Hector Mendez

Managed end-to-end operations for internal validation, prototype testing, feature-development, and external validation studies in a fast-paced startup, including, recruitment, screening, scheduling, consent, participant communications, surveys, equipment, and study logistics. Conducted data collection using wearable PPG, EDA, skin-temperature, and IMU sensors; supported trial execution, data preparation, and quality assurance. Analyzed physiological time-series to characterize signal variability and reliability, identify candidate features/markers, and compared sensor outputs with reference or ground-truth measurements.

Research Associate II at Eight Sleep (2026-07 – 2026-09)

• Managed end-to-end operations for internal validation, prototype testing, feature-development, and external validation studies in a fast-paced startup, including, recruitment, screening, scheduling, consent, participant communications, surveys, equipment, and study logistics.
• Conducted data collection using wearable PPG, EDA, skin-temperature, and IMU sensors; supported trial execution, data preparation, and quality assurance.
• Analyzed physiological time-series to characterize signal variability and reliability, identify candidate features/markers, and compared sensor outputs with reference or ground-truth measurements.
• Maintained accurate documentation in accordance with IRB and HIPAA requirements and collaborated with hardware, firmware, and engineering teams to align data-collection plans with prototype maturity (EVT/PVT).

Production Associate at Earth Optics (2026-03 – 2026-07)

• Designed, assembled, and deployed electromechanical automated sample-processing systems using CAD, 3D printing, resin printing, soldering, wire splicing, and mechanical assembly.
• Troubleshot mechanical, electrical, and controls-related failures across production laboratory equipment, improving operational reliability and minimizing downtime.
• Executed Flow Injection Analysis, including reagent preparation, quality control, and data validation.
• Conducted quarterly proficiency testing and laboratory certification studies; analyzed performance metrics.
• Managed high-throughput sample intake, chain-of-custody, labeling, lab safety, and quality-assurance workflows; identified process inefficiencies and contributed to method improvements.

Lab Technician at Mariana Minerals (2025-10 – 2026-01)

• Prepared, and processed water samples for multi-element NMR quantification
• Maintained chain-of-custody through intake labeling, transport, barcode inventory, and sample organization.

Graduate Student Researcher at Souza Lab UCSF Biomechanics & Imaging Lab (2022-09 – 2025-05)

• Led daily and multi-day human-subject studies using wearable IMU sensors to quantify real-world movement and designed/executed IRB-approved protocols.
• Managed participant scheduling, equipment preparation, calibration, data collection, and troubleshooting during active ambulatory studies.
• Collected datasets across clinical trials and developed deep-learning models to quantify real-world knee loads and link movement patterns to clinical biomarkers.
• Collaborated with clinicians, engineers, and imaging scientists to refine study methods and analysis.

Mechanical Engineer at Full Spectrum Laser (2021-08 – 2022-08)

• Led end-to-end mechanical design, CAD modeling (SolidWorks), and fabrication of a laser cooling system, ensuring thermal stability and reliability under continuous industrial operation.
• Redesigned mechanical subsystems cross-functionally to streamline manufacturing and assembly while improving structural efficiency.
• Created engineering drawings, P&ID schematics, user guides, and BOMs documenting specifications, procedures, and sourcing plans.

Graduate Student Researcher at Chang Lab UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences (2019-01 – 2021-06)

• Ran in-hospital human electrophysiology research sessions with epilepsy patients and worked directly with patients, neurologists, and neurosurgeons during live studies.
• Set up, calibrated, and troubleshot neural recording hardware; executed experimental protocols and ensured accurate data capture and documentation.
• Built Python and MATLAB pipelines for time-series physiological data analysis.

Ph.D. in Bioengineering – University of California, Berkeley - University of California, San Francisco (2025-05)

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with Mathematics Minor – University of Nevada, Las Vegas