Educational Background

Ph.D. in Engineering Systems Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

Dissertation: "Development of Data Acquisition Techniques and Parametric Representation of Structural Loading and Surface Defects for Bridge Structural Inspection" 

M.S. in Systems Engineering Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

Thesis: "Development of an Autonomous Structural Inspection System for Limited Access Structures Using a Robotic Aerial Aid to Assess the State of Bridges and High Mast Poles" 

M.S. in Engineering Management Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 

B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 

Professional Experience

Director, Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design (CAMID)
October 2021 – Present

• Lead strategic planning and execution of advanced manufacturing initiatives.
• Develop and manage industry partnerships and collaborative research projects.
• Supervise a multidisciplinary team and manage the center’s operations.
• Assisted in securing diverse funding opportunities and managed over $1 million in state-awarded funds.

Director of Student Projects
August 2017 – November 2021

• Coordinated the recruitment, management, and assessment of Capstone Projects.
• Managed project budgets and ensured financial sustainability.
• Acted as primary liaison between project clients, college administration, faculty, and students.

Director of Operations, Space Coast Fablab (Project Based Learning LLC)
September 2015 – August 2017

• Directed and coordinated activities across engineering, operations, and education departments.
• Developed and maintained innovative curricula for lectures and classes.
• Trained and managed faculty instructors and staff.

Director of Business Development, Site Systems Software Inc.
January 2015 – August 2015

• Identified and pursued new sales opportunities, driving business growth.
• Acted as primary liaison between software developers and clients.
• Managed project documentation and quality management protocols.

System Integration Engineer, Site Systems Software Inc.
April 2013 – January 2015

• Integrated complex client software architectures and ensured seamless functionality.
• Directed troubleshooting sessions and developed comprehensive testing protocols.

Current Courses

ORP 5030 – Decision Analysis
Graduate course in decision modeling and risk analysis. Emphasizes the use of spreadsheet-based tools to support complex decision-making in engineering and business environments. Topics include optimization techniques, linear programming, sensitivity analysis, and simulation modeling to evaluate trade-offs and manage uncertainty.

SYS 5350 – Systems Modeling and Analysis
Graduate course in system simulation modeling and analysis techniques. Covers modeling of variability, covariance, and correlation, as well as management of simulation projects. Topics include model verification and validation, variance reduction methods, continuous system simulation, and fostering creativity and innovation through modeling.

SYS 5460 – Systems Requirements
Advanced graduate course in systems engineering focused on the elicitation, analysis, documentation, and management of system requirements. Emphasizes stakeholder needs, system definition, traceability, and verification/validation across the system lifecycle. Prepares students to manage complex requirement sets in multidisciplinary environments.

SYS 5495 – Special Topics: Systems Analysis and Design for a Modern (Agile) World
Graduate-level course exploring modern systems analysis and design practices within the context of Agile development environments. Integrates theoretical foundations with hands-on experience in modeling and designing responsive, user-centered systems. Topics include Agile methodologies, stakeholder analysis, system lifecycle modeling, prototyping, and the evolving role of systems analysts in dynamic technological landscapes. Students engage in collaborative projects that simulate real-world system development scenarios, emphasizing adaptability, iterative design, and value-driven outcomes.

Selected Publications

Ortiz, A. C., Otero, L. D., Avendaño, J., & Gaal, M. A. (2023).
Understanding the Effectiveness of Modern Technologies on Training Retention and Satisfaction.
In 2023 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 1–6.
Summary: This study evaluates how modern educational technologies (e.g., VR and holograms) compare to traditional e-learning methods in terms of knowledge retention and learner satisfaction, using empirical methods across diverse user groups.

Avendaño, J. C., Otero, L. D., & Otero, C. (2021).
Optimization of sensor placement in a bridge structural health monitoring system.
In 2021 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 1–5.
Summary: The paper proposes an optimization framework for sensor placement in bridge structures, aiming to improve structural health monitoring effectiveness while minimizing costs and redundancy.

Avendaño, J. C., Otero, L. D., & Otero, C. (2021).
Application of statistical machine learning algorithms for classification of bridge deformation data sets.
In 2021 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 1–7.
Summary: This work applies machine learning techniques to classify deformation behaviors in bridge structures, enhancing early detection of structural anomalies from large datasets.

Avendaño, J. C. (2020).
Identification and quantification of concrete cracks using image analysis and machine learning.
Summary: This research develops a machine learning-based image analysis method to detect and quantify cracks in concrete surfaces, contributing to the automation of structural inspections.

