Project Portfolio
An assorted collection of projects I’ve worked on throughout my career
ENGINEERING
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![A small robotic vehicle with wires, sensors, and electronic components on a beige table.]()
16.632 - Autonomous Machines
Fall of 2024, I took MIT course 16.632 - Autonomous Machines, where I completed various investigations with a variety of sensors (IR, Ultrasonic, IMU) and completely functioning, small-scale autonomous machines utilized for in-class implementation/testing of control algorithms (PID, Bang-Bang, State Machines)
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![Ruben Stephen holding his robot for MIT course 2.007 - Design & Manufacturing]()
2.007 - Design & Manufacturing
Spring of 2025, I took MIT course 2.007 - Design & Manufacturing, and designed, fabricated, and programmed a robot (affectionately dubbed “Big Homie”) capable of both remote control and autonomous operation, eventually winning the Glinda Prize for “the most elegant, regal, and stunning robots” in the competition
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![Ruben Stephen pictured alongside the studio 3e8 team in the main lobby of Greentown Labs]()
Summer '25 Internship - studio 3e8
Summer of 2025, I had the incredible privilege of working as a Mechanical Engineering Intern at studio 3e8 through the MIT Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship’s Pozen Fellowship. While there, I assisted the team on various projects, both technical and entrepreneurial.
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![Screenshot of a computer screen displaying a code editor with a JavaScript file open. The code is part of an API handler for a chatbot, with functions for handling GET, POST, and OPTIONS requests, and setting CORS headers.]()
LearnWell Admissions Bot
In August 2025, I developed a RAG-based AI chatbot modeled after my voice and consulting approach to provide clear, actionable guidance for underrepresented and ambitious college applicants. I built and deployed the JavaScript and Python-based backend API on Vercel, and integrated the frontend through XML with my website on Squarespace, enabling visitors to engage with the chatbot in real time. n goes here
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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![Screenshot of a social media profile with a profile picture with hair pulled back, wearing a black blazer, standing outdoors near a building. The username is @rstephen.04. The bio states: 'MechE + CS student at MIT aiming to share insights I’ve picked up along the way.' Icons for Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook are displayed at the bottom.]()
Social Media + Personal Brand
January of 2024, I made the decision to begin creating digital content documenting my experience as a FGLI engineering student, and helping rising HS and college students from similarly underprivileged backgrounds gain awareness and access to opportunities they may not have been exposed to otherwise. My online presence also serves as an evergreen source of lead generation for my other entrepreneurial endeavors
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![Ruben Stephen holding his robot for MIT course 2.007 - Design & Manufacturing]()
LearnWell Academies
In the summer of 2024, I expanded my college preparation initiatives by offering specialized tutoring services for the SAT Math section, complemented by a range of freely accessible resources and comprehensive guides.
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![Ruben Stephen pictured alongside the studio 3e8 team in the main lobby of Greentown Labs]()
LearnWell Podcast
Summer of 2024, I initiated the documentation of conversations and interviews with my growing network of mentors via the LearnWell Podcast. This effort aims to share the valuable insights I have been fortunate to access, enabling others who may not have the same opportunities to benefit and learn alongside me.
