María Fernanda Abarca Jiménez
Mechanical Engineer | PhD Student - Mechanical EngineeringResearch in Soft Robotics & Smart Materials
maria.abarcajimenez@utdallas.edu
marifer.abarca.j@gmail.com
Copyright 2019 Reflux Design
About Me
I am a Mechanical Engineer currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas. My background combines hands-on engineering practice with research experience, spanning design, prototyping, experimental work, and technical evaluation. I hold both a Bachelor’s and a Licentiate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Costa Rica, where I developed a strong foundation through research assistant roles, internships, and interdisciplinary projects.
My professional experience includes the design, setup, and operation of engineering infrastructure and prototyping laboratories, as well as participation in applied research projects and peer-reviewed publications across topics such as materials science, bioinspired engineering, and human-centered applications. I have worked on projects ranging from equipment design and fabrication for small enterprises to research related to aging populations and the Blue Zones of the Nicoya Peninsula, reflecting my interest in applying engineering principles to real-world and societal contexts.
Prior to starting my PhD, I served as a university-level instructor for two years, teaching mechanical engineering courses and gaining experience in technical evaluation, mentoring, and curriculum-level responsibilities. Alongside my doctoral training, I currently contribute to engineering education as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate dynamics courses, supporting assessment, problem-solving development, and technical communication.
I am passionate about design, materials science, robotics, and bioinspired engineering. My creativity and curiosity drive me to continuously seek new learning opportunities, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and tackle complex engineering challenges.
My research interests include soft robotics, smart materials, and bioinspired systems. I am particularly motivated by problems that require interdisciplinary thinking, experimental rigor, and practical implementation. Fluent in English and Spanish, with additional studies in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, I value collaboration in diverse and international research environments. My goal is to continue developing as an engineer and researcher capable of contributing innovative, technically grounded solutions to complex engineering problems.
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Education
Bachelor (BSc) Degree, Mechanical Engineering
University of Costa Rica
Apr 2023
GPA: 3.33
Licentiate (Lic) Degree, Mechanical Engineering
[Costa Rica]
University of Costa Rica
Jul 2023
GPA: 4.0
Completed Thesis
Graduated with Honors
Thesis
Title: Design of a soft robotics prototype, for use in rescue missions, with bio-inspired textured surfaces based on the nuptial callus of the Lithobates vibicarius
Honorable Mention [Unanimously Conferred]
"The evaluating panel unanimously confers an honorable mention on this graduation project given its scientific rigor, novelty contribution to current knowledge,
extraordinary completeness, and excellence in all its stages of execution."
Technical Focus & Skills
◥◤Research & Technical Analysis
- Literature review & technical analysis
- Experimental design
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Engineering assessment
- Scientific and technical writing
Engineering Practice & Prototyping
- Mechanical design (CAD)
- Prototyping & fabrication
- Laboratory setup & equipment commissioning
- Materials characterization
- Design for real-world applications
Computational & Engineering Tools
- MATLAB
- SolidWorks
- 3D printing workflows
- Data processing tools
Technical Leadership & Communication
- Technical communication
- Engineering education & mentoring
- Project coordination
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- International & intercultural collaboration
Selected Projects
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Publications
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The Socio-Environmental Environment of Social Support Networks For Long-Life People in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, from The Perspective of the Basic Model Of Capabilities
The following document develops an ethnographic analysis of information collected from the biological, physical, and social areas related to older adultsin the Costa Rican Blue Zonelocated in the Nicoya Peninsula, and includes the counties of Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Hojancha, Nandayure, and Carrillo.The data collection is carried out through a semi-structured interview, which combines qualitative techniques of ethnographyand basic quantitative information gathering about social support networks. Also, specific data on noise, relative humidity, temperature, luminosity andCO are collected from the localitiesin order to understand the physical context of the long-lived individuals and their support networks.Once the data arecollected, an systematized, through which basic sub-dimensions are determined. These point out the route indicators that lead to identifying the dimensions of Senses and Imagination, Emotions, Affiliation, Life Health and Body Integrity,and Environment Control, which reveal the capabilities model of this longevity band.
Equipment to determine storage times of modified asphalts at critical conditions
This paper attempts to design a storage tank sized for laboratory use, aiming to study the stability of modified asphalt during storage. The tank design seeks to maintain similar dimensions to those of industrial tanks for asphalt storage. Also, it aims to promote phase separation to analyze the storage under critical conditions. For this reason, this research carries out a comparison of commercially available tanks and their dimensional ratios, as well as studying the theories of sedimentation and phase separation. The main objective of this document is to provide a mechanical design of a storage tank that can be manufactured with accessible materials, which allow to perform the necessary sampling to examine the stability of modified asphalt under critical conditions of storage. In addition, the document establishes bases for the approach of a model that contributes to the determination of maximum storage time. It pretends to verify the quality of the modified asphalt design.
Findings Between the Sensitive and the Tangible: A Comparison of the Casting Methods for 925 Silver Used by Costa Rican Artisans
This paper presents the research product based on the artisanal production of silver alloys, where the casting process and the common variables used by artisan goldsmiths are considered. This is a research focused on the artisans’ experiences, which has the purpose of showing, from the analysis of samples, the complexity of these processes, as well as the degree of technical improvement achieved by goldsmith artisans in their practice and development of their sensitivity in working with materials. The foregoing, not to validate the craftsman’s practices from science; rather, to draw link paths that allow mutual benefit. We worked with three samples of silver alloys generated from artisan processes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray techniques were used for the analysis. This reveals the effect that the use of oxyacetylene, oxypropane, and electric furnace can generate in the casting process, its advantages, and its disadvantages.
Research & Teaching Experience
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Teaching
Currently, alongside my doctoral training, I serve as a Teaching Assistant for an undergraduate Dynamics course (MECH 2330) at The University of Texas at Dallas, supporting assessment, problem-solving development, and technical communication.
I Semester 2025: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (IM-0100)
Summer 2024: Mechanics II (IM-0307)
II Semester 2024: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (IM-0100)
II Semester 2024: Mechanics II (IM-0307)
I Semester 2024: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (IM-0100)
Summer 2023: Machine Elements I (IM-0400)
II Semester 2023: Solid Mechanics I (IM-0315) [Substitute professor for one month]
II Semester 2023: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (IM-0100)
University Community Work
[Responsible] TC-695: Teaching science through observation and experimentation (Jan, 2025 - Jul, 2025)
[Collaborator] TC-767: Design of Therapeutic Devices and biomechanical aid to improve the mobility of older adults (Jan, 2024 - Feb, 2025)
Mechanical Engineering School Commissions
[Member] Special Committee, II Linkage Meeting for Employability, 2025 Edition
[Member] Teaching Commission (Mar, 2024 - Feb, 2025)
[Member] Final Graduation Projects Commission (Mar, 2024 - Feb, 2025)
Leadership and Support
[Project Coordinator] BioMecU: Biomechanics University Group (May, 2024 - Aug, 2025) [Ad Honorem]
Professional Experience
◥◤Innovation and Development
[Innovation Infrastructure & Engineering Operations Coordinator] Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center for Development InnoHub UCR - Hélice UCR Program (Aug, 2024 - Jul, 2025)
