Ryan Huynh
Currently Computer Engineering Student @ UC Davis (Fall 2025 - Present)
Aspiring computer engineer with a strong foundation in C/C++, embedded systems, and web development. Passionate about building reliable, user-centric solutions.
About
- Digital logic, microcontrollers, and systems
- Curious, fast-learner, team collaborator
I’m a passionate Computer Engineering student with practical experience in both hardware and software development. Currently preparing to begin my journey at UC Davis in Fall 2025, where I’ll continue expanding my knowledge in cutting-edge technologies.
During my internship at San Francisco State University from June to August 2025, I gained hands-on experience in real-world engineering projects, collaborating with teams and applying theoretical knowledge to practical solutions.
I’m excited about the intersection of hardware and software, with particular interests in embedded systems, machine learning, and innovative computing solutions that can make a positive impact on society.
In addition to my academic interests, I enjoy sports such as soccer, badminton, billiards, and archery. While soccer was once my primary focus, I recently learned the others when I hang out with my friends. They are really nice and show me step by step on how to play these sports; I am grateful for their support and the memories we’ve made.
I also have a passion for cooking. Whenever I have free time, I enjoy helping my mom prepare dinner and learning her cooking techniques. I find joy in trying new recipes, as it allows me to discover new flavors and expand my culinary skills.
Experience
Engineering Intern
- Collaborated with engineering teams on cutting-edge research projects.
- Applied theoretical knowledge to real-world engineering challenges.
- Constructed the Carmen robot hardware for lab research.
- Translated an iOS app game into a web application to help children with complex communication needs express internal states and support individuals with cognitive impairments.
I’ve been selected as a Summer Training Academy for Research Scholars (STARS) Program. During my research, I collaborated with Dr. Alyssa Kubota at the Personalized Health and Assistive Technologies Laboratory (PHAST Lab) at San Francisco State University. My role in the lab involved constructing the Carmen robot hardware and translating the iOS app game into a web version that aids children with complex communication needs in expressing their internal states and individuals with cognitive impairments.
There were lots of documents I needed to read on how robots will impact not only physically but also emotionally to human life. Our labs also work with clinicians to better understand how to engage patients with our Carmen robots. We also have to implement the study of AAC (Augmented and Alternative Communication) and VSD (Visual Scene Display) into our Carmen to make it behave more like a humanoid and assist people with cognitive disabilities.
When I first started my internship in the lab, I felt overwhelmed and a little bit nervous because this was my first internship. Additionally, there were many tasks to complete, and I also wasn’t sure which ones to prioritize. I also wondered whether we could finish everything within two months.
As time went on, I had to adapt quickly to the workflow and build connections with my teammates by learning from them and through self-teaching. Fortunately, my mentor, Mathew, was very friendly, helpful, and supportive. He regularly checked on our progress, ensured we didn’t get stuck, and guided us in solving problems. I am especially thankful to him for his hard work and valuable advice, and I have learned many meaningful things from him.
The most challenging part we faced was setting up the Raspberry Pi, which took nearly three weeks. We had to figure out and test the default position while installing the Dynamixel packages, and we had to flash our drive multiple times while trying to install ROS on the Pi. During the internship, each lab had to give two presentations. I wasn’t very confident speaking in front of a large audience, but it turned out to be a valuable practice environment that helped me improve my communication skills.
Math Tutor & TA
- Tutored algebra, trigonometry, and calculus to college students in 1:1 and small-group sessions.
- Created step-by-step walkthroughs and practice problems to clarify tough concepts.
- Helped students develop problem-solving strategies, study plans, and exam preparation techniques.
Projects
A Mini HVAC System
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Built a small-scale HVAC prototype with temperature sensing, PID-style control, and fan/heater actuation. Logged data and tuned setpoints for comfort and efficiency.
Color & Math Game (Ionic)
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A mini suite of color-based memory and recognition games; built reusable components and state management.
Door Sensor w/ Reed Switch & Piezo
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Designed a low-power door sensor using a magnet and reed switch with audible alert; modeled behavior and tuned thresholds.
Line-Following Delivery Bot
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Built a small autonomous robot that follows a black line using IR reflectance sensors. Implemented PID-like steering, obstacle detection, and smooth acceleration for stable delivery runs.
City Flights (C++ Graphs)
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Reads a connections.txt file to construct adjacency lists and computes shortest path via BFS.
Blog
I’ll start posting soon. Check the full blog page for updates.