Class of 2028
Oaks Christian School
Current junior. Completed coursework includes Introduction to Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, AP Computer Science A, Honors Chemistry, and Honors Algebra II.
About Ruben
Learning through
the things I build.
I'm Ruben Thiagarajah, a high-school junior in Westlake Village, California, graduating in 2028. I build projects that connect mechanical design, electronics, and code. My current work includes leading final electrical integration on a cryogenic vacuum chamber and developing Omnirobot, which has demonstrated basic prompt-based autonomy through OmniController’s GPT-6 mode. I'm looking for internships and engineering opportunities where I can contribute to practical design, fabrication, and integration work.
My projects have taught me to work through mechanical loads, component compatibility, electrical faults, and the gap between a software decision and a physical result. I enjoy connecting those pieces and improving the next version.
Academic background
Education.
Summer 2026 · Four weeks
University of Southern California
Discover Engineering summer program with hands-on structural, electronics, robotics, and aerospace projects.
Spring 2026 · Dual enrollment
Moorpark College
Completed Introduction to Sociology while enrolled at Oaks Christian School.
Current coursework
AP ChemistryAP Physics IAP World HistoryAccelerated Pre-Calculus (H)Argumentation & American Ideology (H)Aerospace Engineering I
Beyond my personal builds
Experience.
Summer 2026
USC Engineering Summer Projects
University of Southern California
Led the bridge, body-measurement, and logic-circuit projects; independently completed the Arduino, humanoid, and VEX IQ robots; built both single-stage rocket iterations.
2025–Present
Cryogenic Vacuum Chamber · Final Electrical Integration
Oaks Christian School · Institute of Engineering
Door CAD and fabrication across two iterations: addressing a potential leak path through air bubbles between glued layers, then correcting misaligned machined holes. Copper liquid-nitrogen tubing, low-temperature insulation, tubing connectors with attention to tightening torque, and installation of two hand-operated valves. Feedthrough selection and installation support, help finishing and labeling 64 wires at two feedthroughs, and wiring four motor-current boards for an ESP32. Now taking a lead role in final motor-power integration, testing dozens of wires between external current sensors and internal motors, and connecting the ESP32 and thermocouple acquisition and SD logging hardware. Helping sophomores with soldering and thermocouple installation.
Summer 2025
Rocket Engineering 101
Illinois Institute of Technology
Completed a residential summer program with glider, parachute egg-drop, and model-rocket projects exploring lift, drag, and thrust.
June 2025
Aeronautics STEM Camp Counselor
Oaks Christian School
Taught younger students about lift, thrust, drag, and control surfaces through gliders and drones, while coordinating with other counselors.
2022–Present
Community Service
Boys Team Charity · National Honor Society
With Boys Team Charity since 2022 and National Honor Society since 2025, I have helped with food distribution, activities for children through Many Mansions, and coordinated beach-cleanup work.