Velya Tenebris

I make weird and wacky things sometimes

About Me

I’m an engineer who thrives on innovation and has an endless love for tinkering and building. My journey into the engineering world began with a curious mind and a talent for taking things apart (and, more often than not, putting them back together again). Over the years, I’ve become something of a wizard with 3D printers, CNC machines, and laser cutters, turning wild ideas into tangible creations with a blend of creativity and precision. When it comes to electronics, I can whip up complex systems using microcontrollers and FPGAs like a chef crafting a delicious recipe!

With a solid academic background, I proudly hold two Master of Science degrees from the University of New Mexico—one in Computer Engineering (focusing on Control Systems) and another in Mechanical Engineering (focusing on Space Systems). Plus, I snagged dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Armed with this eclectic mix of knowledge, I’m ready to tackle challenges from every angle!

Throughout my career, I’ve sharpened my interpersonal and leadership skills through various roles in student organizations and team projects. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can share ideas, mentor others, and chase down common goals. My knack for picking up new skills quickly keeps me ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of engineering. I’m all about continuous learning and am always on the lookout for new challenges that push the boundaries of what’s possible!

Professional Experience

Sandia National Laboratories | Graduate Student Intern

Sandia National Laboratories Dept. 8923 | 2024 – Present

  • Publishing multiple papers and patents on particle-based concentrating solar power (CSP)

  • Leading multiple projects for overall CSP cost reduction, from heliostats to solar receivers

  • Managing projects of multiple other team members for R&D goals and deliverables

Sandia National Laboratories | Energy Engineering Intern

nStone Corp. | 2022 – 2024

  • Handled electrical panels and panel schedules for all buildings in SNL California

  • Automated building energy efficiency and net zero data collection and analysis for SNL New Mexico

  • Maintained automation code and macros to assist in all aspects of daily work

  • Automated data entry and data organization

FSAE (Formula SAE) | Powertrain Lead, Student Advisor

The University of New Mexico | 2022 – 2024

  • Powertrain and tractive system advisor for LoboMotorsports’ 2024 electric vehicle team

  • Powertrain Lead for LoboMotorsports’ 2023 electric vehicle team

  • Designed a single-motor drive solution and energy storage system for the EV

  • Designed a prototype dual-motor drive solution with torque vectoring algorithm

HEDP (High Energy Density Physics) Lab | Lab Technician, Student Researcher

The University of New Mexico | 2021 – 2022

  • Automated scripts for gathering data from various digitizers

  • Repaired software and hardware of digitizers

  • Designed and created drawings for a high-power pulse coaxial transmission line

Education

  • M.S. Computer Engineering, Control Systems

    • The University of New Mexico | 2025

  • M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Space Systems

    • The University of New Mexico | 2025

  • B.S. Computer Engineering, Summa Cum Laude

    • The University of New Mexico | 2023

  • B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Summa Cum Laude

    • The University of New Mexico | 2023

Personal Projects

  • Partially rebuilt the engine of a 2008 Cadillac CTS

  • Fully rebuilding the engine of a 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • Designed, constructed, and programmed a model RC hovercraft

  • Designed a custom wireless control system for RC projects

  • Constructed multiple custom Li-ion battery packs to power various projects

Technical Skills

  • Mechanical engineering

    • Mechanic work

    • Stick and TIG welding

    • 3D printers

    • CNC machines (Mills / Lathes)

    • Laser cutters

    • CAD & FEA (Ansys / Fusion 360 / SolidWorks)

  • Computer engineering

    • Script programming

    • FPGAs (Artix / Zybo / Vivado)

    • Microcontrollers (Arduino / Teensy)

    • Circuit simulation (PSPICE / Multisim)

    • EDA (EAGLE)

    • MATLAB

    • LabVIEW

  • Languages

    • C / C++

    • Java

    • Python

    • VHDL

    • VBA

    • RegEx

    • Axon

    • Chinese (Mandarin)

    • Some Russian

    • Some Japanese

  • General

    • Microsoft Office Suite (Word / PowerPoint / Excel)

    • Video editing (DaVinci Resolve)

Socials and Contact Info