Avendano, Juan
Juan Camilo Avendano
Assistant Professor | College of Engineering and Science - Mathematics and Systems Engineering
CAMID
Contact Information
Personal Overview
Dr. Juan Camilo Avendaño is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics & Systems Engineering Department at the Florida Institute of Technology. With a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems (2020), an M.S. in Systems Engineering, an M.S. in Engineering Management, and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Dr. Avendaño combines deep academic knowledge with several years of industry experience as a systems consultant. His practical background enhances his expertise in solving complex engineering challenges.
Dr. Avendaño’s research focuses on advancing digital engineering and manufacturing methodologies to support system lifecycle management, integration, and adaptability. His primary interests include digital engineering tools, digital twin models for complex and smart systems, advanced manufacturing techniques, and AI-enhanced systems. His work applies these methods across various sectors, with projects for Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Weisman Worldwide. Notably, he has developed data acquisition techniques for bridge inspections and designed advanced prototypes in electronics and biomedical fields, illustrating his commitment to innovation in engineering applications.
A proponent of experiential learning, Dr. Avendaño integrates cutting-edge visualization and prototyping technology into his teaching, guiding students in courses like Systems Analysis and Design for a (AGILE) Modern Systems and Requirements Engineering. These courses emphasize real-world applications, enabling students to develop skills in digital engineering, model-based systems, and complex system design. His dedication to educational innovation has garnered external funding, including the NSF ExLENT grant, which supports his mission to empower youth through advanced manufacturing and microelectronics education.
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
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Requirements Engineering (CSE 4610 - 01) Level: Undergraduate
Requirements Engineering (SWE 5110 - 01) Level: Graduate
Systems Requirements Analysis (SYS 4460 - 01) Level: Undergraduate
Systems Requirements (SYS 5460 - 01) Level: Graduate
Systems Requirements (SYS 5460 - NG1) Level: Graduate |
Selected Publications
“Development of a Morphing Wing Using Agonist-Antagonist Rubber Muscle Actuators and Controlled Buckling of Composite Materials.” (JIM-12-008) Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, presented at ICAST2011: 22nd International Conference on Adaptive Structures Technology, Corfu, Greece.
“Preliminary Development of an Aerial Structural Inspection System for Limited Access Structures.” 2013, Avendano Arbelaez JC.
“A Review of System Analysis Methods for Emergency Systems.” Jeffrey McDougall, Luis Daniel Otero, and Juan Avendano, 2013 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon).
“Towards the Development of a Complex Structural Inspection System Using Small-Scale Aerial Vehicles and Image Processing.” Juan Avendano, Luis Daniel Otero, and Paul Cosentino, 2013 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon 2013).
“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.” IEEE Access, 2016.
“Application of Statistical Machine Learning Algorithms for Classification of Bridge Deformation Data Sets.”JC Avendano, Luis Daniel Otero, 2021 IEEE International Systems Conference.
“Optimization of Sensor Placement in a Bridge Structural Health Monitoring System.” JC Avendano, LD Otero, C Otero, 2021 IEEE International Systems Conference (SysCon), 2021.
“Understanding the Effectiveness of Modern Technologies Compared to Traditional Training Methods of E-Learning on Content Retention and Satisfaction.” Andressa Camacho Ortiz, Luis Daniel Otero, Juan Avendano, Mary Ann Gaal, 2023.
Recognition & Awards
NSF ExLENT Grant: Explorations: Advanced Manufacturing and Microelectronics to Empower Youth Aging out of Foster Care. $942,765
BAM State Funding: Principal Investigator for $1 million grant to support advanced manufacturing initiatives.
Northrop Grumman Digital Twin Project: Principal Investigator for $50,000 project to develop a digital engineering twin for a jet dragster.
Member of the CareerSource Brevard Industry-Education Consortium board.
Recipient of the 2023 Excellence in Business Award for Technology and Innovation.
Keynote Speaker at the 1st Colombian Congress on Aerospace Development.
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.
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) for Complex and Smart Systems: Applying MBSE to improve system integration and adaptability, particularly within complex and smart systems across fields such as aerospace and intelligent infrastructure.
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, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Prototyping Technology, Complex Systems, Smart Cities, Predictive Analysis, Real-Time Monitoring, Educational Technology, Visualization, Lifecycle Management.