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Spring 2025 UTSA NSA R&D Internship - Meet the STEMPhone Project Interns

SAMSAT Intern R&D Project

STEMPhone

The STEMPhone is an innovative, interactive exhibit designed to replicate the look and feel of a giant smartphone. It offers an engaging, touch-based interface that allows museum visitors to explore STEM concepts and resources in a familiar "mobile app" environment.

The project challenged the interns to design intuitive user interfaces, integrate complex systems, and ensure a seamless, interactive experience. They gained hands-on experience in both software development and hardware integration, pushing them to think critically and collaborate to bring a vision to life.

Sandra Sreejith

About Me

Sandra is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Computer Engineering at UTSA.

She was the Team Lead for this project and kept the team organized and on track throughout each phase. She developed the calculator app from the ground up, ensuring that it was user friendly and fully functional. She also helped ensure that STEMPhone maintained a cohesive and professional appearance that resembled a smart phone device.

Hobbies/Passions

Sandra's technical passions include coding, circuit design, and embedded systems development. Outside of her technical work, she enjoys dancing, capturing moments through photography, and exploring her creativity with arts and crafts.

Major

B.S. Computer Engineering

Team Lead, Web Developer, and Software Engineering Intern

Khanh Nguyen

About Me

Khanh is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering at UTSA with a focus on computer and software engineering.

Her role in this STEMPhone project centered on developing several key applications that enhance the phone functionality and user experience. She was responsible for creating the camera app, a games app, and the UTSA app--each designed to showcase the phones capabilities and provide engaging, interactive features. In addition, she collaborated with team members to help develop both the Dataflow and Flashlight app.

Hobbies/Passions

Khanh's passions include coding, 3D printing, and graphic design. Outside of her technical work, she also enjoys arts and crafts, cooking, roller skating, and spending time with friends playing role playing games and tabletop games.

Major

B.S. Electrical Engineering

Web Developer and Software Engineering Intern

Monserrat Rios

About Me

Monserrat is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering at UTSA.

Her role in this STEMPhone project was developing and implementing a reliable mounting system for the phone. She designed a setup that ensured the device remained securely in place while being easily accessible for users. She also played a key role in designing and creating 3D-printed components that enhance the visual appeal and overall presentation of the STEMPhone.

Hobbies/Passions

Monserrat is passionate about understanding how things work and how products are made in factories. When she's not focused on technical projects, she enjoys going to the gym, cooking, and baking.

Major

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Intern

Michael Tejada

About Me

Michael is currently pursuing both a Computer and Electrical Engineering degrees at UTSA.

His role in this project was to develop and ensure the hardware component of the STEMPhone. These included tasks such as wiring, circuit integration, and ensuring seamless connectivity between hardware and software. He specifically worked on the functionality of the LED lights for their integration into the Dataflow app as well as the Flashlight app, enabling responsive and reliable light features on the phone.

Hobbies/Passions

When Michael is not busy working on his double major, he enjoys playing Chess.

Major

B.S. Electrical Engineering ; B.S. Computer Engineering

Electrical Hardware Engineering Intern

Ernesto Quenedit

About Me

Ernesto is currently pursuing an Electrical Engineering degree at UTSA.

He was responsible for designing and implementing visual elements that gave the screen a smartphone-like appearance, using 3D modeling and 3D printing.

Hobbies/Passions

Ernesto is passionate about hardware and software development, SolidWorks, and circuit design. When he's not immersed in technical projects, he enjoys video games, comics, card games, swimming, working out, and exploring history.

Major

B.S. Electrical Engineering

3D Modeling Engineering Intern

Internship Advisors

Special thanks to the UTSA faculty and IEEE engineering mentors that helped guide the student interns.

August Allo

Engineering Faculty Advisor

Johnathan Votion, Ph.D.

Engineering Faculty Advisor

Clif Denny

IEEE Mentor

Ernest Franke, Ph.D.

IEEE Mentor

About The University of Texas at San Antonio

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public research university located in San Antonio, Texas.

UTSA is redefining higher education by empowering career-ready graduates, delivering degrees with exceptional return on investment and fueling economic growth. With a focus on student success and research excellence, UTSA is serving as a model for the urban-serving public universities of the future. Through the transformational learning experiences that we provide, UTSA is creating bold futures for our students, the citizens of San Antonio and beyond.