McDougall, J. A., Otero, L. D., Avendaño, J., & Ejnioui, A. (2013).
System analysis methods in emergency systems.
In 2013 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 818–823.
Summary: The paper surveys and compares systems analysis techniques used in the design and evaluation of emergency response systems, highlighting modeling gaps and proposing a framework for improvement.

Avendaño, J., Otero, L. D., & Cosentino, P. (2013).
Towards the development of a complex structural inspection system using small-scale aerial vehicles and image processing.
In 2013 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 420–425.
Summary: This study explores the feasibility of using UAVs equipped with image processing algorithms for the autonomous inspection of large-scale civil infrastructure, such as bridges and poles.

Avendaño, J. C. A. (2013).
Preliminary development of an aerial structural inspection system for limited access structures.
Master’s thesis, Florida Institute of Technology.
Summary: This thesis presents the early design and testing of an unmanned aerial system intended for inspecting inaccessible structural components, integrating sensors, image capture, and remote navigation.

Avendaño, J., Rusovici, R., Sepri, E. A., & Cosentino, P. (2011).
Development of a morphing wing using agonist-antagonist rubber muscle actuators and controlled buckling of composite materials.
Presented at the 22nd International Conference on Adaptive Structures and Technologies (ICAST), Corfu, Greece.
Summary: This paper details the development of a novel morphing wing concept using bio-inspired actuation and controlled material buckling, aimed at improving aerodynamic performance in adaptive aircraft structures.

Recognition & Awards

NSF ExLENT Grant – TechFutures Program
Principal Investigator | $942,765 | 2024
Awarded funding through the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) initiative to develop a hands-on program in advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. The project supports youth aging out of the foster care system by providing technical training, mentorship, and workforce integration pathways.

SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Award
Co-Author | $250,000 (Phase I & II) | 2024
Contributed to Florida Tech’s nationally recognized submission to the U.S. Small Business Administration's Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. The combined Phase I and Phase II awards support the university’s inclusive and collaborative efforts to accelerate small business research and development through a regional innovation ecosystem.

BAM (Biomedical Aerospace Manufacturing) State Grant
Co-Principal Investigator | $1,000,000 | 2023
Led a major state-funded initiative aimed at advancing manufacturing education and infrastructure in Florida. The grant supports workforce development, technology deployment, and capacity building aligned with regional economic growth.

Northrop Grumman Digital Twin Initiative
Principal Investigator | $50,000 | 2023
Oversaw the development of a digital twin model for a jet dragster, integrating model-based systems engineering and simulation to enhance real-time design validation and testing capabilities.

CareerSource Brevard Industry-Education Consortium
Board Member | Ongoing
Active contributor to regional strategic planning focused on aligning industry needs with STEM education and workforce development efforts across the Space Coast.

Excellence in Business Award for Technology and Innovation
Recipient | 2023
Recognized for leadership in deploying advanced technologies and for significant contributions to innovation in both academic and applied research settings.

Keynote Speaker – 1st Colombian Congress on Aerospace Development
Invited Speaker | 2023
Delivered keynote address on the future of aerospace innovation, international partnerships in research and education, and the role of emerging technologies in global collaboration. The event brought together government, industry, and academic leaders from Latin America’s aerospace sector.

Research

Digital Engineering Tools and Techniques: Researching a broad range of digital engineering methods, including model-based systems and advanced simulations, to support the design, analysis, and lifecycle management of complex systems across diverse sectors.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Developing precision manufacturing processes that foster scalable and sustainable production, advancing innovation in engineering applications.

Digital Twin Models for Complex Systems: Utilizing digital twin technology to create dynamic, data-driven models for complex systems, enhancing predictive analysis, monitoring, and decision-making in areas ranging from infrastructure to smart city development.

Smart and AI-Enhanced Systems: Investigating the integration of machine learning and AI within smart systems, with applications in structural health monitoring and adaptive performance in various engineered environments.

Prototyping Technology: Advancing rapid prototyping methodologies to facilitate effective design iteration, testing, and refinement for both academic and industrial applications.

Pedagogical Inclusion of Advanced Visualization and Prototyping Technology: Promoting experiential learning through the integration of visualization and prototyping tools, enhancing student engagement and technical skill development in digital engineering contexts.

Keywords: Digital Engineering, Digital Twin, Advanced Manufacturing, Smart Systems, AI-Enhanced Systems, Machine Learning, Prototyping Technology, Complex Systems, Smart Cities, Predictive Analysis, Real-Time Monitoring, Educational Technology, Visualization, Lifecycle Management.