Carol Ortiz Menéndez, born and raised in Puerto Rico, holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering with a specialization in instrumentation and control systems. At 15, she delved into electronics and robotics, conducting research at the Arecibo Observatory and competing nationally in robotics. She represented Puerto Rico in the 2017 SkillsUSA Robotics and Automation Competition in Kentucky.
Carol’s research interest focuses on neuro-engineering, driven by personal experiences that highlight the importance of neuro-prosthetics and rehabilitation. Her first project involved a brain-computer interface, analyzing EEG signals to interpret user intentions. She participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at University of Georgia Athens, working on an Illumination Module with Fourier Ptychography for an Inverted Microscope and presenting her findings at Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and NSF EEC Conferences.
Carol also interned at L3Harris, developing a documentation tool for engineers and scientists. Her academic excellence is demonstrated by her completion of advanced instrumentation and control systems courses, and her work on an induction heater cancer therapy device, where she designed, tested, and implemented a leakage current alarm system.
In her free time, Carol enjoys fitness and wellness, coffee, fashion, poetry, road trips, going to the beach, hiking, and kayaking.