María Fernanda Abarca Jiménez
Mechanical EngineerProfessor & Researcher
fernanda.abarca@ucr.ac.cr
marifer.abarca.j@gmail.com
+506 8632 7879
Copyright 2019 Reflux Design
About Me
I am a Mechanical Engineer with a robust academic and practical background in research, design, and project development. I hold both a Bachelor's and Licentiate's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Costa Rica and have built a strong foundation through internships, research assistant positions, and diverse projects. My hands-on experience spans fabrication, testing, and the application of tools such as SolidWorks and 3D printing, reflecting my commitment to both innovation and practical solutions.
My professional journey includes significant involvement in community and academic activities. I have designed and prototyped equipment for small enterprises, participated in hardware competitions, and published research on topics ranging from materials science to gerontology. Notably, my work on blue zones in the Nicoya Peninsula and various engineering projects highlights my dedication to applying engineering principles in real-world contexts and exploring interdisciplinary approaches.
I am passionate about design, materials science, robotics, and bioinspiration. My creativity and curiosity drive me to seek new learning opportunities and tackle challenges. Since August 2023, I have been serving as a university professor, where I contribute to academia through education and research, and I am eager to further expand my knowledge through advanced studies.
Fluent in English and Spanish, with additional studies in Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, I value diverse perspectives and effective communication in a global context. My goal is to leverage my skills and experiences to advance in mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on innovative solutions for 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]
Postgraduate Degree
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."
What I’m good at?
◥◤Research
- Conducting research to identify innovative solutions for complex engineering problems
- Using specialized equipment to analyze and test processes, equipment or materials
- Coordinate timelines, resources and tasks to achieve project goals
Design
- Apply engineering knowledge to the design and specification of new products
- Documenting the design process, iterations, and test analytics
- Analyze existing systems and improve designs
- Attentive to detail and critically minded
- SolidWorks, AutoCAD, FreeCAD
Materials
- Material selection
- Developing, modifying, testing and evaluating materials
- Data analysis and material characterization
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Prototyping
- Building product and system prototypes for testing purposes
- Using computer modeling software to test prototype designs
- Wiring up electrical components placed on the system
- 3D Printing
My Work
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Latest 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.
Academic Experience
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Teaching
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 - Present)
[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 - Present) [Ad Honorem]
Out of Class Experience
◥◤Innovation and Development
[Assistant Coordinator] Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center for Development INNOHUB - Hélice UCR Program (Aug, 2024 - Present)
