About Us

Rahul Birewar

Rahul Birewar is a Mechanical Engineering student at Drexel University. He competed with his high school’s FIRST Robotics Team for three years, during which he designed electrical and pneumatic systems and operated machinery. During his last year, Rahul directed and managed the team alongside other leaders as Vice President and Electrical Captain. In winter term of 2020, he participated in the Advanced Manufacturing Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) program where he performed acoustic emission testing on ongoing 3D printing processes. Overall, he has strong skills in CAD, machining, and electrical systems. Besides robotics and manufacturing, he is also very passionate about hip-hop dance.

Olivia Reilly

Team Member | ogr23@drexel.edu

Olivia Reilly is a freshman mechanical engineering student at Drexel University, hoping to pursue a Masters degree in the accelerated BS/MS program. In Bernards High School, she was an active member of the Robotics Club, where she obtained some drafting, CAD, and programming experience. Currently, she participates in organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers, the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and the Asian Students Association. During her free time, she likes to read and knit.

Team Member | rct52@drexel.edu

Robert Togna

Robert Togna is an aspiring mechanical engineer in his freshman year at Drexel University. Growing up he always had an interest in engineering and being hands-on. Throughout high school, Robert was very involved in STEM classes and fell in love with engineering. When starting the college search process, the engineering coop program at Drexel was just too perfect. Going into term three he is very excited to continue his pursuit of knowledge in engineering. In his free time, Robert enjoys playing videogames, longboarding, and cooking.

Olivia Harley

Team Member | onh25@drexel.edu

Olivia Harley is currently pursuing her undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University. When she is not in the classroom, she is off drawing, painting, or working on building a name for herself in the world of visual arts. She hopes to infuse her knowledge of design into the field of engineering, as she believes that art and math go hand-in-hand. At the National Cathedral School, Olivia found a love in Computer-Aided Design and 3D printing. She is an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). During her free time, she is a competitive rock climber, singer, and an avid gamer.

Antonios Kontsos, PhD

Project Advisor | antonios.kontsos@drexel.edu

"My primary research interest is in the theoretical and computational modeling of mechanical behavior of materials. To achieve this goal, I rely on defining microstructure-properties-behavior relations using multiscale experimental mechanics methods. A primary goal of this type of research is damage identification and in particular the quantification of material state, which can then be used for prognosis and remaining useful life estimations. In this context, nondestructive testing and evaluation methods are used in fatigue and fracture investigations across length and time scales in conjunction with signal processing, probabilistic and pattern recognition approaches that could assist in reliable structural health monitoring. In relation to these research interests, I am interested in teaching topics related to any aspect of solid mechanics in addition to computational methods in engineering."