Contact: albertomancia@g.ucla.edu

I’m an artist, a well-rounded maker, a self-taught programmer, and a Mathematics graduate from UCLA. My work often combines abstract, high-level thinking with practical hands-on work, and I’m as comfortable building furniture as I am writing code. My favorite projects are those that allow me to do both — designing with the aid of computers and mathematical principles, and then working with my hands to make a tangible finished product. That said, I’ve done plenty of software-only projects as well as practical builds.

In my downtime I like to learn about science, engineering, psychology, history, and philosophy. I love sci-fi, live music, rock climbing, playing pool, and exploring the natural beauty of the Earth.

Here’s my resumé!

Skills

Programming languages

Proficient: Java (Processing), Python (NumPy, TensorFlow, SciKit-Learn), GLSL, MATLAB, C++

Currently learning: JavaScript, HTML/CSS

Selected projects:

Group Classifier

Software

2D Design/Imaging: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InkScape

3D Modeling/CAD: Blender, Autodesk Fusion 360, OpenSCAD

CAM: Tormach PathPilot, ShopBot VCarve, Fusion 360 CAM

Productivity/Management: Microsoft Office and Outlook, Slack, Notion, GitHub

Hardware

(Operation, maintenance, and repair)

Rapid Prototyping: Industrial CNC routers and mills, laser cutters, industrial and consumer 3D printers

Wood/Metalworking: Table saws, band saws, drill presses, sanders, planers, routers, etc.

Textiles: Sewing machines, digital embroidery machines, industrial and consumer vinyl cutters

Interpersonal

Teaching: Trained hundreds of users on the above hardware at the UCLA Makerspace, 3 years of experience tutoring philosophy and math

Public Speaking/Presentation: Captain of SMC Speech & Debate Team 2018

Education

University of California, Los Angeles

Mathematics B.S. | Sep 2022 | Major GPA: 3.5

Required Courses: Linear Algebra, Probability, Group Theory, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis

Electives: Machine Learning, Algorithms, Python for Data Science, Optimization, Applied Numerical Methods, Differential Geometry, Mathematical Imaging, Differential Equations

Experience

Freelance Art

Programmer, designer, manufacturer, consultant | Jan 2018 - Present

  • Consulting, revising designs from client feedback, invoicing, packing and shipping to clients across the U.S.

  • Transporting, installing, and calibrating interactive installations on-site

Selected Projects

Marching Waves: Line art generated by a Java program, drawn with a modified vinyl cutter

Reflection: Interactive LED wall that uses depth-sensing cameras and linear algebra to display a live silhouette of the viewer

Lampshades: Origami lampshades designed by a custom Java program, manufactured with laser cutting and engraving

UCLA Makerspace

Lead Technician | Feb 2020 - Sep 2022 | Los Angeles, CA

  • Maintained full operation of the Makerspace by troubleshooting and repairing equipment

  • Assisted students with personal projects and trained students on equipment

  • Trained new staff, helped to develop policies and guidelines, helped to lead weekly staff meetings

  • Created and executed long-term development goals for the Makerspace, such as bringing new equipment and work areas online

  • Ensured that all supplies remained in stock, created purchase orders for consumables and equipment

  • Created, installed, and maintained showcase projects to promote the Makerspace around campus