ROWAN J. LODATO
rowan.lodato@duke.edu | linkedin.com/in/rowan-lodato | Durham, NC


SKILLS & INTERESTS
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Software + Programming: OnShape | SolidWorks | Fusion 360 | ANSYS | KiCad |
Arduino | Python | Java | SQL | MATLAB

Fabrication: 3D Printing | Laser Cutting | Waterjet | CNC Milling | Lathing

Interests: Competitive Rowing | Flying | Photography | Spanish | Cooking |
Social Media


EDUCATION
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Duke University, B.S.E.
Pratt School of Engineering
Durham, NC | Expected May 2028

Mechanical Engineering (Major), Aerospace Engineering (Certificate)
GPA 3.88/4.0
Dean's List with Distinction: Fall 2024, Spring 2026
Dean's List: Fall 2025

Relevant Coursework: Dynamics; Structures and Properties of Materials;
Electrical Fundamentals of Mechatronics; Thermodynamics; Statics and
Mechanics of Solids; Matrices and Vectors; Multivariable Calculus;
Differential Equations


TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE
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Aero Rocketry Club - Payload Engineer
Durham, NC | August 2025 - Present

- Designed and tested a guided recovery system in Onshape, optimizing
  parachute geometry, stability, and descent rate.
- Evaluated transparent enclosure materials to meet impact, weight, and
  video performance requirements.
- Developed an energy harvesting system that generates power from
  drag-induced motion during descent.
- Manufactured payload components via CNC milling and turning, maintaining
  dimensional accuracy and structural strength.


Autonomous Precision Airdrop UAV - Project Lead
Durham, NC | May 2026 - Present

- Designing and building a fixed-wing UAV with autonomous GPS waypoint
  navigation and servo-actuated payload release bay, using ArduPlane on a
  Matek flight controller with a Raspberry Pi companion computer for
  onboard drop logic.
- Performing full design cycle including airfoil selection via XFOIL, 3D
  CFD, FEA-validated structural analysis, and FDM/foam composite
  manufacturing; conducting iterative flight test campaign to characterize
  drop accuracy.


Humanitarian Energy Generation Toy - Mechanical Engineering Lead
Durham, NC | August 2024 - April 2025

- Designed and prototyped a human-powered energy generation system,
  converting rotational motion into electrical power via a gearbox-driven
  motor and rectification circuitry.
- Engineered a sprocket transmission system to increase motor RPM and
  achieve ~10 W power output at ~45 RPM input speed; tested alternative
  methods to improve input-output efficiency, including flywheel designs
  and motor types.


Duke Aviators Club - Aerospace Engineer
Durham, NC | January 2024 - Present

- Designed and assembled a flight simulator system, modeling and
  fabricating custom components, for use in pilot training and club
  activities.
- Contributing to aviation-focused events, educational initiatives, and
  hands-on projects that promote community engagement and outreach.


WORK EXPERIENCE
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Duke University Aeroelasticity Research Group - Research Intern
Durham, NC | May 2026 - Present

- Working with Professor Earl Dowell to determine the natural bending and
  torsion frequencies of a bent wing-tip airfoil.
- Developing and testing models using OnShape, SolidWorks, ANSYS
  Mechanical, and Duke Wind Tunnel to conduct analyses.


Twin Health - Data Analytics Intern
New York, NY | June 2025 - August 2025

- Developed a Markov chain model to forecast member user engagement
  transition to enhance member experience.
- Utilized Python and SQL for data processing, developing a new revenue
  model for Twin's engagement performance framework.


RowingByTheNumbers - Co-Founder and Data Analytics Lead
February 2025 - Present

- Successfully built and scaling a rowing analytics social media platform
  to 1.2M+ monthly views in 1 year.
- Developed and published data-driven performance rankings and predictive
  models for collegiate and youth rowing, applying statistical analysis to
  inform competitive insights.
- Engineered content workflows and managed large-scale community
  interactions delivering timely, high-accuracy reporting.