Ama Agyeiwaa Obeng
Mechanical Engineering Senior at Caltech
ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Ama, an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student at Caltech graduating in June 2026.
My experience spans robotics, experimental research, and computational modeling, including humanoid robot control, microgravity thermophoresis experiments, and geotechnical earthquake engineering research, with work conducted across Caltech, NASA JPL, Rice University, and George Mason University. I’m particularly interested in applying mechanical engineering to environmentally beneficial and impact-driven projects.
Three Remote Controlled Robots
Designed and built 3 remote-controlled robots in a team of six to compete in a Bot Hockey tournament, placing 3rd in the 40th Annual Engineering Design Competition. Course: Engineering Design Laboratory (I/ME 072A & II/072B)
Quantifying Thermophoresis and Self-Thermophoresis of Aerosols in Microgravity for Improved Climate Modeling
Selected and characterized aerosol candidates (carbon soot, sodium chloride, silica) for microgravity thermophoresis experiments aboard the International Space Station under Dr. Jeffrey Moran, supporting research on aerosol migration driven by...
Atlas vs. Floating Ball Simulation
Collaborated in a team of three to program a 30-DOF humanoid robot, Atlas, in ROS and RViz to detect and reach a ball placed randomly in its workspace while minimizing vertical lift-off of its feet. Course: Robotics (ME133A)
Increased Coverage: Remote Sensing via Airborne Spectroscopy Seeks to Broaden Seagrass Monitoring
Analyzed airborne imaging spectroscopy data from NASA’s SHIFT campaign to study seagrass and coastal ecosystems in Santa Barbara, under the mentorship of Dr. Victoria Orphan (Caltech), Dr. John Magyar (Caltech) and Dr. Kelly Luis (NASA JPL).
Gimbal Design Challenge
Designed and fabricated a two-axis gimbal using CAD and 3D printing, integrating motors and a webcam for pan-tilt motion as part of a three-person team for ME 008 (Introduction to Robotics).
Two Step Gearbox Transmission
Designed and built a two-step mechanical gearbox transmission which placed 3rd in the course (ME14 - Design and Fabrication) competition rankings of achieving 250rpm in the shortest possible time (as part of a five person team).
Understanding Abrasive Wear Mechanisms via Particle Dynamics and Thermal Analysis
Researched abrasive wear under Professor Fred Higgs, applying mesh generation and discrete element modeling to simulate particle behavior in mechanical systems.
Analyzing Sequestered Carbon Dioxide in Cement
Researched carbon dioxide sequestration in cement under Professor Melany Hunt, evaluating its feasibility as a long-term carbon sink for sustainable construction applications.