Mira Krishnaiah
mirakrishnaiah@gmail.com · 415-465-3259 · San Francisco, CA
linkedin.com/in/mira-krishnaiah-2a714a285
Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical Engineering student at UPenn, passionate about bridging AI research and deployable hardware. Published machine learning researcher with start-up pace experience shipping mechanical systems from rapid prototyping to competition-ready hardware. Seeking roles at the intersection of embodied AI, robotics automation, and physical system design.
Education
University of Pennsylvania
Candidate for B.S.E. in Artificial Intelligence (Minor: Mechanical Engineering)
Expected May 2029
Product and Research Experience
ModLab · University of Pennsylvania
Mechanical Engineering Researcher · September 2025 – Present
- Redesigned fatigue testing rig for Twisted String Actuators: reduced link weight, integrated magnetic encoder for autonomous cycle tracking, fabricated and assembled test setup
Learned how to 1. Plan thoroughly, 2. Execute aggressively, 3. Communicate with intention
small team, high stakes, real engineering under pressure, cross-functional collaboration at competition speed
The Missfits (Team 6418) · FIRST Robotics
Team President and Head of Design · August 2023 – August 2025
- Rebuilt a nearly-dissolved program after COVID setbacks, securing a workshop, recruiting 10+ members, driving fundraising, and raising technical training to certification level
- Won Engineering Excellence for design process and Creativity for custom coaxial linkage arm design
- Led end-to-end robot development across five subteams, under 6-week product deadlines
- Personally CAD-modeled ~90% of all custom subsystems in Onshape for two 150lb competitive robots
- Executed 250+ hours of CNC machining, prototyping, and assembly of all mechanisms
- Collaborated with industry professionals from autonomous vehicle fields
First ML model programmed!
Summer Research Academies · UCSB
Machine Learning Researcher · Summer 2023
- Published research paper on the Curieux Academic Journal (pg 145)
- Trained an ANN in Python to accurately predict an element's Young's, Bulk, and Shear Moduli with 98% accuracy, reducing alloy screening cost for additive-manufacturing in aerospace applications
First introduced to the concept of 'Human Computer Interfaces'
ATLAS Institute · CU Boulder
Haptic Design Researcher · Summer 2022
- Developed "ShapeUp" prototype with 16 independently actuated tiles, creating low-cost shape-changing display. Designed servo-driven rack and pinion + 3D printed scissor-lift system
Bloom Board · Independent
Product Developer · May 2023 – June 2025
- Created display of 3D printed interactive robotic flowers to provide students an anonymous method of communicating their emotional wellbeing to school administration
- Won 2nd place Live Conference Presentation at Polygence Symposium
Additional Skills
Engineering
Onshape · SolidWorks · GD&T · CNC Machining · Prototyping · 3D Printing
AI / Programming
Python (Machine learning, ANNs) · Java · OCaml
Languages
Fluent in Mandarin
Coursework
6 years of formal math training!
Mathematics
Multivariate Calculus · Linear Algebra · Number Theory · Discrete Probability ·
Models of Computation · Computable Structures · Linear Topology ·
Voting Theory · Information Theory · Game Theory
followed The Elements of Computing Systems end-to-end
Computer Science
Computing Systems Design · Artificial Intelligence Lab