Joel Mendez Ph. D.

Mechanical Engineer | Robotics | Wearables | Machine Learning

About Me

I’m a Research Scientist with a background in Mechanical Engineering and a passion for translational science. My work focuses on wearable robotics, real-time algorithms, and scalable data systems that enable machine learning in practical, human-centered applications.

Projects

Project 1 preview

IMU-based Volitional Control of Powered Prostheses

Project 2 preview

Intent Recognition via A-mode Ultrasound Sensing

Project 3 preview

Ultrasound-based Volitional Control of Prostheses

More Coming Soon …

Experience

Oct. 2023 - Feb. 2025

Research Scientist III (Contract) | Meta Reality Labs

Maintained internal data analysis pipelines and built robotic test systems to study and improve human–robot interaction. Developed force-based algorithms to detect interaction events, enabling safer and more reliable wearable EMG hardware.

Jan. 2019 - Jul. 2023

Graduate Research Assistant | HGN Lab for Bionic Engineering

Developed real-time control algorithms for powered prostheses, including IMU- and ultrasound-based neural networks for user-intent recognition. Designed and tested controllers with amputee participants, advancing translational research in wearable robotics.

Jul. 2017 - Aug. 2018

Corporate Marketing Engineer | Mentor Graphics

Supported EDA tool adoption by developing technical demonstrations and collaborating with engineering teams to highlight real-world applications.

Jan. 2016 - Jul. 2017

Undergraduate Research Assistant | The University of Texas at Austin

Tested ablative materials for high-temperature applications, developing new experimental protocols to ensure reliable data. Documented procedures and safety practices to train senior design teams and support lab operations.

Jun. 2015 - Sep. 2015

Thermal Engineer Intern | IBM

Performed CFD modeling and experiments on server cooling systems to prevent airflow recirculation and overheating. Provided design recommendations that improved thermal performance and guided next-generation hardware development.

Education

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

The University of Texas at Austin

Minor: Mathematics

2012 – 2017

Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering

The University of Utah

(Robotics Track)

2018 – 2023