Michael Gonzalez

5960 S Golden Beauty Lane, Tamarac, FL 33321 (954) 260-6024 biomechmike@gmail.com

Education
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL

May, 2016
GPA: 3.81/4.00

Awards
National Merit Finalist, Pegasus Scholar

(2012-2016)

Research Experience
UCF Laboratory of Materials and Coating for Extreme Environments
Advisor: Dr. Yongho Sohn
May 2014 April 2015

Explored the structure and properties of various Magnesium alloys, focusing on MagnesiumZinc (Mg-Zn) with the purpose of creating alloys that retained Magnesiums exceptional
strength-to-weight ratio while mitigating its poor corrosion resistance and other less desirable
aspects
Created Mg-Zn alloy samples through a process of cutting, polishing, annealing, then bisecting
diffusion zones and polishing again.
Techniques used for analysis include Light Emission Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Scanning
Electron Microscopy, and nanoindentation.
Research culminated in a research paper published in Intermetallics.

Limbitless Solutions
November 2014 October 2015

Orlando, FL

Created a research and development team to explore solutions for lower extremity child
prosthetics.
Conducted a literature review both on the biomechanics of the foot and ankle, as well as the
current solutions.
Designed a prototype with a split toe, flexible forefoot keel, and stiff heel cushion.
Created 3D printed molds that acted as negatives between which layers of 45/45 fiberglass were
laid, soaked with epoxy, and compressed to create the desired curves and thicknesses.

Composite Materials and Structures Lab

Advisor: Dr. Jihua Gou
November 2015 July 2016

Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL

Developed the application method and procedures needed to test a new material developed by
Kennedy Space Center.
Conducted a literature review on Powder Coating, attended a conference on powder coating
technologies, and built a testing area to start experimentation.
Wrote testing procedures, and assembled the necessary equipment for the next phase of the
project involving testing and refining of the application process.

Teaching Experience
UCF, Honors College
Service Learning, Volunteer Kindergarten Teacher
September 2012 December 2012

Traveled once a week to an inner city school to teach and interact with Kindergarten students.
Prepared lesson plans, created auxiliary handouts, and practiced delivery of key lessons
Emphasized the impact of pursuing a college education in lessons, as these were typically lower
income areas where college was usually not part of the discussion

FIRST Robotics Team GRA-V, Orange Technical College

Mechanical and Computer Systems Mentor
December 2015 April 2016

Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL

Assisted the rookie high school robotics team several times a week with the design of their robot
for FIRST FRC competition.
Taught students on their programming team the fundamentals of coding, from thought process
and block diagrams to implementation.
Helped manufacture and assemble mock field.
Facilitated conversations between programming and mechanical teams

Publications
C.C. Kammerer, S. Behdad, L. Zhou, F. Betancor, M. Gonzalez, B. Boesl, Y.H. Sohn, Diffusion
Kinetics, Mechanical Properties and Crystallographic Characterization of Intermetallic Compounds in
the Mg-Zn Binary System, Intermetallics, Vol. 67 (2015) pp. 145-155.

Activities

President, Officer, Member, UCF American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

R&D Lead, Arm Production Lead, Member, Limbitless Solutions.
Volunteered as a UCF FIRST Robotics Mentor.
Volunteered at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park as a Park Hand, helping to restore trails and
historical sites on the property.
Interests include traveling, videography, running, baking, building hobby kits, and robotics.
Research interests include telerobotics, haptics, bio-inspired robotics, and prosthetics.

References

Professor Kevin Coffey

Professor Yongho Sohn

Professor Ali Gordon

Department of Materials Science

and Engineering

Department of Materials Science

and Engineering

Department of Mechanical and

Aerospace Engineering

University of Central Florida

12760 Pegasus Drive
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-2175

University of Central Florida

12760 Pegasus Drive
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 882-1181

University of Central Florida

12760 Pegasus Drive
Orlando, FL 32816
(407) 823-4986