Team Members

Markanthony Rivera

Project Manager

Markanthony Rivera is a Mechanical Engineering student expected to graduate Spring 2018, and the Project Manager for the SJSU Light Tower team. He grew up in a small town in Southern Monterey County. He enjoys playing board games, kayaking, and listening to scores by Hans Zimmer. His favorite movies are anything by Christopher Nolan. He joined EPICS to give back to the community. Markanthony has worked in schools as a tutor and a TA. He enjoys sparking student’s interest in STEM. In the future, Markanthony hopes to work as a Researcher/Professor at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he interned in 2012 and 2013.

Gabriel Orozco

Design Lead

Gabriel Orozco is a Mechanical Engineering senior at San Jose State University expecting to graduate in Spring 2018. He is the Mechanical Design Lead for the Light Tower project. He was born in Watsonville, California and has lived there ever since. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys working on his car, working on 3D designs and swimming. His favorite course at SJSU is ME 147, Dynamic Systems Vibration and Control, because he can see himself applying theory learned in that class onto all his designs. Gabriel wants to give back to the community for helping achieve his goals. He was inspired by the team that worked on the Hygiene for the Homeless project. When he learned that project was a part of the EPICS program he knew that he wanted to be a part of that program for his senior project. EPICS contributions to the community, is what he aspires to do when he completes his education at SJSU.

Nicolas Macken

Prototype (CADD/CAM) Support

Nicolas is a mechanical engineering major with previous experience in computer aided drafting and design in both two and three dimensional modeling, as well as rapid prototyping with 3D printing and subtractive manufacturing. As Prototyping and Construction Manager, Nicolas has supported the team through modeling and constructing a replica tower and display pedestal. His interest with mechanical engineering and design began with his time working in research and development at Callaway Golf in Carlsbad, CA. After a short career in support roles for various consumer products, Nicolas ultimately decided to pursue a career in engineering so he can be on the leading edge of creating products that enrich lives throughout society. He enjoys spending time with his family, specifically taking his two daughters on bike rides to the park and on outdoor adventures. His hobbies include cooking (grilled and smoked meat as a specialty), gardening, wrenching, and building both furniture items and small home improvement projects. After his time at SJSU, he plans to pursue higher degrees in engineering and a career that will create things that make people happy.

Scott LoCascio

Webmaster, Software Lead

Scott LoCascio is a computer engineering student at San Jose State University and is expected to graduate in May 2020. Scott was born and raised in southern California but moved to the bay area to complete his studies in August of 2017. He began exploring engineering and robotics in high school and later joined the STEM club at his community college. The STEM club provided opportunities to participate in and plan science and engineering events as well as engage in technical projects. One such project was RoboSub, a robotics competition held by the Office of Naval Research in which participants design and build autonomous submarines. These experiences and opportunities helped to prepare Scott for his role on the Light Tower Team as electrical and software lead. He joined the EPICS program to engage with his community and see how engineering can make a difference in people’s lives.

Chris Kennedy

Design Support

Chris Kennedy is a Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University and is expected to graduate in Spring 2019. He grew up in Tracy, CA. Prior to SJSU, he attended Delta College in Stockton where he played water polo and competed on the swim team. Away from the pool he also enjoys watching sports in particular baseball as well as camping and watching movies. Chris joined the EPICS program to get project experience that had an impact outside of the classroom and to help give back to the community. He is also working with Spartan Hyperloop on campus. Upon graduation, Chris hopes to work on meaningful projects in the Bay Area and pursue postgraduate education.

Daniel Gu is a Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University expecting to graduate in Spring of 2020. He works closely with Scott LoCascio as the software support for the Light Tower Project. He was born and raised right here in San Jose and has lived here nearly his entire life. In his free time, Daniel enjoys backpacking, playing musical instruments, and playing basketball. Daniel is the most recent addition to the team but has learned a lot from all his teammates and the EPICs course, especially regarding working in a professional setting and collaborating with peers to make this project come together. One of the most unforgettable experiences he's had since coming to college was when the Light Tower completely lit up for the first time and the rewarding feeling that his team experienced together for their efforts. Because of a recent inspiring tour at Lockheed Martin in Sunnyvale, CA, Daniel hopes to one day work in Weapons Design as a project manager.