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SAN ANTONIO STEM SUPERSTARS

SAMSAT

PORT SA

DSEC

ROBOTS

AVIATION

SPACE

CYBER

VIRTUAL REALITY

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

AUDIO / VIDEO

COMPUTER

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DAVID MONROE

DOMINIC PAPAGNI

ALLISON LEVINE

PHILIP NELSON

RICARDO “RICK” MALDONADO

DR. RAUL “RUDY” REYNA

SCOTT GRAY

JOHN STRIEBY

PORT SAN ANTONIO LEADERSHIP

JIM PERSCHBACH

CURTIS CASEY

ADRIENNE COX, RPA

RICK CRIDER A.A.E

PAT CRUZEN CPA

CAROLINE DIAZ

PACO FELICI

JUAN ANTONIO FLORES

RAMON FLORES

WILL GARRETT

MARCEL JOHNSON

ABIGAIL OTTMERS

JIM PERSCHBACH

PRESIDENT & CEO

Perschbach leads the team that is developing the 1,900-acre Tech Port innovation campus as a nationally important destination for advanced technologies, including aerospace, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure resiliency, defense, manufacturing and global trade.

The Port is one of South Texas’ fastest-growing economic engines—home to over 80 tenant customers and their 18,000 employees, which generate a regional economic impact of over $5.6 billion annually, according to a 2018 study by the Texas Comptroller.

In addition to his work at the Port, Perschbach serves his community in numerous leadership roles. Currently, he serves on the board of Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) and is also a member of the Texas Advanced Air Mobility Committee—a statewide body supporting the development of legislation and policies that support the implementation of emerging air transportation technologies across the state.

He has also been named by the American Business Journals as one of the country’s top 100 executives to watch.

Perschbach holds an undergraduate degree in business administration from The George Washington University and earned his law degree from The University of Houston Law Center.

CURTIS CASEY

VP STRATEGIC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT & PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

For over a decade, Casey has served in numerous key roles at the Port, including as a financial analyst and as director of finance and asset management. In his current position he oversees leasing activities for one of the region’s largest commercial / industrial portfolios and supports ongoing near- and long-term strategic development of the Port campus.

In a career spanning nearly two decades as a real estate professional, Casey’s past employment includes work in financial analysis, brokerage, development, and land acquisition.

He holds an undergraduate degree in Planning and Development from the University of Southern California.

ADRIENNE COX, RPA

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

A real estate professional with more than 25 years of experience managing large commercial properties, Cox has led a multi-disciplinary team that oversees nearly 13 million square feet of specialized commercial facilities at Port San Antonio since 2013.

Cox specializes in asset management, acquisitions and dispositions, property management, and construction management. She is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), having won Building Manager of the Year in 2010 and having previously served as treasurer and two-term president of the local chapter. In 2015 she received her Real Property Administrator (RPA) designation from BOMA.

During her career, she has been part of teams who won several BOMA Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) awards for excellence in property management, including San Antonio’s McAllister Plaza, the Pyramid Building and SWBC Tower.

Among her civic activities, Cox is lending her professional expertise as a member of the Long Range Property Planning Committee on behalf of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. She is also a former Board Member for the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and the current Secretary for the San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce and an inductee into the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions in Business & Finance.

Cox holds a BA degree in biology from St. Mary’s University. Most recently, she was a member of Leadership San Antonio’s Class 42.

RICK CRIDER A.A.E

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, AIRPORT/RAILPORT & MILITARY RELATIONS

Crider has an extensive airport management background-starting his career as a flight instructor and working in key operations and executive capacities at passenger and industrial airports in Ohio, California, Florida and Texas.

He is an Accredited Airport Executive and the President of the South Central American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) chapter, with experience serving on a number of airport association and advisory boards. Among his previous positions, he served as Director of Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, and Chief Executive Officer/Director of Aviation of the Gainesville-Alachua County Regional Airport Authority in Gainesville, Florida.

Immediately prior to coming to Port San Antonio Crider was Vice President of Airport Development and Management Services at RW Armstrong in Austin, Texas—a firm specializing in aviation consulting for customers in the southwestern U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America.

PAT CRUZEN, CPA

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Cruzen brings over 20 years of executive-level financial expertise to the Port, which he joined in 2013. In his role he oversees the Port’s budgeting, audit, accounting and human resources functions.

