About Me
Theodore J. Frank, EIT, BSE Mechanical Engineering & Robotics frankth@alumni.upenn.edu 407-683-6071 ∙ Orlando, FLINVENTOR AT HEART, MECHANICAL ENGINEER BY PROFESSION, WITH A PASSION FOR ROBOTICS & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
linkedin.com/in/theodore-teddy-frank | portfolio: theodorejfrank.com
I consider myself an inventor at heart, a Mechanical Engineer by profession, driven by a deep passion for robotics, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge technologies. With a background as a mechanical engineer and membership in prestigious organizations like IAAPA and TEA NextGen, I have honed my skills and expertise in these fields. From a young age, I found joy in crafting inventions, building things, and seeking solutions to satisfy my curiosity about how things work. By the time I reached 2nd grade, I was taking 6th grade math and halfway through the year, the teacher had me help the slower students. By 3rd grade, I installed Linux on an old MAC laptop and taught myself multiple programming languages, laying the foundation for my technical prowess. My educational journey at the University of Pennsylvania, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, further enriched my knowledge and skills. Graduating in 2020 with a BSE in Mechanical Engineering, I actively pursued advanced robotics courses, mechanical design, fabrication, and even explored Chinese language classes. This well-rounded education equipped me with a solid foundation in robotics, mechatronics, systems, and controls, all of which contribute to my problem-solving abilities and technical troubleshooting skills. I am proficient in MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, Python, and various programming languages such as C, C++, and C#, enabling me to navigate complex engineering challenges. I am currently attending graduate school at the University of Florida. I am about to graduate with honors in Architectural Studies, Themed Enviornment Integration with a Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. My Masters PILOT, which I will be presenting this fall, is titled "AI-DRIVEN PERSONALIZED & IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES IN THEME PARKS"
During my professional experiences, I have had the opportunity to work in diverse industries. I spent 16 months at Disney, where I gained valuable insights into theme park entertainment, backstage views of animatronics, and experience being a public face of a major operation. Additionally, I completed an 8-month engineering assistant role at an aerial survey equipment company, where I worked with AutoCAD, conducted hardware testing, and participated in pre and post-production development. These experiences sharpened my skills in CAD modeling, hardware design, and problem-solving.
My past tenure as an Engineering Lead and Chief Technology Specialist at Pegeen allowed me to leverage my expertise in CAD software and immersive technologies. I spearheaded significant projects that redefined the company's online presence and transformed their e-commerce platform. Through innovative solutions like the Pegeen Dress Dreamer, a custom dress builder in Unity and C#, customers can now design their unique clothing combinations. I also led the development of a VR store and a Magic Mirror concept, elevating the customer experience and positioning Pegeen as a leader in the metaverse. Just prior to resigning this Spring to fast-track my Graduate Degree, I was a Mechanical Engineering Project Manager at ADAU Aquatics. My responsibilities include : Coordinate with physical location, vendors, contractors, ensuring accurate and detailed CAD drawings and send to PE for final approval; Programs Used: SolidWorks, 2D CAD, 3D CAD, Revit, involved with multiple construction and architectural projects and responsibilities as follows:, responding to RFI’s, creating initial designs, reviewing project plans, generate price estimates, determining equipment requirements, analysis hazard, and equipment analysis, troubleshooting and calculations, technical lead for the draftsmen on projects of $100k or higher. Adhered to Florida Building Codes.
Looking ahead, I am driven by the desire to continue pushing the boundaries of technology and creativity in the theme park industry. By deciding to return to school in an accellerated fashion to get my Masters of Science in Architectural Studies, Themed Enviornment Integration along with a Certificate in AI from the University of Florida, CityLab. I am excited about the prospect of contributing to future innovations, whether it's enhancing animatronics, developing immersive experiences, or creating my own groundbreaking projects. My ability to learn quickly, adapt to new challenges, and pay meticulous attention to detail make me a valuable asset to any team.
Overall, my passion for engineering, combined with my artistic inclination and multidisciplinary skills, enables me to approach projects from a unique perspective and deliver exceptional results.