Vidyacharan G. Venkata
720-755-0236 | vigo0136@colorado.edu | vc-venkata
Experience
Research Scientist Intern | Meta Reality Labs (Aug 2021 - Mar 2022)
Invented soft electrostatic-fluidic actuators for haptic displays. Developed stretchable conductors for wearables and CNC fabrication methods that reduced prototyping time by 10x. Provisional patent Granted. Full patent under review.
PhD Researcher | MACLab, CU Boulder (2018-2021, 2022-Present)
Pioneered fully-automatic multi-material inkjet 3D printing of functional electro-mechanical systems. Developed printed organic transistors with neuromorphic behavior, multi-layer circuits with embedded passives, and reactive material systems for in-situ digital materials. 2 patents pending.
Research Assistant | Keplinger Group, CU Boulder/Max Planck Institute (2016-2018)
Co-developed Peano-HASEL muscle-mimetic actuators (Science Robotics publication). Created analytical models and rapid fabrication methods for soft robotics.
Education
PhD Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (2018-2025)
MS Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (2016-2018)
B.Tech Mechatronics, SASTRA University, India (2012-2016)
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Core Expertise: Multi-material additive manufacturing, printed electronics, soft robotics, materials formulation (polymers, conductors, hydrogels), organic transistors, mechanical/electrical characterization
Publications: 4 papers including Science Robotics, Advanced Functional Materials | 3 more currently under peer-review at top journals
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Skills
Software: MATLAB | SolidWorks | LabVIEW | Fusion 360 | Altium Circuitmaker
Programming: C++, Python
Scientific Instruments: Mechanical Testing (Tensile quasistatic, dynamic analysis and fatigue testing ‐ DMA) | Rheology ‐ rheometer | Laser scanning Profilometry | Fluorescence Microscopy | X‐Ray Micro‐CT | Network Analyzer
Tools: Laser machining (expert) | 3D printing - FDM / FFF, SLA / Resin, Inkjet 3D / Polyjet, Direct ink write (DIW) | Screen Printing