Previously he oversaw the finance operations of several national and international organizations, including those in commercial/residential real estate development, accounting, manufacturing and gaming in his native Las Vegas, Nevada. His past employers include Deloitte & Touche, Anchor Gaming, United Metal Technologies, MICE North America and American Nevada Holdings.

Cruzen earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

CAROLINE DIAZ

VICE PRESIDENT SHARED SERVICES, ASSISTANT SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diaz is the Vice President of Shared Services and joined Port San Antonio in 2011. She oversees Board related functions and the Port’s shared services, including Information Services and Information Technology. She also serves as the Assistant Secretary to the Board of Directors. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio with a degree in Business Management and is a member of Executive Women International.

PACO FELICI

CHIEF OF STAFF, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Felici began his career at the Port in 2009, initially serving as communications manager and, subsequently, as VP of communications.

Previously he was communications director of the Nature Conservancy of Texas. Between 1993 and 2008 he served in numerous capacities at the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, including as the agency’s deputy communications director between 2002 and 2008. He earned his undergraduate degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin.

JUAN ANTONIO FLORES

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS

Juan Antonio Flores is Executive Vice President for Government Affairs, leading Port San Antonio’ engagement with local, state and federal governments, and working to develop initiatives in advancement of the Port’s mission of infrastructure improvement, economic development and job creation.

Mr. Flores has over 25 years of experience in government relations and public affairs management, most recently having served as Director of Public Affairs for the North American Development Bank (NADB), a US-Mexico financial institution focused on developing infrastructure projects in the U.S.-Mexico border.

RAMON FLORES

SVP STRATEGIC DESIGN DEVELOPMENT CONSTRUCTION & DELIVERY

Flores joined the Port in 2013 and leads the design, construction and delivery of new real estate developments and facilities throughout the 1,900-acre campus. His team oversees land development, project and construction management, utilities and infrastructure.

He has over 25 years of experience in real estate, finance and economic development. Previously, Flores was the Director of San Antonio’s Westside Development Corporation (WDC, now known as Prosper West) and oversaw his own real estate investment and consulting business. Prior to that, he worked for Fannie Mae in numerous capacities in Dallas and San Antonio.

Flores currently serves as a Director of the Texas Lyceum and was a member of the Leadership San Antonio Class 39.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business.

WILL GARRETT

VICE PRESIDENT TALENT & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT & INTEGRATION

Garrett is a leading advocate supporting the strategic growth of the cybersecurity ecosystem at the Port and throughout San Antonio—connecting and helping advance the growth plans of employers, educators, the public sector and other key cyber industry stakeholders.

He joined the Port in 2019 after a 12-year career with the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. During the last four years of his tenure at the Chamber he was Executive Director of the organization’s CyberSecurity San Antonio—a program focused on accelerating the growth of the cyber sector in the region.

While at the Chamber Garrett also led the Economic Development Department and oversaw several federal and state advocacy efforts and supported several of the region’s large military missions.

He’s also co-founder of the Build Sec Foundry—an incubator for the development of new cybersecurity products and technology.

Garrett received his undergraduate degree in communications and international studies from Texas Lutheran University (TLU) and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

MARCEL JOHNSON

SR. VICE PRESIDENT, TALENT & TECHNOLOGY SCOUTING & IDENTIFICATION

Johnson has been part of the Port’s team since 2010, where he works with numerous community partners to help attract and grow new industries at the 1,900-acre industrial park. He also supports the organization’s existing aerospace, logistics and manufacturing customers in the pursuit of new business opportunities. His previous experience includes over 10 years of service at the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, where he was also the organization’s Vice President for Economic Development. He holds a BA from the University of the Incarnate Word and an MBA from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

ABIGAIL OTTMERS

CHIEF LEGAL OFFICER

Ottmers joined the Port in 2021 as Chief Legal Officer. Previously, she served in several leadership roles with a municipal electric utility and practiced law at Haynes and Boone, LLP, where she focused on business restructuring and financial transactions. She also served as the Briefing Attorney for the Hon. Ronald B. King, United States Bankruptcy Judge.

Ottmers supports the community through various leadership roles and currently serves on the board of City Year San Antonio. She is the past board chair for the Montessori School of San Antonio and also served on the boards for the Federal Bar Association San Antonio Chapter, MoneyWise, and the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from St. Mary’s University School of Law. She is a graduate of the North San Antonio Chamber Leadership Lab, Leadership Texas, and the Rice University Executive Education Advanced Development program.