08.2024
Associate
Food Lion
01.2018 - 08.2023
Museum Associate
The Franklin Institute
05.2014 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Electrical Engineering
University of The District of Columbia (UDC)