Curriculum Vitae

Ian Wilhite

Education

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
B.S. in Robotics and Controls Engineering – Interdisciplinary Track, May 2026
Minors: Control of Mechanical Systems, Math
Awards: Grand Challenges Scholar, Science Influencer

Relevant Coursework:
Autonomous Aerospace Systems, Dynamics and Vibrations, Numerical Methods, Foundations of Aerial Autonomy,
Complex Analysis, Object Oriented Program Design, Mechanical Measurements, Solid Mechanics, Linear Algebra

Certificates:

Skills

Programming & OS: C++, Python, Java, MATLAB, R, Bash, LaTeX, Linux
CAD: SolidWorks (FEA, Parametric Modeling, Topology Optimization), Fusion 360, Siemmens NX
Libraries & Tools: Git & GitHub, ROS, ROS2, OpenCV, Pandas, NumPy, VS Code
UAV Systems: MAVLink, PX4, ArduPilot, SLAM, VIO
Controls: Microcontrollers, PID tuning, PWM, Model Predictive Control (MPC)

Work Experience

Army Research Lab, University of Maryland – Adelphi, MD
Autonomy for Air Unmanned Systems Intern, June 2025 – Aug. 2025

Human-Empowering Robotics & Controls Lab – College Station, TX
Undergraduate Researcher, Jan. 2024 – May 2024

Prototyped ankle joint attachment mechanism for lower body hip exoskeleton frame
Investigated literature on biomechanics and control for system-level integration

Texas A&M Department of ResLife – College Station, TX
Resident Advisor, Jan. 2024 – May 2025

Managed crises and coordinated community programs for 400+ students
Practiced conflict resolution and community-building leadership

360 Testing Co. – Yonkers, NY
Test Engineering Technician, June 2018 – Dec. 2023

Designed and executed testing procedures for over a dozen product scopes
Delivered complete client reports on product validation

Philmont Scout Ranch – Cimmaron, NM
Trail Crew Foreman, May 2024 – Aug. 2024

Managed over 2000 man-hours of labor and ensured trail worksite safety
Planned 28-day treks and resupply logistics in remote terrain

Kent Electronics – Grand Prairie, TX
Electrical Technician, Mar. 2022 – Sept. 2022

Soldered 250+ PCBs with SMA components for military and commercial systems
Modeled and prototyped antenna clip in Fusion 360 for RF source-finding applications

Mathnasium – Bedford, TX
Mathematics Tutor, Dec. 2022 – May 2023

Taught advanced math concepts across a diverse student base
Supported service quality contributing to 4.8-star center rating

Activities

NASA L’Space Mission Concept Academy
Mission Engineer, May 2025 – Aug. 2025

Completing a Mars rover design using NASA systems engineering, risk analysis, and trade studies
Collaborating in 22-member team applying mission architecture, requirement flowdown, and lifecycle planning

TAMU Robotics Team (TURTLE)
Founder & Project Lead – DRON, Jan. 2024 – Present

Leading a 16-member team deploying UAV swarms for structural fire response
Designing autonomy for scalable multi-agent UAV coordination

Internal Vice President, May 2025 – Present

Managing 500+ student organization applications, $50k+ budget, and 20 projects

Lab Foreman, May 2024 – May 2025

Managed $10k+ worth of machinery and expanded fabrication lab infrastructure

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
President, May 2025 – Present

Leading our 37 officers to execute our $50k+ annual budget for our 700+ members

Executive Secretary, May 2024 – May 2025

Directed team of 7 officers, executed outreach, socials, mixers, and events
Migrated team platform from Discord to Slack; increased membership 243%

Order of the Arrow – Section G3
Performance Measurement Program Coordinator, Apr. 2023 – Present

Designed tools to track membership growth across 4,500+ members
Mentored lodge chiefs to translate data into effective program outcomes

Order of the Arrow – Netopalis Lodge
Lodge Chief, Aug. 2022 – Aug. 2023

Led 1000+ members in $50k annual program, presenting to audiences of 300+
Served on executive board of 10,000+ member youth organization

Publications

I. Wilhite*, A. Briggs*, J. Fuerst*, E. Hannsz*, et al.
“Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON),” TURTLE Robotics, Apr. 17, 2025 [Showcase Poster]
E. Burciaga-Ichikawa, K. Jaroszewski, J. Sopala, I. Wilhite.
“Development of a Rocket Landing Simulation Using a Gimbal and Landing Gear,” TAMU S.E.C. Ignite Challenge, Nov. 23, 2024 [Technical Presentation]
I. Wilhite*, A. Briggs*, J. Fuerst*, E. Hannsz*, et al.
“Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON),” TURTLE Robotics, Nov. 22, 2024 [Showcase Poster]
A. Ayala*, J. Adamson, A. Alvarado, A. Briggs, F. Chim, C. Creer, M. Ferguson, J. Fuerst,
E. Hannsz, A. Peralta, B. Russell, I. Wilhite, L. Ybarra, A. Velez.
“Disaster Response Observation Network (DRON),” TURTLE Robotics, Apr. 26, 2024 [Showcase Poster]

Awards

Texas A&M Science Influencer – USDA, 2025
Grand Challenges Scholar – National Academy of Engineering, 2024
Section Service Award – Order of the Arrow, Section G3, 2024
James E. West Fellow – Scouting America National Foundation, 2023
The Vigil Honor – Order of the Arrow Netopalis Lodge, 2022
Eagle Scout – Scouting America, 2021