Andrew Parra
(aparra {AT} stanford.edu)
I am from UC Santa Cruz with a background in Computer Engineering, focused primarily in Robotics and Controls. My interests have always been in robotics, and I am now moving into Aerospace Robotics. In the past, I have done research in a variety of robotic heavy topics, including swarm theory and the micromechanical flying insect project at UC Berkeley. I am originally from Fremont, CA and have lived in the Bay Area my entire life. Outside of class, I enjoy photography and guitar, both of which I am new to and am trying to improve.
David Hoffert
(hoffert {AT} stanford.edu)
David Hoffert is a first-year graduate student in the mechanical engineering department at Stanford. He completed his bachelor’s degree in May 2008 at the University of Wisconsin—Madison with a double major in mechanical engineering and computer science. He has wanted to have a career in robotics since middle school, and is excited to already have built a from-scratch robot within six months of arriving at Stanford. After completing his master’s degree coursework in December, David will continue at Stanford as a Ph.D. candidate. He currently serves as a graduate researcher in the Dynamic Design Lab under the direction of Dr. J. Christian Gerdes, where his research centers on vehicle automation and driver assistance systems. In addition to his technical work, David is also a percussionist in both the Stanford Wind Ensemble and the Stanford Symphony Orchestra and is quite active in the Jewish community of the greater Bay Area.
Anup Shah
(anupshah {AT} stanford.edu)
Originally from Los Angeles, I moved east to the midwest (huh?) to study Mechanical Engineering and Integrated Science (Check it! - isp.northwestern.edu) at Northwestern University. After graduation in Spring 2007 I headed back to California, where I am currently wrapping up an MS in Mechanical Engineering. Over the course of my study, I have articulated a desire to develop technology in medicine. In particular, I am interested in developing robotic surgical devices, analyzing genomic patterns with bioinformatics tools, and discovering ways to effectively use Electronic Medical Records to improve patient care. I plan on serving as an engineer-physician at an academic institution while staying in this sunny western state. Other than that, I like Thai food, working out, reading fiction, and hanging out with good friends.
