Aspriring Control Theorist
Controls-focused mechanical engineer currently pursuing a Ph.D. at UCSB, with hands-on experience in model-based control, experimental automation, and Formula SAE EV systems.
3.91Ph.D. GPA
13 Courses Taken in Controls
2029Expected PhD Completion
Project Previews
Inverted Pendulum on Cart (Matlab/Simulink)
State-machine controller with swing-up + LQR/LQG balancing/catch; linear system ID via sine sweeps.
Apr 2025 - Jun 2025
Gaucho Racing Formula SAE EV
Vehicle systems leadership, braking system engineering, and 600V accumulator container capstone design/builds.
Aug 2021 - Jun 2025
Automated Clog Detection Testbed
Python + vision pipeline for real-time occlusion detection and automated event logging/reset actions.
Jul 2024 - Oct 2025
Technical Stack
MATLAB
Simulink
Model Predictive Control
Python
Kalman Filtering
LQR/LQG
Nonlinear Control
Robust Control
Game Theory
Arduino DAQ
SolidWorks
Hybrid Control
FEA
3D Printing
Research
- Biological Control Lab (UCSB): Control-oriented transcription/supercoiling modeling; co-author on accepted manuscript (Jan 2026), preprint on arxiv
- M&M Flow Lab: Clogging dynamics and vision-based event detection for particle-laden flow experiments.
- Fluid Energy Science Lab: Wind-tunnel data collection and custom Arduino-MATLAB DAQ systems for wake studies.
Education + Experience
- UCSB Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering (Jun '29), GPA 3.91.
- UCSB M.S. Mechanical Engineering (Jul '25), GPA 3.90.
- UCSB B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Jun '25), GPA 3.76.
- Teaching Assistant, UCSB (Apr 2024 - Present): Vibrations, Dynamics, Fluids, and Laboratory instruction support.
- Resident Assistant, UCSB (Aug 2022 - Jun 2023).
- GameMaster, Diablo Escapes VR (Jul 2020 - Aug 2022).
Contact + Links
Email: rthirumaligai@gmail.com |
Alternate: raaghavt@icloud.com |
Full CV (PDF)