JESSE FLORES

Robotics & AI Engineer | EE & CS @ Tufts University

From building human-powered vehicles to prototyping AI-driven study tools, I merge mechanical intuition with computational design to create systems that bridge ideas and real-world impact. CAD to code, I hold a passion for building the future of robotics and more.

My Story

Growing up, my education wasn't focused on STEM, but I found my way into engineering through sheer curiosity. I was fascinated by the hidden mechanisms inside everyday objects, from taking apart toys to dissecting machines. This tinkering evolved into a deeper interest in new technologies, leading me to learn new software and solutions to build what I previously only admired from afar.

My academic journey at Tufts has been shaped by a desire to both understand and create. I've realized that the best solutions aren't found alone, but through collaboration and community. This belief in team-driven innovation fuels my passion for engineering and motivates me to seek opportunities to apply my skills to real-world challenges with a lasting impact.

Core Competencies

Robotics & Embedded

ROS2 SLAM LiDAR OpenCV MediaPipe KiCad

Programming & AI

C++ Python Java MATLAB PyTorch TensorFlow IsaacLabs

CAD & Prototyping

SolidWorks Creo OnShape 3D Printing Machine Tools (lathe, laser cutter, water jet, etc.)

Tools & Methods

Git/GitHub Agile Bilingual (English/Spanish) Microsoft and Google Suite

Featured Work

Future-Ready Redesign of Microwave Heating

(ON_GOING) Future-Ready Redesign of Microwave Heating

Authored a paper for IEEE RFSA proposing a novel framework to enhance the efficiency and speed of the microwave oven's operation. Paper proposes closed-loop architecture paving the way towards a responsive feedback loop controlling microwave heating in an intelligent way.

#RF #MicrowaveHeating #AI Read Paper
Neuroevolutionary Continual Learning visualization

(WAITING FOR PEER-REVIEW) Neuroevolutionary Continual Learning for Language Models

Authored a paper for ICLR 2026 & MLSys 2026 proposing a novel framework to mitigate catastrophic forgetting in LLMs. Designed a dual-population evolutionary system (EMA-NEAT) to evolve network architecture and specialized neural modules. Benchmarked on real-world datasets and engineered a PyTorch-based pipeline for the full training stack.

#Python #PyTorch #NEAT #ContinualLearning Read Paper
Custom Computing Stack Emulator

Full-Stack Computer Emulator

Developed a custom 8-bit CPU emulator and a compiler for a Micro-C language. This project showcases a deep understanding of computer architecture, operating system principles, and compiler design by executing high-level code on a custom virtual machine.

#C++ #ComputerArchitecture #Compilers GitHub
Handwritten Digit Recognition with a Neural Network

Neural Network from Scratch

Engineered a feedforward neural network in C++ with an interactive SFML GUI. This low-level implementation of backpropagation and matrix operations showcases a deep understanding of ML fundamentals.

#C++ #NeuralNetworks #SFML GitHub
Gesture-Controlled Virtual Mouse

Gesture-Controlled Interface

Developed a virtual mouse using Python, OpenCV, and MediaPipe for real-time hand tracking. Created a refined human-computer interface with calibrated motion sensitivity and gesture smoothing, demonstrating HCI principles.

#Python #OpenCV #MediaPipe #HCI GitHub
Interactive Audio Visualizer with Noise Filtering

Interactive Audio Visualizer

Created a real-time audio visualizer in Python with live mic input. Applied noise filtering and signal processing, demonstrating an understanding of digital signal processing fundamentals.

#Python #SignalProcessing #Audio GitHub
First Responder Robot

Robotic 3D Mapping Vehicle (on-going)

Designing a mobile robot for 3D mapping in hazardous environments, integrating LiDAR, ROS2, and SLAM.

#Python #ROS2 #SLAM #LiDAR GitHub
Hexapod Walker

Hexapod Walker (on-going)

Building a six-legged robot using C++ and inverse kinematics for stable, multi-gait movement. This full electromechanical system from concept to prototype will demonstrate expertise in embedded control and real-time computation when finished.

#C++ #Embedded #InverseKinematics GitHub
Tactile Map for the Visually Impaired

Tactile Map for the Visually Impaired

Developed a tactile map using Python and OpenCV to convert visual maps into braille-embossed formats. This project enhances accessibility for the visually impaired. Inspired and submited into the AlgoArena hackathon.

#Python #CAD #3D Modeling #Accessibility GitHub
Tufts Dewick Meal Generator Thumbnail

Tufts Dewick Meal Generator

Goal-oriented meal generator for Tufts students using the dewick dinning hall. Inspired and tasked to accomplish initially in Ruby for CS15 midterm (build a project with a new language within 15 hours).

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#HTML/CSS/JS #Ruby #API GitHub
photo-mosaic-visualizer thumbnail

Photo Mosaic Visualizer

Image reconstruction based on folder of inputted images.

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#HTML/CSS/JS #OpenCV #Vision GitHub
2-D Jet Engine Technical Simulator

2-D Jet Engine Technical Simulator

Interactive jet engine simulator for education and learning. Inspired by Phy 12 course at Tufts University.

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#HTML/CSS/JS #Aerospace GitHub
View All Projects

Experience & Leadership

May 2025 - Present

AI & Robotics Research Scholar

ACE++ Program, Tufts University

  • Initiated research on AI-powered robotics model training under Tufts faculty supervision.
  • Completed foundational coursework in data structures and algorithms.
Sept 2024 - Present

Robotics Education Intern

Robotics For All

  • Designed and led a hands-on robotics curriculum for underserved schools.
  • Developed revamped lesson plans and demos using Lego robotics.
January 2025 – May 2025

Learning Outreach Fellow

Center for Engineering Education and Outreach (CEEO)

  • Designed and led weekly hands-on activities, including bridge constructing and systematic robot control processing applications, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, evidenced by their improved communication and brainstorming process.
March 2025 - Present

Electrical Engineering Chair

Robotics Club, Tufts University

  • Serving as the primary technical resource for all EE-related club projects.
  • Mentoring peers on topics including circuit design, embedded systems, and robotics.
Awards & Honors
  • Dean's List (Since Freshman Year)
  • Hispanic Scholarship Fund Recipient
  • Questbridge College Prep Scholar & Match Scholar
  • Thrive Scholars (formerly SCS Noonan Scholars)
  • Access to Computing Equity (ACE++) Scholar
  • Bridge to Engineering Success at Tufts University (BEST) Scholar
Campus & Community
  • Robotics Club, Tufts University – Electrical Engineering Chair
  • IEEE, Tufts University – Webmaster
  • Electric Racing @ Tufts
  • Society of LatinX Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) @ Tufts
  • Mechanical Keyboard Club @ Tufts

Let's Connect

I am always looking for opportunities to apply my skills to challenging problems. Please feel free to reach out.

Say Hello